Sharing its car-based platform with the Taurus sedan, the Ford Explorer sits squarely in the crossover realm, pitting it against competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the Explorer can seat up to seven people in three rows. All-wheel drive with Ford's Terrain Management system is optional. The MyFord Touch system, with touch-sensitive and voice-activated controls, is also optional. Base, XLT, Limited and Sport trim levels are offered. All three come with V-6 power; the turbo four-cylinder is optional on front-wheel-drive models.
New for 2015
Base Explorers now have standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, and the Explorer Sport gets a Class III trailer hitch standard. XLT models can have a new Appearance Package that includes 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, black cladding, a dark gray grille and mirror caps, an Explorer hood badge, and body-color door handles. Inside, there are leather-trimmed seats with suede inserts, front seat heaters, unique floormats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Ford's MyFord Touch multimedia system is also included.
Exterior Highlights
- Grille finish based on trim level
- 18-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch wheels available
- Dual exhaust tips
- Available power moonroof
- Available power liftgate
- Power side mirrors; available heated mirrors
Interior Highlights - Seats seven with a second-row bench seat, or six with available second-row captain's chairs
- 50/50-split folding third row with available power folding
- Standard cloth upholstery; available leather seats
- CD stereo with MP3 jack
- Air conditioning
- Available MyFord Touch with touch-sensitive controls and LCD gauge screens
- Available heated and cooled front seats
- Available Sony premium stereo
- Available navigation system
Under the Hood - 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
- Available 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Both engines drive a six-speed automatic transmission
- Front- or all-wheel drive
- Available Terrain Management system adapts drivetrain settings to suit one of four environments: pavement, snow, sand or mud
- V-6 towing capacity is 5,000 pounds; four-cylinder's is 2,000 pounds
Safety Features - Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
- Roll Stability Control and Curve Control
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Available adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning
- Available blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
- Available backup camera
- Available inflatable rear seat belts, which aim to spread crash forces across the body by deploying an airbag-like inflation device during a forward collision
Explorer Sport The Sport model is a high-performance variant of the Explorer. It's powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 365 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque.
What's Special - Six-speed automatic transmission includes steering-wheel paddle shifters
- All-wheel drive
- Sport suspension
- Exterior is distinguished by a gray and black grille and 20-inch wheels
- Two-tone leather upholstery
Courtesy of Cars.com
