By
LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Super Bowl Aftermath: Car News Headlines
Today at High Gear Media, we're bringing you live coverage on all the new product reveals at the... Read More
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Super Bowl Aftermath: Car News Headlines
Today at High Gear Media, we're bringing you live coverage on all the new product reveals at the... Read More
- #11LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2225ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 92COMMENTS POSTED
7,531 views
The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the Ford Explorer in several different trims and bring you firsthand observations and buying advice here in a brief Bottom Line assessment. Additionally, TheCarConnection.com has looked at what other professionals have said and included it as part of a comprehensive Full Review.
Likes:
- Interior styling
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Great crash-test scores
Dislikes:
- Ride can be choppy
- Handling is a step behind crossovers
- Gruff V-6 engine
Back in the early 1990s, the Ford Explorer quickly became one of the most popular family vehicles. Thankfully Ford has kept the Explorer reasonably up-to-date; the current version of the Explorer, introduced in 2006, is the best one yet in terms of promising trucklike towing and hauling ability, while still also allowing comfortable and safe transport. That said, it must also be acknowledged that today there are also better options for a roomy, versatile family vehicle.
In the Ford lineup, the 2010 Ford Explorer is just below the Expedition and ahead of the Taurus X, Flex, Edge, and Escape in terms of exterior size and capabilities. While the Explorer is technically classified as a mid-size SUV, it can still seat up to seven passengers and tow an impressive 7,285 pounds.
The standard drivetrain for the Ford Explorer is a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 matched with a five-speed automatic. There is an optional 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 powerplant that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both engines come with standard rear-wheel drive, but can be mated with a choice of Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system or full-time all-wheel drive if you need extra grip.
The V-6 engine in the 2010 Explorer is far noisier and less refined than the V-8, as the smaller engine has an aged design that must work harder to keep the Explorer hustling along. Like its Ford Explorer Sport Trac sibling, the Explorer's V-8 with the six-speed transmission manages to get superior fuel economy numbers than the V-6 model. Meanwhile, that clean exterior shape certainly helps keep wind noise to a minimum.
