2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 4WD

Explorer's all-new frame is 63 percent stiffer in bending and 55 percent more rigid in twisting, enabling great improvements in ride, handling, steering response and interior quietness. The crossmembers pass through the framerails (as with the F-150), creating inherently stronger joints. Combined with more precise manufacturing techniques, this very solid structure also helps to significantly reduce long-term squeaks and rattles.

Interior

The new trailing-arm independent rear suspension is lighter and stronger than the previous short/long-arm design. The new control-arm front suspension—also lighter and stronger—like the rear uses monotube shocks tuned to take advantage of the stiffer frame for excellent ride with less harshness. The standard 4-wheel-disc brakes—with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist—are redesigned for improved heat dissipation and durability to accommodate the increased 1,520-pound maximum payload and 7,300-pound maximum tow rating (when properly equipped). We found the braking to be linear and powerful and the ride, handling and steering—with a nicely tight turning circle—surprisingly well for a truck-based SUV.


The new, "bolder" front end is offered with three distinct new grilles dependent upon trim level: base XLS, uplevel XLT, sporty Eddie Bauer or luxury Limited. The standard Eddie Bauer sports leather-trimmed seats, wood trim and a chromed three bar with nostrils grill. The available luxury package on our test truck adds two-toned, heated seats with stylish "Preferred Suede" inserts and a 290-watt, six-disc Audiophile® stereo. The top-of-the-line Limited offers a monochromatic exterior, more interior amenities and a chromed 4-bar grill. A PowerFoldTM third row seat, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and a DVD based Navigation system are optional on both Eddie Bauer and Limited.


The new interior has improved accommodations throughout, including (unlike some competitors) a 3rd row that is actually habitable by full-grown adults. More comfortable front seats (with available 10-way power for the driver's seat) ride on extended tracks that allow nearly one half inch more travel for ample front legroom. There are three configuration choices available for the second row: 60-40 split bench, reclining 60-40 split bench, or bucket seats with a console. Both second- and third-row benches fold flat on 7-passenger configuration, while the available 50/50 back-row bench has a new power-fold option—a class exclusive in the midsize SUV segment—and is raised 1.75 inches for better visibility. New articulating head restraints, providing enhanced safety, can be folded down for better rear visibility when the seats are unoccupied.

Cargo

The inside door handles are nicely integrated into the forward ends of the armrests, literally at your fingertips, and the window switches are a more intuitive push-pull design. Two more Explorer firsts include a console shifter and available DVD navigation that can verbally alert you to upcoming street names. We loved the convenient audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel spokes, but not the awkwardly low, below the armrests, door-pull handles with nothing to grab onto on the armrests themselves.