What's New for 2011

The 2011 Ford Explorer has been fully redesigned.

Introduction

Chances are that in some point in your life you've either owned a Ford Explorer or knew somebody who did. For a stretch in the 1990s, it was like a modern-day Moses had trotted out of the Mall of America with an 11th commandment: "Thou shalt own a Ford Explorer." The things were everywhere.

But because of the Firestone tire/rollover debacle and changing consumer desires, Explorer sales oppressively trended downward for the past decade. So for this new decade, the 2011 Ford Explorer has been completely made over with the goal for buyers to warmly remember all the good times they had in the family Explorer back in '98, while correcting the issues that led them to buy something else since then.

To do so, Ford has replaced the Explorer's truck-related mechanicals with unibody construction similar to that of the Ford Flex. The upside is more carlike driving dynamics and safety; the downside is reduced maximum towing capacity. We don't remember too many of the country's bajillion Explorers hooked up to trailers back in '97, though, so we're thinking most folks won't see this as a problem. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.

Massive changes are also in store for what's under the hood. The standard 2011 Ford Explorer engine is a new 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 that's not only more fuel efficient than the old 292-hp V8 but also able to provide quicker acceleration. Ford has also promised to offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for even better mpg, but it's unlikely to arrive until the 2012 model year.

Climb on board the new 2011 Ford Explorer and discover a cabin that is not only roomier, but also considerably more stylish and of higher quality. For good measure, Ford threw in all its latest technological goodies, including Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey. On the safety front, the Explorer gains inflatable second-row seatbelt airbags (a first for the automotive industry), which promise to improve safety for smaller occupants.

Overall, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. But of course the Explorer isn't the only game in town and it's been reborn at the same time as some other hits of the '90s.

The Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are also fully redesigned and, like the Explorer, re-created for today with an impressive repertoire of talents. Others to consider include Ford's more passenger-friendly Flex, the more engaging to drive Mazda CX-9 and GM's far more spacious Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia triplets. They're all really quite desirable, so it just depends on how much space you need, what type of driving experience you prefer and how many high-tech features you desire.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels (nope, no more Eddie Bauer). Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, privacy glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, MyFord advanced trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, rear parking sensors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a keyless entry code pad and satellite radio (optional on base).

For the Explorer XLT, Ford offers the Rapid Spec Option Group 201A that adds a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect Package, which includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, MyFord Touch electronics controls, the Sync telephone and entertainment interface, a display screen, two USB ports and RCA video input jacks. The Rapid Spec 202A has the above equipment plus the Comfort package, which includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar, and a six-way power passenger seat (manual recline).

The Limited includes the XLT's Rapid Spec items, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The Rapid Spec 301A package includes a power liftgate and a navigation system, along with the Luxury Seating package that adds an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat. The Rapid Spec 302A package includes an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers.

Stand-alone options on the XLT and Limited include a dual-panel sunroof, the blind-spot warning system, the power liftgate, a tow package, second-row captain's chairs (Limited only), a rear-seat entertainment system, and the navigation system that includes real-time traffic, weather and other information.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Four-wheel drive (there is no low-range gearing) is optional and includes Ford's Terrain Management System, a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction in different conditions. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also included.

In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Explorer went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds -- average for the class. Ford-estimated fuel economy with two-wheel drive is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- also average for the class. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Safety

Every 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling too fast for a particular corner.

Optional on the XLT and Limited are a blind-spot warning system (includes cross-traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts (late availability) for second-row outboard passengers. The Limited can be equipped with collision warning and brake support.

In Edmunds brake testing, a 4WD Explorer came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet -- an average distance for the class.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2011 Ford Explorer ushers in a new era of interior quality for not only the Explorer, but for the Ford brand entirely. The dash is soft to the touch, the switchgear operates with precision (or is touch-operated with the optional MyFord Touch) and the overall look is quite upscale. In fact, a loaded Explorer is nicer inside than just about every Lincoln.

We have mixed feelings about MyFord Touch, however, as those touch buttons can be difficult to identify at a glance and the corresponding touchscreen suffers from small button icons on a black background. The redundant steering wheel controls and speedometer-flanking LCD screens could also use a bit of fine-tuning. All together, it works better when stationary than when on the move.

The Explorer's cabin is more spacious than before, but it's not quite as roomy as those of the Dodge Durango, Ford Flex and especially the Chevy Traverse. Its 80 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is the smallest of the group and the third row is a bit cramped by comparison -- though it does accommodate children with ease. The driving position is spot-on for most drivers, though the Explorer's wide pillars and high dash make the car seem bigger when maneuvering through tight places.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Ford Explorer no longer drives like a truck and that's a great thing. Its structure feels rock-solid, it's well-damped over bumps and there's a confidence to the way it negotiates a corner. The responsive steering is another example of Ford knowing how to tune electric power steering (which improves fuel economy and allows for an automatic parking system).

The new Explorer may not have a V8, but its new V6 is quicker and more efficient, so only the few folks who used their Explorers to tow a boat may be disappointed.