SUVs
2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V-8
What it Is: A mid-sized, V-8 powered, three-row four-wheel drive sport utility.
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.
What's Not: Poor fuel economy, expensive.
Family Friendly Options: Bluetooth, SYNC, navigation, back-up camera.
How It Got Its Score: The Ford Explorer V-8 offers more power than the V-6, and fuel economy is slightly better, too. However, cargo space isn't as generous, and the base price is steep.
With a V-8 engine, the 2010 Ford Explorer's towing rating shoots up to a very respectable 7,115 lbs., plenty for a medium sized boat or camper trailer. Amazingly, fuel economy actually improves over the V-6 four-wheel drive models; credit a six-speed automatic and more modern engine. Still, it's worse than the similarly-sized Kia Borrego V-8's fuel economy, and the Kia has a higher towing capacity as well. We're not bashing the Explorer, however. Unlike its car-based crossover competitors, the Explorer is a truck-based SUV, and offers up some serious off-road capability, whether equipped with the standard four-wheel drive system or with the optional all-wheel drive system on the Limited. The third row is standard, which means you only have 13.6 cu.-ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, but if you fold them down it expands to 43.9 cu.-ft. The Explorer is also available with the usual electronic goodies found in modern utility vehicles, such as a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest mounted screens, and Ford's SYNC music and cell phone integration system. Note that the Explorer will be replaced by a crossover of the same name in the near future, so if the idea of busting trails in an off-road Explorer appeals to you -- and you don't mind the fuel economy hit -- then you'd better act soon.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$36,910 |
| Destination |
$815 |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
Limited ($40,725)
Limited All-Wheel Drive ($44,200) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
4.6 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-8 |
|
Horsepower |
292 hp |
|
Torque |
315 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Four Wheel Drive w/Low Range |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
14 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
19 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
16 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.5 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Three |
|
Passengers |
Seven |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
13.6 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo Space (3rd Row Folded) |
43.9 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
83.7 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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