New look, Ford Explorer 2011
Click to enlarge, Ford explorer 2011 detail size
THE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned, with freshened styling, a new engine, and new features. This venerable nameplate moves to crossover-style unibody construction, sharing elements of its basic design with the Ford Taurus. All previous Explorers used traditional truck-type construction. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter in wheelbase but about 4 inches longer overall than the 2010 version. Trim levels include Base, volume XLT, and top-line Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system includes a console dial that alters throttle and other settings to accommodate mud, sand, and snow. Standard on all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. An optional 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is slated to arrive for the 2012 model year. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 and will be 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Explorer employs MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touchscreens and voice activation. It also incorporates the company's Sync cell phone and digital-music player control. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the XLT and Limited. Power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, remote engine start, and keyless entry/engine start are standard on the Limited. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.
The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned, with freshened styling, a new engine, and new features. This venerable nameplate moves to crossover-style unibody construction, sharing elements of its basic design with the Ford Taurus. All previous Explorers used traditional truck-type construction. The 2011 model is about 1 inch shorter in wheelbase but about 4 inches longer overall than the 2010 version. Trim levels include Base, volume XLT, and top-line Limited. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD system includes a console dial that alters throttle and other settings to accommodate mud, sand, and snow. Standard on all models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. An optional 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is slated to arrive for the 2012 model year. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 and will be 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Explorer employs MyFord Touch, which replaces traditional audio and climate controls with touchscreens and voice activation. It also incorporates the company's Sync cell phone and digital-music player control. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the XLT and Limited. Power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, remote engine start, and keyless entry/engine start are standard on the Limited. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Complate Ford Explorer 2011 specification
Exterior Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase [in] | 112.6 |
| Length [in] | 197.1 |
| Height [in] | 70.4 |
| Width - Excluding Mirrors [in] | 78.9 |
| Width - Including Mirrors [in] | 90.2 |
| Width - Mirrors Folded [in] | 82.5 |
| Front Track [in] | 67 |
| Rear Track [in] | 67 |
| Front Overhang [in] | 38 |
| Rear Overhang [in] | 46.5 |
| Approach Angle [deg] | 21.7 |
| Departure Angle [deg] | 21.4 |
| Ramp Breakover Angle [deg] | 16.5 |
| Minimum Running Ground Clearance [in] | 7.6 |
Interior Dimensions | |
| Head Room - First Row [in] | 41.4 |
| Head Room - Second Row [in] | 40.5 |
| Head Room - Third Row [in] | 37.8 |
| Leg Room - First Row [in] | 40.6 |
| Leg Room - Second Row [in] | 39.8 |
| Leg Room - Third Row [in] | 33.2 |
| Hip Room - First Row [in] | 57.3 |
| Hip Room - Second Row [in] | 56.7 |
| Hip Room - Third Row [in] | 40.7 |
| Shoulder Room - First Row [in] | 61.3 |
| Shoulder Room - Second Row [in] | 61 |
| Shoulder Room - Third Row [in] | 50.8 |
Capacities: Passengers, Luggage, Fuel | |
| Passenger Volume [cu. ft.] | 151.7 |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row [cu. ft.] | 80.7 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Second Row [cu. ft.] | 43.8 |
| Cargo Volume Behind Third Row [cu. ft.] | 21 |
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 18.6 |
Engine Specifications | |
| 3.5L V6 | |
| Drive type | Front-Wheel Drive (std.) / Intelligent 4WD (opt.) |
| Engine type | 3.5L Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic (std.) / 6-speed SelectShift Automatic (opt.) |
| Final drive ratio | 3.16 (FWD) / 3.39 (4WD) |
| Horsepower (net @ rpm) (Ford projected) | 283 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm) (Ford projected) | 252 @ 4100 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8: 1 |
| Valve lifters | Direct acting mechanical bucket |
| Induction System | Naturally aspirated |
| Fuel delivery | Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Quasi dual exhaust with chrome tips |
| Engine block type | Cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material | Cast aluminum |
| FWD V6 MPG | 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined |
| Four Wheel Drive V6 MPG | 17 city / 23 hwy / 19 combined |
Chassis Specifications | |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut front suspension with 32mm front stabilizer bar |
| Front shocks | Gas-pressurized twin tube |
| Rear suspension | Multi-link independent rear suspension with 22mm rear stabilizer bar |
| Rear shocks | Gas-pressurized twin tube |
| Brakes | Power 4-wheel disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) |
| Steering | Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) |
Towing Specifications | |||
| Optional Class III Trailer Tow Package | |||
| Configuration | Axle Ratio | GCWR | Max Loaded Trailer Weight |
| 3.5L TiVCT V6 FWD | 3.16 | 9920 | 5000 |
| 3.5L TiVCT V6 4WD | 3.39 | 10096 | 5000 |
