Test drive Ford Explorer
Test Drive

Test drive Ford Explorer

The main plus of the top-end modification of the updated crossover is an incredible voice. If in the usual version, no matter how you spin the engine, there is silence in the cabin, then this one sounds very thoroughbred, in the style of American muscle cars 

Updated Ford Explorer. For the most affordable version of the SUV, which has not changed too much, they ask for $ 4. more than before restyling. However, Explorer and I were lucky twice.

Firstly, the mountain roads in Chechnya were thoroughly cleaned, so that, unlike the first group, we did not miss the plane and were not left without a cellular connection for five hours. Secondly, the owner of the pre-styling Explorer was in the car with me - with his help, it was easier to see minor changes in the SUV.

Externally, it is not difficult to distinguish the updated crossover from the previous version. Explorer changed the old optics to diode, and this is very important, because in the previous version, even having paid two prices for a new car, the buyer could not get anything but halogen lamps. The SUV also got other bumpers and a stylish radiator grill, got huge foglights that moved closer to the hood, new lights and a different shape of the fifth door. The changes are least visible if you look at the Explorer in profile: restyling is given only by other moldings and the design of the rims.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer



On a ride from its predecessor Explorer practically does not differ at all. The motors are the same here: a 3,5-liter with 249 hp. - in conventional versions, 3,5-liter, but with a return of 345 hp - for Sport options. The main advantage of this modification is the incredible "voice". If in the usual version, no matter how you spin the engine, there is silence in the cabin, then this one sounds very thoroughbred, in the style of American muscle cars.

At the same time, it was the sports modification of the SUV that turned out to be quieter - the sound insulation of both versions was improved as part of the adaptation of the car to Russia. Along with additional insulation of the floor and the spare wheel area, Explorer, by the way, received very effective front and rear camera washers, electric heating of mirrors, windshield, steering wheel, front seats and second-row seats, metal bumper protection, the ability to refuel AI-92 and 12- year warranty against perforation corrosion. And yet there is no perfect silence in the cabin. In the regular Explorer, road noises were more audible. However, the answer is simple: Sport, unlike the 249-horsepower counterpart, was on non-studded tires.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer

And the "sport" has a stiffer suspension, due to which he feels more confident when maneuvering at speed. But in general, even though it is much faster (6,4 versus 8,7 s to 100 km / h), the character of both versions is similar - the same as the SUV had before restyling. The Explorer is unflappable, grips the road well and responds very briskly to the steering wheel for a car of this size. By the way, the “steering wheel” is the only thing that has noticeably changed in the Explorer in terms of handling. It has become sharper and more informative than before. It has also become more convenient to drive at night along the highway: the car itself switches the light from near to far, at the same time reminding that the halogen light has not disappeared here - the high beam is not diode and not xenon.

At first glance, these are all changes. At least, that's what one might have thought before attending Ford's premiere press conference. It’s good that the owner of the previous Explorer was with us in the car: “Oh, two new USB ports in the back and, by the way, it’s much more spacious here.” The legroom of the rear passengers, according to the passport characteristics, has increased by 36 millimeters. At the same time, the machine itself added only 13 mm in length, became already 16 mm and lower by 15 millimeters. Incidentally, the volume of the luggage compartment has also grown (with the second and third rows of seats folded down) - by 28 liters. The fifth door now opens like on the Kuga - just slide your foot under the rear bumper, provided that you have the key in your pocket.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer



The new multicontour massage seats also deserve special mention. For some reason, they are not available in the top Sport version, and this is its big drawback. Massage is more of a toy: it does not relax your back and gets bored after 10 minutes, but the chairs themselves are incredibly comfortable, even despite the not the longest pillow. They have 11 pressure-adjustable segments that can be inflated through the multimedia system. Compared to the uncomfortable seats on the previous Explorer, these are simply great.

But the most noticeable step towards convenience is, of course, the replacement of touch buttons with physical ones. On the previous Explorer, it was simply impossible to manage, for example, the climate control in winter with gloves. Now everything is simple: no need to move your finger across the display, but just press a real key. The issue with sensors, according to representatives of Ford, is still closed. They can return only after a significant improvement in technology.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer



On the whole, the SYNC system practically does not differ from its predecessor: the graphics are pleasant, it is still difficult to understand the menu, it works without "brakes", but it seems that they disappeared after the previous firmware.

There are little things inside the SUV that you don't notice right away. For example, other plastic in the finish. It is much nicer to the touch and visually than before. On the dashboard, the numbers are now read better, but our passenger again drew attention to the changed shape of the front pillars. Ford representatives later confirmed at a press conference that it had changed. This was done to improve visibility. It really got better, but the racks are still massive and because of them you can not see a pedestrian crossing the street, and even during maneuvers, visibility is not enough.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer



One of our luck was superimposed on another and gave a small minus: we did not get stuck in the mountain snow and did not give a reason to prove ourselves to the all-wheel drive system. It has five modes of operation: "mud", "sand", "snow", "downhill", "normal". Depending on the selected, the system regulates the distribution of torque to the wheels, delays or accelerates upshifts.

Are all the changes the Explorer received worth $4. ($672. in the case of the Sport version)? The SUV has been updated with an eye to the opinion of the owners of the pre-styling version. They will be happy and will most likely buy themselves an updated SUV. However, Ford wants to attract new customers. In America, Explorer is the best-selling SUV, and in Russia it is still far from this indicator. Toyota Highlander, one of the Explorer's main competitors, rules here. As well as Mitsubishi Pajero, Volkswagen Touareg, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Prado. There are at least two main arguments for an SUV from Ford, according to company representatives. The first is the low cost of maintenance up to 5 kilometers. It is equal to $339 and below in the class only Pathfinder has $100. The second is rich equipment, the presence of options unique for the segment, such as second-row inflatable seat belts and automatic perpendicular parking.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer



In total, Explorer has four trim levels: XLT for $37 Limited for $366 Limited Plus for $40. and Sport for $703. Each has a full set of the previous one, plus some other options: 42-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, rain sensors and so on. The only exception is the Sport variant, which does not have the multi-contour seats that are available in the Limited Plus variant. And yet, the novelty is likely to have a hard time in the fight for new customers. Explorer really changed more seriously than it seems at first, eliminated most of its shortcomings, but now it is more expensive than almost all competitors.

 

Test drive Ford Explorer

Photo: Ford

 

 

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