SUVs
2010 Ford Explorer XLT Four-Wheel Drive
What it Is: A mid-sized, four-wheel drive sport utility with an available third row seat.
Who it's For: Families who need no more than two LATCH points and plenty of cargo room behind the second row.
What's Hot: Available power folding third row seat in Eddie Bauer and Limited models.
What's Not: Poor fuel economy.
Family Friendly Options: Bluetooth, SYNC, navigation, back-up camera.
How It Got Its Score: The Ford Explorer's fuel economy is on the low side these days, thanks to an older, inefficient engine. It strong crash test ratings and generous cargo space help make up for it.
You can credit the Ford Explorer for the boom in SUV sales in the '90s and '00s, as it was the boxy Ford SUV that became as commonplace in suburbs as Chrysler minivans had been in the 80s. Yet in many ways, the Explorer is now a throwback. While most of the vehicles that the Explorer competes against are car-based crossovers, the Explorer is still a truck-based SUV. In addition, it's an old one, as the basic mechanical package has been around since the early '00s. Its V-6 engine, for example, trails competitors like the 2010 Toyota 4Runner and Kia Borrego in both power and fuel economy. However, the 2010 Ford Explorer has its merits. Unlike crossovers, the Explorer is capable of serious off-road duty if needed, with a four-wheel drive system and low-range transfer case for the really tough stuff. It's available with a third row to enhance passenger capacity, but while it's standard in Eddie Bauer and Limited models, it's only available as part of a $2,995 option package on the XLT. It also cuts the rear cargo room from a cavernous 45.1 cu.-ft. to a much tighter 13.6 cu.-ft. when it's in use. The Explorer is current with Ford's current back of electronic tricks, including SYNC, Ford's voice-activated phone and music integration system. A full-time all-wheel drive system is available on XLT and Limited models, as opposed to the part-time four-wheel drive system that's standard; it's more expensive, but doesn't affect fuel economy. Note that if you want to go off-roading in an Explorer, you'd better act fast, as the current vehicle will soon be replaced with a more modern crossover.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$31,600 |
| Destination |
$815 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
XLT All-Wheel Drive ($36,820)
Eddie Bauer ($36,415)
Limited ($39,415)
Limited All-Wheel Drive ($42,890) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
4.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
210 hp |
|
Torque |
254 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Four Wheel Drive w/Low Range |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
13 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
19 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
15 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.7 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
45.1 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
85.8 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
3 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Acceptable |
|
IIHS Rear |
Acceptable |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Not Available |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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