Renowned for its history of making strong, sturdy cars, Ford has been a cornerstone of the automotive industry in the country. They were the first to introduce the segment of mid-size SUVs with their stellar offering, the Ford Explorer, which looks ready to take on just about anything from everyday city commutes to adventurous travels. It brings the perfect balance between classy and rugged, making it a top choice for many auto enthusiasts.

Engine and performance
There are two engine options available for the Ford Explorer. Most trims are powered by a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows the car to go from 0 to 60 in about 6 seconds. These performance specifications put the car at a much higher rank, as compared to other rivals in the segment.
Buyers looking for a little more power can also opt for a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine, available on higher trims like ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.

Fuel economy
Since there are several powertrain and trim options to choose from, there is no single fuel economy available for the Ford Explorer as it depends entirely on the combination one picks. With the rear wheel drive and turbo-four, the car has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. On the all-wheel drive, this figure drops to 20 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively.
Those opting for the higher powertrain may have to settle for a reduced fuel economy. On the rear-wheel drive with the twin-turbo V-6, the SUV offers a fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This further drops to 18 and 24 mpg, respectively, with the all-wheel drive.

Interiors
The cabin of the Ford Explorer is designed to be functional for varied users. The car can easily accommodate up to seven people and comes equipped with many practical features, including cup holders, captain’s chairs, and more. Although the car has three rows of seats, adults may find it difficult to squeeze into the last row, which only offers 32 inches of leg space. Despite the seemingly tight space, travelers can easily fit four carry-on suitcases behind the third row.

Exteriors
The Ford Explorer’s strong and rugged-looking exteriors are a massive point of attraction. The SUV manages to look sporty and rugged at the same time with its bold lines, color options, and statement grille.

Pricing options
The Ford Explorer has six different trim options, prices for each of which begin at:

• Explorer XLT: $50,670
• Explorer Limited: $57,615
• Explorer ST-Line: $57,905
• Explorer Timberline: $59,265
• Explorer ST: $69,335
• Explorer Platinum: $70,235

To make the purchase even more lucrative for buyers, Ford also runs special programs, namely the Newcomer Program (for buyers making their first big purchase to establish themselves in the country), the Graduate Program (for fresh graduates), and the First-Time Buyer Program. Apart from these, the company also regularly runs schemes, sales, and financing offers to help one save some money on their purchase. For instance, buyers may be able to find a retail offer with a standalone APR of 5.99% for 84 months with 0 down payment, taking their car home for just $383 per month. Alternatively, those interested in leasing the Ford Explorer can do so without any security deposit, taking the car home for 20,000 annual KMS for 48 months for $376 (approximate) every fortnight. The most up-to-date information regarding these promotions can be found on the Ford website or one’s local Ford dealership.

Infotainment
All Ford Explorer models have an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also has standard voice-activated navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 12-speaker B&O Stereo (except in the base model). A 10.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen display option is available on higher trims.

Safety features
The brand has equipped the car with top-quality safety features. Thanks to its strong build, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the car its highest overall rating of 5 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has taken it one step further by listing the Explorer on its Top Safety Pick list.
The safety and driver assistance features that further add to its overall appeal include auto-high beam headlamps, rearview camera, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, hill descent control, pro-trailer back-up assist, and more. These features are offered as a part of the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology.

Warranty
When it comes to warranties, Ford’s plans are rather competitive. The basic warranty plan covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, while the Advanced or Powertrain plan offers coverage for up to five years or 60,000 miles. However, the brand does not offer any complimentary maintenance.
These specifications make the purchase a no-brainer for those looking for an athletic car with the practicality and functionality of a family vehicle. One can also look for deals and clearance sale periods at local dealerships to get the best price on various Ford Explorer models.