2011 Ford Explorer - Road Test Specs

2011 Ford Explorer SUV

(3.5L V6 AWD 6-speed Automatic)

Vehicle
Model year	2011
Make	Ford
Model	Explorer Limited
Style	4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Base MSRP	$39,995
Options on test vehicle	Red Candy Metallic paint ($395), Rapid Spec 302A ($4,810 -- includes power-folding third-row seats; perforated leather-trimmed seats; multilevel heated/cooled front seats; eight-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar support adjustment; voice-activated navigation system with in-dash touchscreen, SD card slot for map and POI [point of interest] storage and integrated Sirius Travel Link with real-time traffic and 6-month prepaid subscription [not available in Alaska or Hawaii]; power liftgate; Active Park Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control and collision warning with brake support and head-up display; rain-sensing front wipers; BLIS [Blind Spot Information System] with Cross Traffic Alert; HID [high-intensity-discharge] headlamps); Rapid Spec 302A Package Discount Credit (-$810).
As-tested MSRP	$45,985

Drivetrain
Drive type	Four-wheel Drive
Engine type	Naturally aspirated, port-injected, V6, gasoline
Displacement (cc/cu-in)	3,497cc (213 cu-in)
Block/head material	Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain	DOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable intake + exhaust-valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1)	10.8
Horsepower (hp @ rpm)	290 @ 6,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	255 @ 4,000
Fuel type	Regular unleaded
Transmission type	Six-speed automatic with console shifter and manual mode
Transmission and axle ratios (x:1)	I = 4.484; II = 2.872; III = 1.842; IV = 1.414; V = 1.000; VI = 0.742; R = 2.882; FD = 3.39

Chassis
Suspension, front	Independent double-wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rear	Independent multilink, coil springs
Steering type	Electric-assist, rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering ratio (x:1)	15.8
Tire brand	Hankook
Tire model	Optimo H426
Tire type	All-season front and rear
Tire size, front	P255/50R20 104H
Tire size, rear	P255/50R20 104H
Wheel material	Cast aluminum
Brakes, front	Ventilated disc with two-piston sliding caliper
Brakes, rear	Ventilated disc with single-piston sliding caliper

Track Test Results
Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.)	3.2
0-45 mph (sec.)	5.4
0-60 mph (sec.)	8.3
0-75 mph (sec.)	12.5
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph)	16.3 @ 86.6
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.)	8.0
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.)	31
60-0 mph (ft.)	122
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph)	58.5
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g)	0.77
Sound level @ idle (dB)	40.5
@ Full throttle (dB)	73.1
@ 70 mph cruise (dB)	65.0

Test Driver Ratings & Comments
Acceleration comments	Fairly uneventful and unexpectedly consistent runs. It didn't matter whether traction control was on or off, or if I used a little or a lot of pedal overlap. Engine sounds a little thrashy in upper revs. Upshifts are quick with a bit of harshness.
Braking comments	First stop was shortest, with the third stop 6 feet farther -- but held constant thereafter. Moderate dive, medium-firm pedal that remained so throughout. No drama, no anomalies, average performance.
Handling comments	Skid pad: Highly regulated by nondefeatable stability control that takes the throttle away. Steering feels appropriately weighted at this speed and offers some feel. Hard to know what the true balance is with stability control, which keeps the runs sublimit. Feels neutral as is. Slalom: Despite the very high driving position, the Explorer feels exceptionally composed and confident -- right up to the moment the stability control starts brake-checking at every cone. Turn-in is crisp, transitions are good and it just feels more capable than the 58.5-mph run would indicate. Probably very nice out in the real world.

Fuel Consumption
EPA fuel economy (mpg)	17 city/23 highway/19 combined (manufacturer estimate)
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.)	18.6

Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)	4,695
Curb weight, as tested (lbs.)	4,872
Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%)	54.3/45.7
Length (in.)	197.1
Width (in.)	78.9
Height (in.)	71.0
Wheelbase (in.)	112.6
Track, front (in.)	67.0
Track, rear (in.)	67.0
Legroom, front (in.)	43.9
Legroom, rear (in.)	39.8
Legroom, 3rd row (in.)	33.2
Headroom, front (in.)	39.1
Headroom, rear (in.)	38.3
Headroom, 3rd row (in.)	37.8
Shoulder room, front (in.)	61.3
Shoulder room, rear (in.)	61.0
Shoulder room, 3rd row (in.)	50.8
Seating capacity	7
Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft)	80.7

Safety
Front airbags	Standard
Side airbags	Standard
Head airbags	Standard
Antilock brakes	Standard
Traction control	Standard
Stability control	Standard
Rollover protection	Standard
Tire-pressure monitoring system	Standard