Friday, January 14, 2011
The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned, with freshened styling, a new engine, and new features. This venerable nameplate moves to crossover-style unibody construction, sharing elements of its basic design with the Ford Taurus. All previous Explorers used traditional truck-type construction. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter in wheelbase but about 4 inches longer overall than the 2010 version. Trim levels include Base, volume XLT, and top-line Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system includes a console dial that alters throttle and other settings to accommodate mud, sand, and snow. Standard on all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. An optional 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is slated to arrive for the 2012 model year. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 and will be 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Explorer employs MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touchscreens and voice activation. It also incorporates the company's Sync cell phone and digital-music player control. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the XLT and Limited. Power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, remote engine start, and keyless entry/engine start are standard on the Limited. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-9. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Flex, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Sorento.
Ford Explorer 2011 Outlook
2011 forde xplorer
2011 Ford Explorer