Gone is the Explorer’s off-road transfer case and maximum 7,115-pound towing capacity. For 2011, the Explorer is losing its truck chassis and getting a new unibody frame based on that of the Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT. The Explorer will come standard with a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and can be optioned with a 237-horsepower EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that will improve Explorer gas mileage by 30-percent over the 2010 model's base engine. Ford is simplifying things for driver by providing Terrain Management.
The 2011 Ford Explorer will be fully redesigned.
Chances are that in some point in your life you've either owned a Ford Explorer or know somebody who did. Because of the Firestone tire/rollover debacle and changing consumer desires, Explorer sales have oppressively trended downward for the past decade. This new Explorer shares little with last year's model other than its name. The upside is more carlike driving dynamics and safety; the downside is reduced maximum towing capacity. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider. The standard 2011 Ford Explorer engine is a new 3.5-liter V6 available in either front-wheel- or four-wheel drive. Step inside the new 2011 Ford Explorer and you'll still see three rows of seating. Also new is Ford's Curve Control, a system designed to enhance braking if the SUV exhibits signs of excessive speed while turning.
Summed up, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for.
Front-wheel drive and three rows of seats are standard; all-wheel drive with Ford's new Terrain Management System is optional. Ford's MyFord Touch system, with touch-sensitive controls similar to those in the restyled Edge crossover, is also optional.
Trim levels include the base, XLT and Limited. Seventeen-inch steel wheels and black plastic side moldings are standard on base models. The XLT adds body-colored door handles, painted black mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Limited has body-colored mirrors and 20-inch alloys.
Interior
The Explorer's dashboard can come outfitted with touch-sensitive controls and LCD gauge screens. With a second-row bench seat, seating capacity is seven. The third row folds down in a 50/50 split, with available power folding seats on the Limited. Other available features include leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a dual-panel moonroof.
On front-wheel-drive models, the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 237 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque. Standard with the Explorer's all-wheel drive is Ford's new Terrain Management System. Towing capacity with the V-6 is 5,000 pounds. With the four-cylinder, it drops to 2,000 pounds.
Safety
Antilock brakes, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system with Ford's Roll Stability Control are standard.
Options include adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and inflatable rear seat belts.
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