Back in the early 90s, the dawn of the SUV's heyday, it was the Ford Explorer that led the charge into the hearts, minds and imaginations of buyers. Today, Ford says that 96% of North Americans know the Explorer nameplate, and while some may see it as an icon of days past, Ford says the Explorer buyer has never really gone away -- he or she simply has different priorities, and the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer is the vehicle that will meet their modern-day expectations.
According to Ford, the same needs that led to the rise of the SUVs in the 1990s still exist today -- active, adventurous families who want to tow a boat or venture beyond pavement on the weekends. All that's been keeping them from buying a traditional SUV, according to Ford, is lousy gas mileage. The goal of the new Explorer is to deliver the rugged performance of a traditional SUV with better fuel economy.
That meant paring down weight, so Ford eliminating the traditional body-on-frame construction of the current Explorer and switched it to the same unibody platform as Ford's Edge and Flex crossovers. Unibody construction saves weight while sharing a platform with other vehicles reduces the costs, so Ford won't have to sell as many to return a profit.
Smaller Engines, More Power
The Explorer's ace in the hole is the new 2.0 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which uses direct fuel injection and a turbocharger to deliver the power of a V6 with a fuel economy of a four -- at least, that's what the marketing folks say. Output is 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, and while Ford hasn't announced EPA fuel economy estimates, they say the EcoBoost-powered Explorer will be similar to a Camry V6, which is rated at 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
Ah, but there's a catch -- the EcoBoost will only be available with front-wheel-drive. What about towing and off-roading? That will be the job of a 290 hp 3.5 liter V6, which Ford says will still be 20% more fuel-efficient than the current Explorer's 4-liter V6 (rated at 14 city/20 highway). In fact, they say the V6's fuel economy will be second-best-in-class, trailing only the EcoBoost-powered Explorer. The V6 Explorer will tow 5,000 lbs and will be available with an easy-to-use all-wheel-drive system that has a mode selector switch for sand, snow, and ruts, plus hill-descent control.
Benchmarking Luxury Interiors
I didn't get a chance to drive the new Explorer, but I did get the opportunity to crawl around it. The exterior styling is controversial, to say the least; I liked the reverse-slanted C-pillar and the big front parking lights, styling cues lifted from Explorers of yore, but I found the whole package a little awkward-looking.
Inside, it's another story. Using Audi as their benchmark, the Explorer crew crafted an interior with beautiful trim materials and switchgear, much nicer than what I'm used to seeing from Ford. The Explorer's cabin is functional, too; the second-row features optional inflatable seatbelts, which provide better protection for children, while the third-row seat is actually habitable (and reasonably comfortable) for six-foot adults.
The Competition
The 2011 Explorer faces tough competition from accomplished CUVs like the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot, as well as rugged body-on-frame SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner. We won't know how good the Explorer really is until we drive it, but my first look was promising. If its capabilities are as good as its cabin, the Explorer may well see a resurgence in popularity. -- Aaron Gold
Disclaimer: This preview was conducted at a manufacturer-sponsored press event. Travel, accommodations and meals were provided by Ford.
