2012 Ford Explorer

Basic Specs

Base Price $28,280
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 4509
City (MPG) 18
Hwy (MPG) 25
Horsepower 290@6500
Torque (lb-ft) 255@4100
Wheelbase 112.6
Length (in.) 197.1
Width (in.) 90.2
Height (in.) 70.4

The best-selling SUV in North America in years past, the Ford Explorer 's main selling point used to be its rugged reputation. Yet by the early 21st century, as buyers began to shy away from body-on-frame SUVs for more-efficient and better-driving crossovers, the Explorer became an also-ran in the sales race. The latest Explorer seeks to keep up with consumer tastes and reclaim some of its former sales glory with a unibody platform that provides car-like handling and increased fuel economy.

Modern interpretation of the SUV
The all-new Explorer rides on a unibody platform derived from the automaker's D3 platform rather than the separate frame of the outgoing model. Substantially updated since the platform first debuted, it now underpins the Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS and Volvo XC90 in addition to the all-new Ford Explorer .

With a road-oriented fully independent suspension and Ford 's optional "intelligent" four-wheel-drive system, the Explorer isn't likely to challenge the body-on-frame Toyota 4Runner or similarly unibody-based Jeep Grand Cherokee for off road prowess. Instead, V6 Explorers can be equipped with a terrain management control knob based on former Ford subsidiary Land Rover 's similar system. Offering snow, sand, mud and normal modes, the system simply requires a twist of a knob to properly set up the Explorer's all-wheel-drive and stability control systems for various types of terrain. The system will also include a hill descent mode for low-speed off road maneuvers.

Powerplants rethought for the modern SUV
The Explorer also debuts a new EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and it will offer a more powerful (and thirstier) V6. This 2.0-liter inline-four combines a turbocharger, direct injection and four valves per cylinder to deliver an estimated 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. Ford says that fuel economy is up 30 percent over the outgoing Explorer V6. The EcoBoost four-cylinder will only be offered with front-wheel-drive.

For those who place a priority on power - and those who want to tow - the Explorer also features an optional 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. of torque. The naturally aspirated V6 also features direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing, which Ford says helps boost fuel economy by about 20 percent compared to the outgoing Explorer. With the V6, Explorer owners can tow up to 5,000 lbs. and the V6 is available on both front and all-wheel-drive Explorers.

Both engines will be mated to six-speed automatic transmissions; XLT and Limited trim levels will feature a shifter-mounted +/- toggle switch for manual-style gearshifts. All models also feature electric power steering to reduce fuel consumption and assembly complexity. The electric steering combines with a new Curve Control feature, which works with the Explorer's stability control and brakes to stabilize a vehicle that has entered a turn too quickly. Ford will also offer the Explorer with its automatic parallel parking system that first debuted on the Ford Flex .

Inside and out
With a length of 197.1 inches and a width of 90.2 inches including the exterior mirrors, the latest Explorer is a fair amount larger than the outgoing model - and it's one of the largest in its class, measuring in just three inches shorter than a GMC Acadia .

It gains a much more swoopy look than before, although the canted C-pillar seen in the original two-door Explorer returns. Part of the new Explorer's signature look, it also adds rigidity to the SUV's body structure.

Inside, the new SUV features more room and three rows of seats, as well as a decidedly unique dashboard. Ford says that the Explorer features its highest quality interior.

The lineup
Ford offers the 2011 Explorer in three configurations, starting with the base model, equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a 4.2-inch LCD screen to display vehicle information, cruise control, power windows and locks and a tilt and telescope steering column.

Buyers can step up to the XLT to gain standard automatic headlamps, heated mirrors with LED turn signals, a kelyess entry keypad, reverse sensing and an alarm system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Additional features can be added to the XLT via option check boxes.

The range-topping Limited adds power folding side mirrors, ambient lighting, power adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, a 10-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming interior mirror, a rear-view camera, remote start and keyless access with push-button start, among other items.

The Explorer is exclusively produced at the automaker's Chicago assembly plant.

Key Competitors
Alternatives to the Explorer in the three-row crossover segment are numerous and include the Honda Pilot , Chevrolet Traverse , Toyota Highlander , Dodge Durango and Mazda CX-9 .

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style:SUV
    • Size:Fullsize
    • Market Segment:Standard
    • Weight:4509 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length:197.1 in.
    • Width:90.2 in.
    • Height:70.4 in.
    • Wheelbase:112.6 in.
    • Ground Clearance:7.6 in.
    • Front Track:67.0 in.
    • Rear Track:67.0 in.
    • Weight Distribution:TBD
    • Drag Coefficient:TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats:6
    • Passenger Volume:151.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume:80.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded):TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume:TBD
    • Leg Room:40.6 in.
    • Head Room:41.4 in.
    • Shoulder Room:61.3 in.
    • Hip Room:57.3 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume:TBD
    • Leg Room:39.8 in.
    • Head Room:40.5 in.
    • Shoulder Room:61.0 in.
    • Hip Room:56.7 in.
    • Interior - Third Row
    • Leg Room:33.2 in.
    • Head Room:37.8 in.
    • Shoulder Room:50.8 in.
    • Hip Room:40.7 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type:Gas
    • Engine Type:3.5L V6
    • Power:290 hp @ 6500 rpm
    • Torque:255 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
    • Transmission:6-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy:25 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy:18 mpg
    • Forced Induction:None
    • Direct Injection:No
    • Chassis
    • Layout:Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension:Trailing Arm
    • Rear Suspension:Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front:17" Steel
    • Front Tires:P245/65R17
    • Rear:17" Steel
    • Rear Tires:P245/65R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight:5000 lbs
    • Payload:TBD
    • Tongue Weight:TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

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      Explorer

      • 3.5L TiVCT V6 engine
      • 6-speed SelectShift Automatic Trandmission
      • AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control

      Info
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      XLT

      • Explorer basic features plus:
      • 18" Aluminum Wheels
      • Reverse Sensing System

      Info
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      Limited

      • XLT Basic Features Plus:
      • MyFord Touch
      • Sony Audio System with HD Radio

      Info

    Drivetrain

    Engine

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    Total Price:

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Exterior Accessories

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      Roof Rail Crossbars

      • These sturdy available crossbars match your roof rack and help secure cargo overhead

      Info
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      Splash Guards

      • Deflect mud, snow and ice away from your vehicle's lower body panels with a set of four available black molded splash guards. Their contoured design compliments the vehcile's lines and provides excellent protection.
      • Heavy-duty plastic construction resists cracking.

      Info
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    Exterior Options

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      Trailer Tow Package

      • Trailer Tow Package, Class III includes recieve hitch, SelectShift Automatic transmission, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit, 4-and 7-pin wiring connectors.

      Info
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    Interior Options

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      All-Weather Floor Mats

      • Heavy-duty floor mats with deep grooves catch and hold mud, snow, sluch, and dry dirt.

      Info
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    Packages

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      Standard Package

      • All standard features included in base price.

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    Wheel Type

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      17" Steel Wheels w/ Wheel Covers

      • The 2012 Explorer comes standard with these rugged looking 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

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    Radio Type

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      AM/FM Single-Disc CD Player w/ 6-Speakers

      • The 2012 Explorer comes standard with a powerful sound system including a single disc CD player and six speakers.
      • It's MP3 capable so you can load it up with all your favorite music.

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    Audio Upgrade

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      SIRIUS Satellite Radio

      • SIRIUS Satellite Radio puts you in the driver's seat. With more than 130 channels, including 100% commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk and entertainment. SIRIUS brings you more of what you love
      • Service available in 48 contiguous states and DC. See your dealer for activation details.

      Info
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      Sync In-Car Connectivity System

      • The available SYNC entertainment and communications system allows you to easily operate most popular MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled phones with simple voice commands.
      • SYNC even helps keep you safe out on the road with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.
      • 911 Assist connects you to a 911 operator through your paired mobile phone after an accident in which an airbag deploys, while Vehicle Health Report allows you to create a personlized online report of your vehicle's diagnostics (available for viewing only at syncmyride.com after you are logged into your users accound). Plus you can get traffic alerts, turn-by-turn directions and business sear right through your vehicle's stereo.
      • Even ehar your favorite content anytime you want with personalized news, weather, and sports. Access it all with either a touch or voice commands.
      • The vehicle's electrical system (inclduing the battery), the wireless service provider's signal and a movile phone must all be available and operating for 911 Assist to function properly. These systems may become damaged in a crash. The paired mobile phone must be connected to Sync and the 911 Assist feature enabled in order for 911 to be dialed.

      Info
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    Seat Type

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      Front Cloth Bucket Seats

      • The 2012 Explorer comes standard with richly upholstered cloth front bucket seats, a six-way power driver's deat, a second-row 60/40 split fold flat bench and a 50/50 split folding third row.

      Info
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    Interior Accessories

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      Cargo Security Shade

      • Conceal your belongings with this heavy duty vinyl cover. Mounts behind rear seat above the cargo area and may be folded up when not in use.

      Info
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