THE BIGGEST change for the 2011 Explorer is its shift from body-on-frame construction to a monocoque structure. PHOTOS BY JASON ANG
The all-new Explorer looks like it escaped from the set of Judge Dredd, with a futuristic face that’s simultaneously mean and grinning from ear to ear. Ford America’s three-bar grille makes its formidable debut here, with the top and bottom bars perforated to give an extra punch. The hood is nicely sculpted, and opens in clamshell fashion. The exterior shouts Land Rover, and it’s no surprise, given that Ford’s designer came from LR. (See sidebar) The stepped headlamps, sculpted front bumpers, and blacked-out pillars all show off a more sophisticated style.
It’s a credit to the design that the Explorer looks sleek and compact, until you walk up to it. The Explorer cracks the five meter mark in length and is more than two meters wide. Driving it on narrow streets and up tight parking garages takes some getting used to, but the corners are easy to see.
Inside, the Explorer puts its size to good use, particularly in the front. There’s little chance of rubbing elbows with the door trim, or with the front passenger—that’s how wide the cabin is. Reaching the opposite door without dislocating a shoulder is impossible. With power-adjustable seats (with memory) and pedals, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, a perfect seating position takes only seconds to find.
IT’S not only the screen that you'll want to run your fingers on. The car's door trim, dashboard and center console are all covered in stitched leather or soft-touch plastics.
Ford Touch, the car’s entertainment interface, uses software from your old pal Microsoft (although it carries a Sony badge as well). The control center is an 8-inch touchscreen on the dashboard, controlling audio, climate, vehicle settings and information. Ford Touch allows the driver to sync his phone via Bluetooth—and control it via voice command, or let it stream music wirelessly. There are also not one but two USB plugs for an iPod or to recharge another device. It’s a full-featured interface, displaying track data and album covers on the car’s touchscreen. The climate control is also touch sensitive, with no protruding buttons. Thankfully, the volume control is a large rotary knob planted in the center. The audio quality is crisp and clear.
It’s not only the screen that you’ll want to run your fingers on. The car’s door trim, dashboard and center console are all covered in stitched leather or soft-touch plastics. Cover up the Ford badge, and you will swear that you’re in a car from Germany or Sweden.
The Explorer seats seven, with a split-fold second row bench and two individual seats in the third row. The rear seats are motorized, allowing them to be folded or stowed via a single button push. The same goes for the tailgate, with a remote switch allowing opening and closing from the driver’s seat. It can even memorize a preset height—useful if parking in a low space.
THE EXTERIOR shouts Land Rover, and its no surprise, given that Ford’s designer came from LR.
Providing 290 hp and 255 Nm of torque is Ford’s aluminum alloy 3.5-liter V6. With 24 valves, double overhead cams, the V6 delivers an engine note that wouldn’t be out of place in a Mustang. Pairing with a six-speed automatic, the Explorer ekes out 5 km/liter in the city, and can reportedly hit 10 km/liter in highway driving.
The biggest change for the 2011 Explorer is its shift from body-on-frame construction to a monocoque structure. It’s the difference between the stiff ride of a pickup and the comfort of a passenger car. Indeed, the Explorer pillows over road irregularities (like the drainage grilles that are everywhere in Metro Manila), where similar-sized truck-based SUVs would give a harsh bang. The unit-body approach also pays off in handling. The Explorer feels tight when carving up curves and hustling down mountain roads. 20-inch tires wrapped around chrome wheels provide much grip.
THE Explorer is ready to take on rough terrain with its 7.6-inch ground clearance. PHOTOS BY JASON ANG
The Explorer is ready to take on rough terrain with its 7.6-inch ground clearance. Drivetrain parts are tucked into the floor to avoid snagging on obstacles. It also comes with a terrain management system, again pinched from Land Rover. A rotary knob on the center console selects between Normal, Sand, Mud and Snow (also useful on grass). The control alters the shift program to allow the vehicle to gain more traction on slippery surfaces. Four-wheel drive is standard.
The Explorer has a full range of electronic assist features, including traction control, a rolls stability control developed with Volvo, and curve control, which can brake all four wheels to help the car maintain its course when cornering.
Ford has clearly moved the Explorer up the automotive ladder. Its sophisticated drivetrain, responsive handling, electronic features, and upscale interior trim put it at par with European crossovers twice its price.