Exactly 25 years ago, the American auto giant introduced an SUV to the public, which subsequently won leading positions in ratings far beyond its native continent.
The Ford Explorer brand has become recognizable and has received a competitive package, which is constantly being upgraded as restyled models appear. Ford SUV fans have been looking forward to the anniversary generation of the Explorer XLT and have not been disappointed. The exterior, as well as the technical equipment, have undergone significant changes in comparison with previous models, which emphasizes the desire of designers to distinguish this instance from the classic series.
The updated Ford Explorer is already available for fans of the American car industry in Russia. The official cost is declared at the level 2,599,000 Russian rubles for the basic package plus a naturally aspirated V6 power unit with 3.5 liters of working volume. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the XLT is capable of developing a maximum power of 249 hp. Traditionally for heavy cross-country vehicles from Ford, this instance will have all-wheel drive.
Objectively, the solid cost is explained by the impressive bonuses included in the basic package. Aluminum alloy wheels, equipped with an electric driver's and front passenger's seat with the function of storing the set position, a high-quality audio system, climate and cruise control, parking sensors, electronic light and humidity sensors - all this makes up an incomplete list of advantages for new owners. The updated Ford Explorer, whose technical characteristics include automatic adjustment of the chassis behavior when driving on snow, grass and sand, also has useful electronic assistants when driving uphill or downhill.
For comparison, in the United States, the cost of a restyled model starts from $31,000, however, it has a complete set different from the Russian one. The debut version, presented at the motor show, was equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo engine, as well as a set of useful Platinum add-ons. At the moment, Russian buyers will not be able to evaluate all the advantages of this modification.
Already at first glance at the updated Ford Explorer, you can see the desire of designers to emphasize solid power under the hood as well as more rigid and masculine body outlines. Metallic notes appeared in the paint, the roof rails stand out with a chrome sheen, and tinting is now applied to all body windows, in contrast to darkening only the front ones in previous modifications. Under the total rethinking of the exterior of the SUV got the grille, front and rear lighting system. The final touch was the processing of the windshield wipers: now the wipers themselves in the lower position are recessed below the line of the hood cover.
This feature has become an additional plus in the treasury of the functionality of the model, as it has reduced the coefficient of streamlining of the body by 5 percent. Buyers of the Ford Explorer 2016 technical specifications and appearance, which have changed significantly, were able to evaluate the feedback from the developers of the concern. Previous versions had reduced visibility due to massive A-pillars. XLT solved this problem by applying a more optimal profile configuration.
The developers managed to combine the characteristics of a powerful SUV with a fairly comfortable interior. Modern finishing materials are gradually replacing traditional cladding, and the presence of built-in gadgets has become a prerequisite for the success of new models. Interactivity is supported by two touchscreen displays: 4-inch on the dashboard and 8-inch on the B-pillar. The large diagonal allows you to adequately evaluate the picture transmitted from the rear cameras.
It only takes a few minutes to customize the controls. This is facilitated by electric rear-view mirrors and setting the steering column to the required reach and height. For comfortable driving, a lot of pleasant things are provided, such as leather upholstery on the steering wheel and gearshift lever or velor floor mats.
The spaciousness of the cabin provides a spacious compartment above the front row of seats, and for small things you can use impressive boxes with a built-in armrest.
Along with the increase in developed power, the developers paid attention to an adequate expansion of security measures. A number of sensors have been added to traditional electronics (including fixing tire pressure), ESP exchange rate stabilization and a handbrake equipped with an automatic braking system. Six airbags are built into the interior upholstery.
Ford has pleased lovers of maximum comfort by presenting an SUV model with a Limited package. First of all, the leather upholstery and the interior lighting system attracts attention, allowing you to independently choose the desired shade from the palette. The exclusive navigation panel provides maximum convenience in driving. The pedals have an electric drive and the function of storing the level of depression. The cabin received a nice bonus in the form of heated seats and a professional-sounding speaker system with 12 built-in speakers.
For fans of aggressive driving, who prefer speed to comfort, the sports version will be more to their liking. The Sport package Ford Explorer prioritizes technical specifications, which outperforms the base almost 100 horsepower. Such a power breakthrough with the same engine displacement became real thanks to the use of turbocharging. The Explorer Sport accelerates to the cherished 100 km/h in a very good 6.4 seconds for an SUV, which is ahead of the standard schedule by as much as a second and a half.
The speed limit limiter in this version is set at 193 km/h. The increase in speed characteristics led to structural changes in the chassis. The rims have grown from 18 to 20 inches, and the suspension settings have been set to sport mode. For the pleasure of high-speed driving, owners of a turbocharged power unit will have to pay with fuel consumption increased to 17.3 liters.
As a conclusion, it should be recognized that American developers have released a truly competitive and high-quality product by the significant date. In the family of SUVs, in terms of financial component and technical characteristics, the eternal competitor Toyota Highlander is closest to the Ford Explorer 2016. But even with a superficial comparison, the Japanese counterpart is inferior in throttle response and fuel consumption. The price tag for Highlander is by the way higher by more than 800,000 rubles.
There are several other cars in a similar price range, including the Hyundai Grand Santa Fe and Nissan Pathfinder. The Korean company loses already by putting up for sale last year's model for a similar amount. Pathfinder is an attempt to combine the qualities of an off-road vehicle and a comfortable city car, as a result of which it is equipped with a CVT. At the same time, in off-road conditions, it cannot prove itself as a full-fledged SUV. As a result, the anniversary Ford Explorer, with an impressive ground clearance of 211 mm, remains one of the most attractive options in the SUV lineup at the moment.