2012 Ford Explorer

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Ford’s got everything covered.  After a full redesign and 2011 North American Truck of the Year honors, the 2012 Explorer is here and now packs a 4-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine option for added fuel economy.  It really has gone the way of the crossover, a nice compliment given the times.

Check out what else compliments the 2012 Ford Explorer. 

Ford Explorer Trims and Features

The 2012 Explorer comes in Explorer, XLT, and Limited trims.  Base Explorer (from $28,280) comes equipped with 17” steel wheels, roof rails, 2nd and 3rd row privacy glass, cloth seats, 6 speaker CD/MP3 sound system, and MyFord/MyKey technology.

XLT Explorer ($32,095) adds exterior styling, 18” aluminum painted wheels, foglamps, power windows, and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.  XLT trims also offer a number of options, including MyFord Touch and SYNC, rearview camera, blind spot warning, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and power liftgate.

Limited Explorer ($37,855) gets 20” wheels, push button start, and comes standard with most of the XLT offered extras, though the sunroof, blind spot warning, and power liftgate are still extras.  Limited trims also get the option of 2nd row bucket seats and 3rd row PowerFold seat (with the Luxury Seating Package).  Push a buttom and the PowerFold seat automatically folds flat for more cargo space.

Voice activated navigation is also available for XLT and Limited trims.

Ford Explorer Performance

Explorer comes standard with a 3.5 liter V6 boasting 290 HP and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and available in front or all-wheel drive.  New for 2012 is the 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine: it’s a turbocharged 4-cylinder that’s capable of 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

Either engine choice is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; Explorer’s tow capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Ford Explorer Fuel Economy

Look for 17/25/20 (city/highway/combined) MPG for front-wheel drive (standard) and 17/23/19 with four-wheel drive.  EcoBoost Explorer will get you 20/28/23 MPG.

Ford Explorer Interior Highlights

Critics like Explorer’s upscale interior feel- some call it borderline luxury.  And seating for 7 has its advantages, though some say the MyFord Touch system can take a while to get used to.  Cargo-wise, Explorer has 80.7 cubic feet of space behind the front row, 43.8 with the 3rd row down, and 21 cubes with all seats upright.  Third row seating is predictably cramped, but 151.7 cubic feet overall feels spacious enough for the 1st and 2nd rows.  The optional PowerFold® 3rd seat is nice to have when you’re busy loading things.

Ford Explorer Safety

Part of what makes 2012 Explorer intriguing is the safety Ford has thrown its way.  Standard on every Explorer is traction control, roll stability and curve control, side curtain airbags (with Safety Canopy technology), and MyKey keeping young drivers in check.  But it’s the available blind spot and collision warning, rearview camera, rain sensing wipers, and inflatable seatbelts (2nd row) that raise the bar for safety tech.  Government crash tests give Explorer 4/5 stars overall; 4/5 for frontal collisions and rollovers, and 5/5 for side crashes.

2012 Explorer’s Bottom Line

It’s well reviewed and it’s still hot enough to be cool.  I’m sure you can still remember that either you or an acquaintance had and Explorer at one point.  They used to come in the mail with Tide samples and were as reliable as your questionably tapered jeans.  With this new generation, Ford is making a strong case for history to once again repeat itself.  You can buy a new Ford Explorer on CarWoo! now.