SUVs
2010 Ford Explorer XLT Rear-Wheel Drive
What it Is: A mid-sized 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 score is mostly due to its poor fuel economy, which trails many of its competitors. The strong crash test ratings and generous cargo space help make up for it.
The Ford Explorer is one of the primary reasons people began giving up their minivans in favor of utility vehicles in the early '90s. The boxy Ford SUV became as ubiquitous in suburbs as Chrysler minivans had in the '80s. However, time has passed the Explorer by in many ways. While utility vehicles are still very popular, most are car-based crossovers, and not truck-based SUVs like the Explorer. In addition, the 2010 Explorer's V-6 engine lacks both the horsepower and fuel economy of some competitors, such as the 2010 Toyota 4Runner or the Kia Borrego. Still, the Explorer has its merits. An available third row seat (standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited models; part of a $2,995 option package on the XLT) expands seating up to seven people, although it shrinks the cavernous 45.1 cu.-ft. of cargo space to a tiny 13.6 cu-.ft. when it's in use. However, it can be ordered with a power folding mechanism, greatly enhancing its convenience. The Explorer is also available with the usual bag of Ford's electronic goodies known as SYNC. The system integrates cell phones and music devices into the existing audio system through a USB port, allowing quick voice command of your phone and your music without additional programming. Note that the Explorer will soon be replaced with an all-new crossover model, which will likely put it on better footing against vehicles like the Chevy Traverse.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$29,280 |
| Destination |
$815 |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
Eddie Bauer ($34.095)
Limited ($37,395) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
4.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
210 hp |
|
Torque |
254 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Rear Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
5-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
14 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
20 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
16 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.8 |
|
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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