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Today's Drive: 2015 Ford Explorer

At home on the open road
2015 Ford Explorer.
2015 Ford Explorer.

In the three-row SUV market, the Ford Explorer has long been a major player and has proven itself to be a reliable partner.

While the Explorer is no longer the rugged off-roader it once was, it competes effectively with other popular SUVs with a tough design and great features. Its rivals include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Dodge Durango.

For 2015, changes to the Explorer are minor. The only noteworthy addition is a sportier cosmetic package for the XLT models.

Design
Like most vehicles in this category, the Ford Explorer puts an emphasis on on-road refinement versus off-road toughness. It now uses a car-like chassis and offers premium features such as voice-activated navigation and upscale options like a rear-seat entertainment package. This is all to meet the ever increasing demand for a “crossover” type vehicle as more and more people look for car-style comfort in a SUV package.

Its unibody construction helps to hide the Explorer’s overall bulk.

The long horizontal creases along the sides create a sense of motion. However, if you want your Explorer to look even more aggressive, the XLT Appearance Package adds a dark grille, black side and rear cladding and 20-inch wheels.

Ultimately, if intimidation is what you seek, you can’t beat the Explorer Sport. With a black grille, dark chrome wheels and an overall get-out-of-my-way demeanour, the Explorer Sport is easily the most aggressive model.

The Explorer makes the most of its space. The cabin offers three rows of seating, with the second row available in either a three-person bench of two bucket seats.  The design is not all that trendy but it has that traditional Ford truck/SUV feel all around which is a plus for those who are loyal to the Ford truck products.

Performance
The Explorer drives much more like a car than a truck. The ride is smooth and the cabin is quiet. The level of refinement is impressive in a SUV; the Explorer feels more expensive than what the price tag indicates.

The standard engine is a 3.5-litre V6. While the 290 hp is not that exciting, it is adequate for most people’s needs. It is available in both front-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations.

Those wanting better fuel economy can opt for the turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder. The 8.5L/100km highway rating is admirable, but this engine is only available in FWD and acceleration feels sluggish.

Sport models are all 4WD and are powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. The 365 hp makes the Explorer much more spirited and the drop in fuel efficiency is not much from the base V6.

No matter which engine you choose, all Explorer models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission; the V6 models get Ford’s SelectShift that allows drivers to manually change gears — Sport models can do so with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.

Another important aspect of SUVs is towing ability. All V6 Explorers, including the Sport model, are rated at 5,000 lbs. The four-cylinder, however, can only haul 2,000 lbs.

Since the Explorer is designed to feel more at home on the motorway, front and side visibility is good. To compensate for the poor rearward sightlines, the side mirrors are large and the optional blind spot warning system and rearview camera are recommended. Otherwise tight, busy streets and parking lots can be a bit of a challenge.

That’s not to say the Explorer can’t go off-road. 4WD models come with Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to optimize settings for snow, mud or sand. Also helping it to off-road effecrtively is its 7.5-inch ground clearance which is more than sufficient for casual off-roaders.

Environment
Sitting inside the Explorer, the cabin feels cavernous. The width is especially noticeable as passengers feel that there is a lot of shoulder and move-around space.

That spaciousness extends to the rear as well, where average-size adults should feel quite comfortable in the second row. Legroom isn’t great with the bench seat, but it can recline and the captain’s chairs have travel to slide back some. Headroom is never an issue throughout the cabin.

Accessing the third row is made easy, thanks to the second row’s ability to fold completely forward. Once seated in either of the two rear seats, the legroom is tight making them best suited for children.
The Explorer has a massive amount of cargo space... And it gives you several different configurations to work with.  Behind the third row is 21 cubic feet of volume. The third row can fold forward, or flip back creating a flat loading surface and increase capacity to 43.8 cubic feet.
If that is not enough, the second row also folds flat to offer up a total of 80.7 cubic feet.

The optional power liftgate and power folding third row make the whole process a breeze.
Entertainment can be enhanced from one of three available audio systems. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system is standard on all but the base model where it is an option.

Features
The Explorer is available in base, XLT, Limited and Sport trim levels. Starting prices range from $31,149 to $48,449.

Standard equipment includes an integrated key fob, illuminated entry, single-zone climate control with rear auxiliary controls, power windows and locks, manual tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, and LED taillights.

Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include push-button start, remote start, dual-zone climate control, power steering column, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled bucket seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, voice activated navigation, and a dual-panel moonroof.

Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for the standard V6 are 12.2 city, 8.2 highway in FWD and 14.2 city, 10.3 highway in 4WD. The optional four-cylinder returns 11.9 city, 8.5 highway, while the turbo V6 is rated at 14.9 city,  10.7 highway.

Thumbs Up
The Ford Explorer is comfortable and its fuel efficiency is good for an SUV. Its versatility makes it useful for large, active families.

Thumbs Down
While its cargo capacity is a plus, the added bulk means it is not as nimble as others in this class. It doesn’t look as modern as some newer SUVs in the market.

The Bottom Line
If you need a vehicle that can comfortably carry your whole family while retaining the Ford truck toughness, the Ford Explorer is worth a test drive.

Competitors

  • Honda Pilot

If you are looking for a midsize SUV, but need seating for eight, the Honda Pilot checks all the boxes. The Pilot’s strength lies in its versatility. The second row not only reclines, but slides forward and back to accommodate passengers in the third row. However, if you need to tow more than 4500 lbs, you should consider a rival.

The Pilot is available in five trim levels with starting prices ranging from $35,400 to $49,150.

  • Toyota Highlander

While the Toyota Highlander was all-new in 2014, it remained a comfortable, practical solution for SUV buyers. Across the board, the new Highlander is a nicer vehicle, but its overall driving character is too soft and compliant to differentiate itself from competitors It feels too much like a minivan.

The Toyota Highlander’s starting prices range from $32,775 to $46,195.

  • Dodge Durango

The Durango is a 7-passenger SUV that looks and feels sportier and more dynamic than most in this segment. The available Hemi V8 gives it brute muscle, but understandably it is not the most fuel efficient.

Available in four trim levels, starting prices range from $40,895 to $53,895.