Ford Explorer 4X2 SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Ford Explorer 4X2 is the base or entry level model of the Explorer large crossover SUV. The original truck-like construction has been replaced by a unibody construction that makes the vehicle drive more like a car and provides greater safety. A V6 engine replaces the old V8 but still provides quick acceleration and better fuel economy. Inside the cabin, there is more space for passengers and cargo and the design is more stylish and of higher quality. There are also all of Ford's technological features such as Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey. Inflatable second row seat airbags add to the safety of the vehicle.
The features of the base model Ford Explorer 4X2 include manual front air-conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control, remote keyless entry, rear air-conditioning with separate controls, privacy glass, roof rails, blind spot mirrors that are integrated, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a driver seat with six power adjustments and manual recline, MyFord advanced trip computer, and an audio system with six speakers and a CD player. A third row of seats is an option on this model.
An XLT version of the front-wheel drive Ford Explorer 4X2 adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth upholstery, 18-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, steering wheel and shift knob wrapped in leather, heated front seats, keyless entry code pad, a rear entertainment system with DVD player, voice activated navigation system, sliding and tilting sunroof for the first row and fixed glass with power sunshade sunroof for the second row.
Specs:
The engine in the Ford Explorer 4X2 is a 3.5 liter dual overhead cam V6 that can produce 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque with rack and pinion steering and a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Fuel economy for the two-wheel drive Ford Explorer 4X2 is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
For safety features, the Ford Explorer 4X2 provides stability and traction control with a trailer sway control feature, monitoring system for the tire pressure, front, front impact and side curtain airbags and MyKey which enables parents to set limits on the speed of the vehicle and volume of the stereo. Also included is curve control which can reduce the speed of the vehicle if it senses that it is going too fast around a corner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated the Ford Explorer 4X2 five stars for both the driver and front passenger frontal collisions.
The interior of the Ford Explorer 4X2 is of high quality with an upscale look due to the precise touch buttons of the MyFord Touch. The cabin is sufficiently spacious although the third row can be somewhat more cramped and more suitable for children. The vehicle provides a maximum of 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
The drive of the Ford Explorer 4X2 is now more like a car with a solid structure that handles bumps well and confidently negotiates a corner. The steering is responsive and facilitates parking a vehicle of its size. Although it makes for less towing capacity, the new V6 is quicker and more efficient with good acceleration.
The features of the base model Ford Explorer 4X2 include manual front air-conditioning, 17-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control, remote keyless entry, rear air-conditioning with separate controls, privacy glass, roof rails, blind spot mirrors that are integrated, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a driver seat with six power adjustments and manual recline, MyFord advanced trip computer, and an audio system with six speakers and a CD player. A third row of seats is an option on this model.
An XLT version of the front-wheel drive Ford Explorer 4X2 adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth upholstery, 18-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, steering wheel and shift knob wrapped in leather, heated front seats, keyless entry code pad, a rear entertainment system with DVD player, voice activated navigation system, sliding and tilting sunroof for the first row and fixed glass with power sunshade sunroof for the second row.
Specs:
The engine in the Ford Explorer 4X2 is a 3.5 liter dual overhead cam V6 that can produce 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque with rack and pinion steering and a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Fuel economy for the two-wheel drive Ford Explorer 4X2 is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
For safety features, the Ford Explorer 4X2 provides stability and traction control with a trailer sway control feature, monitoring system for the tire pressure, front, front impact and side curtain airbags and MyKey which enables parents to set limits on the speed of the vehicle and volume of the stereo. Also included is curve control which can reduce the speed of the vehicle if it senses that it is going too fast around a corner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated the Ford Explorer 4X2 five stars for both the driver and front passenger frontal collisions.
The interior of the Ford Explorer 4X2 is of high quality with an upscale look due to the precise touch buttons of the MyFord Touch. The cabin is sufficiently spacious although the third row can be somewhat more cramped and more suitable for children. The vehicle provides a maximum of 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
The drive of the Ford Explorer 4X2 is now more like a car with a solid structure that handles bumps well and confidently negotiates a corner. The steering is responsive and facilitates parking a vehicle of its size. Although it makes for less towing capacity, the new V6 is quicker and more efficient with good acceleration.
