2007 Ford Explorer

Explorer's frame was completely upgraded last year for 63 percent more stiffness in bending and 55 percent more rigidity 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.


The trailing-arm independent rear suspension is lighter and stronger than the previous generation's short/long-arm design. The control-arm front suspension, also lighter and stronger than before, 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 designed for improved heat dissipation and durability to accommodate the increased 1420-pound maximum payload and 7,115-pound maximum tow rating (when properly equipped) that came with last year's Explorer's major update. 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.

Styling

The "bold" front end is offered with two distinct grilles dependent upon trim level: XLT and Limited, or Eddie Bauer. Celebrating Ford's support of the Ironman World Championship, the base Explorer XLT gets an options kick with a new-for-2007 Ironman Package that includes Ironman logos, 10-way, heated, leather-trimmed front seats (with the option for "Preferred Suede," 18-inch, machined aluminum wheels, and (exclusive to this package) Orange Frost paint. 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 190-watt, six-disc Audiophile stereo. The top-of-the-line Limited offers a monochromatic exterior, more interior amenities and a chromed 4-bar grille.


A PowerFold third row seat and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, and power running boards are optional on both Eddie Bauer and Limited. A DVD-based Navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a new, larger, 8-inch screen, and heated windshield are optional on all Explorer models. An audio input jack is now standard with all radios, and every Explorer model gets a redesigned door-pull cup on the front doors. Three new exterior colors are also added to the spectrum—Carbon Clearcoat Metallic, Orange Frost Clearcoat Metallic (Ironman only) and White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic (Limited only).

Interior

The new interior has quality accommodations throughout, including (unlike some competitors) a 3rd row that is actually habitable by full-grown adults. 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 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.