2004-2005 Midsize SUV Comparison

Ford calls its base Explorer the XLS and equips it with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, which develops 210 horsepower and drives a five-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers willing to pay more can take several steps upward, to the XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer edition and top-of-the-line Limited. Mercury offers a closely related Mountaineer, which costs more and contains a greater number of amenities.


Explorers are also available with a 239-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Instead of rear-wheel drive, they can be equipped with ControlTrac four-wheel drive that operates on all road surfaces. This 4WD system includes a Low-range selector, for use on more difficult terrain.


Ford's midsize SUV has the longest wheelbase of the group, but it's only a hair longer overall than the Toyota 4Runner, measuring 189.6 inches from stem to stern. At 72.1 inches, the Explorer is the narrowest of the four models, but the Grand Cherokee and 4Runner aren't much wider. Explorers have an innovative independent rear suspension, which can improve ride comfort compared to SUVs that use a traditional-type suspension at the back end.


Ground clearance is 9.4 inches, which tops each of the three competitors. A two-wheel-drive Explorer can be equipped to tow as much as 5,760 pounds. Estimated fuel economy of a 2WD model, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is 16 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway.


Five-passenger seating is standard, but a third-row seat is available to expand capacity to seven occupants. Front-row headroom is comparable to the Jeep and Toyota, but short of the space offered by Honda's Pilot. Ford leads the group in front-row legroom, but has the least amount of hip space.