2012 Ford Explorer

“The all-new 2012 Ford Explorer delivers exactly what today’s SUV buyers are looking for, combining the capability, convenience, performance and technologies they want with the fuel economy these times require,” said Bill Gubing, Ford chief program engineer. “2012 Ford Explorer adds refinement to redefine what a modern SUV can be.”

Reengineered from bottom to top and revealed last summer, Ford Explorer enters the 2012 model year with an expanded color palette and is the first Ford model in North America to offer an all-new Ford EcoBoostâ„¢ four-cylinder engine delivering class-leading fuel economy and responsive performance.

The 2012 Ford Explorer is very much attuned to what today’s large crossover shoppers want. It drives well, returns good fuel economy and keeps the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. But rivals including the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee are also recently fully redesigned and bear consideration. Other contenders include the more passenger-friendly Ford Flex, the more engaging Mazda CX-9 and GM’s more spacious Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia triplets.

2012 Ford Explorer XLT SUV

The 2012 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels.

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.

Ford Explorer XLT offers the Rapid Spec options suite 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 (includes two configurable displays, two USB ports and audio/video input jacks) and the Sync Services upgrade (includes turn-by-turn directions and traffic reports). The next-level Rapid Spec package includes all of the former plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar, and a six-way power passenger seat.

The 2012 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Optional on all front-wheel-drive trims is the turbocharged, 2.0-liter “EcoBoost” four-cylinder engine, making 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.

Every 2012 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 monitor speed carried into a corner and decelerate if necessary. Optional on the XLT and Limited are a blind-spot warning system (includes cross-traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts for outboard second-row passengers.

The Explorer’s impressive cabin features excellent build/materials quality within an attractive, upscale design. The dash feels soft to the touch, the switchgear operates with precision (or is touch-operated with the optional MyFord Touch) and the overall look is quite rich. A loaded Explorer is actually nicer inside than nearly any Lincoln.

The 2012 Ford Explorer feels rock-solid at freeway speeds, well-damped over broken pavement and very confident when negotiating a corner. The responsive steering demonstrates Ford’s skill at tuning an electric power steering system, which improves fuel economy and allows for an automatic parking feature.