More famous than Pizarro
Want to know why the Ford Explorer continues to be a bestseller? Get in one and take it home. But be sure and brush up first — here are the basics.
Ford Explorer Trims and Feature Highlights
The Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV that’s available in four trim levels for 2013: Base, XLT, Limited, and Sport. All trims feature seating for seven (Limited models have a second row bucket seat option for a six passenger setup), 80 cubic feet of total cargo space, and either optional or standard 4-wheel drive. There are three engine choices available, depending on the trim, including two EcoBoost options that offer a nice balance between horsepower and economy.
Standard features for Base Explorer are sparse, though higher trims add plenty of luxury and tech. Options include niceties like a power liftgate, active park assist, voice activate navigation, and heated/cooling leather seats, and some impressive safety tech that includes blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, and lane departure systems.
The 2013 Explorer starts at $29,135.
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Ford Explorer Performance
The 2013 Explorer is given a standard 3.5 liter V6 worth 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ford pairs this engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive optional. The 4-wheel drive option comes with the Terrain Management System, allowing drivers to shift between Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Grass/Gravel/Snow settings, so as to match driving conditions.
All front-wheel drive trims are also given an EcoBoost option; it’s a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. and is paired with a 6-speed auto. Though the EcoBoost engine doesn’t fire off the line, it boasts excellent fuel numbers.
Go with the Explorer Sport and receive a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6. The turbocharged engine is given 365 horses and 350 lb.-ft. along with a 6-speed auto fitted with paddle shifters and standard all-wheel drive.
Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
Explorer’s standard V6 is given an EPA estimated 17/24/20 (city/highway/combined) MPG with front-wheel drive, and 17/23/19 with the 4-wheel drive option.
2.0 liter EcoBoost models achieve an impressive 20/28/23 MPG, and the 3.6 liter EcoBoost Explorer Sport gets 16/22/18.
Ford Explorer Interior Highlights
Ford has gone upscale with Explorer’s cabin, made possible by soft touch materials and attractive trim features that feel as good as they look. Speaking of comfort, most families will find plenty of it, along with a mostly spacious seating arrangement, though the third row is best left to kids. The MyTouch system takes a bit of getting used to, but offers a nice one-stop arrangement for all your in-commute infotainment needs.
The second row features almost 40 inches of legroom, and the third drops to 33 inches. Total cargo room stands at 80.7 cubic feet, and is made more easily accessible by the optional power liftgate and power-folding third row.
Ford Explorer Safety
Standards for every 2013 Explorer include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, Hill start assist, trailer sway control, MyKey, and Curve Control that makes sure you’re not going too fast headed into sharp turns.
Optional safety tech includes blind spot warning with cross traffic alert, lane departure and lane keep assist, inflatable rear seat belts, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, active park assist, rain-sensing wipers, and, of course, a rearview camera.
The NHTSA gives the 2013 Ford Explorer a perfect 5/5 overall crash test rating.
Ford Explorer Summary
Despite less interior space than some of the competition, the 2013 Explorer covers every other category, and covers them well. Want luxury? Fuel economy? Sport performance? Exciting tech features? All of the above? If yes, go Explorer-ing.
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