2012 Ford Explorer Review
A new kind of Explorer gets a new kind of engine.
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Summary
This latest-generation Ford Explorer is larger, better looking, quieter, more powerful and far more fuel efficient than the pre-2011 models. The 2012 Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost option delivers a class leading 28 mpg Highway EPA rating. The Explorer offers lots of choices: three trim levels, two engines, front- or all-wheel drive and plenty of class-exclusive options. The base Explorer in particular jumps out. It's a fully quipped, state-of-the-art seven-seat SUV for under $30,000, with a smooth, powerful V6 that gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg Highway.
Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after his test drive of the Ford Explorer near Portland, Oregon.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Ford Explorer ($28,870); XLT ($32,345); Limited ($37,855) |
| Engines: | 2.0-liter dual overhead cam turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions: | 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual-stage front-impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, full-cabin head protection curtains, antilock brakes (ABS), AdvanceTrak electronic stability control (ESC) with rollover stability protection and trailer sway control, tire-pressure monitor, SOS crash alert |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | inflatable rear seatbelts, blind spot warning system with cross traffic alert, rearview camera, reverse sensing system, adaptive cruise control |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Chicago, Illinois |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Ford Explorer ($28,870) |
| Standard Equipment: | fabric upholstery, six-way power driver's seat, air conditioning with particulate filter, AM-FM stereo with six speakers, single CD and auxiliary input, power windows, side mirrors and locks, cruise control, tilt/telescope steering wheel with audio controls, MyKey parental control, center console with storage box, overhead console with map lights, illuminated vanity mirrors, eight cup or bottle holders, four 12-volt power points, 60/40 split folding second row and 50/50 third row seats, cargo light, cargo hooks, carpeted floor mats, rear privacy glass, halogen projector-beam headlights, roof rails, 175-amp alternator, no-cap fuel filler, 17-inch steel wheels with plastic covers |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | EcoBoost 240-hp turbocharged I4 engine ($995); SYNC voice activation with Bluetooth ($295); SiriusXM satellite radio hardware ($195); cargo shade ($135) |
| Destination Charge: | 825 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 31315 |
| Layout: | front-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 240 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 270 @ 1750 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 20/28 |
| Wheelbase: | 112.6 |
| Length/width/height: | 197.1/90.2/70.4 |
| Track, f/r: | 67.0/67.0 |
| Turning circle: | 38.9 |
| Seating capacity: | 7 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 41.4/57.3/40.6 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | 40.5/56.7/39.8 |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.8/40.7/33.2 |
| Cargo volume: | 80.7 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | NA |
| Suspension, f: | independent short/long arm, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent multi-link, coil-over shock absorbers |
| Ground clearance: | 8.0 |
| Curb weight: | 4503 |
| Tires: | P245/65R17 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Fuel capacity: | 18.6 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2012 Ford Explorer, click here: 2012 Ford Explorer.
