Day-by-Day Review: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

Photo Gallery:
2011 Ford Explorer

Click Image to Enlarge

When you mention Ford Explorer, people don’t seem to get too excited. Most have visions of SUVs flipping over during the Firestone tire fiasco, but the 2011 model has no relation to the outgoing generation, which was very long in the tooth. For 2011, Ford has redesigned the Explorer from the ground up, and not only is it pretty to look at, it offers a totally different driving experience.

Offered with only one engine for now, the new 2011 Explorer comes standard with Ford’s 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Available in front-wheel drive as standard, my tester is equipped with the optional 4WD system, which offers a vast array of selectable terrain modes which I will cover later.

Click Image to Enlarge

Expect a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine to be offered in the Explorer as well, in the near future. The V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is capable of towing up to 5,000lbs.

Features in my tester are perhaps a little too numerous to list. On top of the well-equipped standard model, my tester is equipped with the Navigation, Luxury and Technology packages. These offer features such as a power folding third row (Luxury Package), BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support.

Other standard features on the Limited edition include dual-zone climate control, rear-view camera, remote start, MyFord Touch, Intelligent Access with push-button start, adjustable pedals with memory and powerfold sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory.

2011 Ford Explorer Limited
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $50,449

For more information on Ford and the Explorer visit Ford Canada

Click Image to Enlarge

Well, forget about the My Ford Touch system. I declared I’m not much of a fan of it when I test drove the Ford Edge a few months back. Unfortunately, it is the same system that’s used in the Explorer; once you have used it for awhile you get used to it, and I do like the in-dash informational displays but I do not like the missing hard buttons for items I would like to quickly turn off and on, like the heated seats.

On to the remainder of the interior — what can I say besides excellent? I suppose I could say a lot more. I have come to the conclusion I’m too small for these large vehicles, though, resting my arm on the right side armrest makes it impossible for me to reach the left and vice versa. Yes, I know both hands should be on the wheel, but on long highway drives I like to rest a bit and these larger SUVs and trucks are so large I find it difficult to get comfortable.

Click Image to Enlarge

So, I guess I am saying there is lots of room up front; the second row also offers a considerable amount of space while leaving even the third row accessible to human beings with actual legs! Yes, adults can fit in the third row of the Explorer without too much trouble. And this leaves a rather large cargo area to boot, when the third row is stowed when not in use for a flat load floor from the back to the front seats. As far as utility and passenger volume, there is no question that the Explorer has it in spades.

The Explorer also has gizmos and toys in spades as well, with items such as blind spot detection, collision avoidance and radar guided cruise control. Most buyers probably will not spring for the extra features, but I can vouch for them as being great luxury items to make long hauls a relaxing experience.

An unexpected highway trip today by my significant other resulted in some feedback that is worth sharing. She thought the Explorer was easy to drive, although hard to park, as it is huge. Highway cruising was nice and she specifically mentioned that it was comfortable. She averaged 10.5L/100km on her trip, carrying a very heavy, and very full, tool chest full on her return trip — not bad!

Click Image to Enlarge

On the road, especially straight ones, I really am enjoying the Explorer. My other half said she particularly liked the radar cruise control, as you can just set it and forget it, but I actually find it somewhat annoying as it cuts in a little too early for my liking, and then I realize that I am slowing down and have to pull out and accelerate. We both agreed, though, that the mirrors are far too small for the size of the vehicle, making visibility sub-par.

She actually mentioned that because she is short, the mirrors were too far back with her seat all the way forward, making them almost useless. Good thing our tester also has blind spot detection! The great thing about my new commute is I can choose between a twisty road or a straight one. This week, I have been taking the straight route as the twisties are not much fun in the Explorer; this truck really shines on the flat, wide, open highway.

The biggest disappointment comes from the 3.5-litre V6 engine, which just feels gutless in this vehicle. While the Flex offers Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost V6, the Explorer does not; coming soon is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, and I’m a little skeptical about that, as this is a very large vehicle to be moved around by such a small engine.

Merging onto the highway and climbing hills requires a few downshifts, and in fact, compared to the EcoBoost F-150 I drove a few weeks ago, this Explorer feels like a slug. To be honest, I felt the Ecoboost F150 towing 5,000lbs was more sporty than the unloaded Explorer.

The parking sensors and backup camera make parking this large vehicle fairly easy as far as I’m concerned, but forget using your mirrors and looking backwards — just rely on the camera (although you are not supposed to), as this offers the best view and makes parking that much simpler.

If you are looking for a long-hauler for the cottage, this vehicle may be it. If you are looking for a daily driver, it may be a tough sell as this is one large vehicle to drive every day.

Click Image to Enlarge

The Explorer is the most surprising vehicle I’ve tested in a long time especially in terms of fuel economy results. I certainly did not expect to average a mere 11.0L/100km over the course of the week with my tester, as this is a large vehicle and it weighs a considerable amount, so its 11.0L/100km result is welcomed.

On a highway trip to Montreal on the weekend, I averaged 11.7L/100km going, but I dropped my speed but 10km/h on the return trip and the average subsequently dropped down to 10.5L/100km — again, very impressive. I noticed this vehicle was equipped with park-assist, the system that allows the vehicle to essentially parallel-park itself. Unfortunately, my attempts to use the system failed — it did not seem to recognize the space I created to do the test — which is odd, as I know the system works extremely well.

After three hours behind the wheel, I was a little sore and tired. The extra width of the vehicle actually hindereds my comfort, but larger people would love it, I’m sure. This new Explorer is nothing like the beast of the past and it shows, in a more refined and luxurious vehicle that could easily be a family hauler and weekend warrior as well.

*Rating out of 5: