The new 2012 Explorer SUV will be the first Ford model in North America to be offered with the company's new 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. But you already knew that.What's new today is the release of the EPA fuel-economy numbers for the 4-cylinder Explorer which is rated at 20 mpg (11.8 lt/100km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4lt/100km) on the highway. The cheaper -by around a grand- Explorer V6 with its naturally-aspirated 292HP, 3.5-liter engine returns 17mpg/city and 25mpg/highway.
Ford is quick to make a comparison with some of the Explorer's rivals saying that on the highway, it beats the 2011 Honda Pilot (a redesigned model is on its way) and Jeep Grand Cherokee by 5 mpg, Chevrolet Traverse by 4 mpg and Toyota Highlander by 3 mpg, while also boasting that it returns the same fuel efficiency as the BMW 328i sedan.
The Explorer's 2.0-liter four-banger produces 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, and is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In 2011, Ford decided to reinvent and redesign the original Explorer rather than scraping it altogether. Ford got rid of its original truck-based design, full time four-wheel drive, available V8 engine, and just about anything else. The new 2011 Ford Explorer is a crossover, where the only thing in common with its predecessor is the available seven-passenger seating.The standard powertrain of the Explorer puts together a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is able to tow up to five-thousand pounds. Safety feature of the 2011 Explorer include traction control, ABS, antiskid system, and front side and curtain side airbags. All have MyFordTouch - a touch screen system controlling climate, audio, cell phones, and all navigation controls. MyFordTouch also comes with voice activation. The navigation system uses TeleNav and also has "Eco-Route guidance" so drivers can locate the most fuel-efficient route to the desired destination.
Other standard parts of the Explorer on the Limited edition and option on XLT include leather upholstery, automatic climate control, rearview camera, and heated front seats. Options only available to the 2011 Ford Explorer Limited edition include adaptive cruise control, cooled and heated front seats, hands-free parallel parking system, and forward-collision warning. The Limited and XLT have optional power tailgate and sunroof.
