2011 Ford Explorer

Review

The 2011 Ford Explorer has undergone what seems to be a complete makeover. Shifting consumer tastes and a desire for greater fuel economy have driven this shift. A softer ride and simplified controls are just a couple of the highlights of the new Explorer, which aims to regain its lost market share by pleasing those who are likely to never use their vehicle in an off-road situation.

Test Drive

Ford Motor has taken auto reviewers on an impressive off-road test drive. There, the SUV was taken for a spin across desert dunes, where it easily handled deep sand that would bog down traditional crossover vehicles. Its condition-dependent settings allow it to be optimized for normal pavement, sand, snow, and mud. The “sand” setting performed admirably at keeping the Explorer from sinking into the loose substrate. Anti-roll technology ensured that it did not become dangerously unbalanced despite tackling tall and unstable dunes.

The air conditioning needs to be mentioned in connection with such extremely-hot driving conditions. The vehicle was kept comfortably cool despite outside temperatures of 119 degrees Fahrenheit, and a heat index of a whopping 191 degrees.

Interior Features

Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer, things have been simplified for easy use by the average driver. Typical 4WD controls, meant to facilitate off-road use, are gone. Instead, a “terrain management” system makes selecting the proper drive a simple matter of choosing the type of terrain one will be driving on. This keeps things easy for the 80% of people who will never take their Explorer off the road.

The instrument panel is an example of technology that was once limited to science fiction. The Explorer can recognize thousands of voice commands, but also includes switches and full-color screens for manual control.

Summary

The 2011 Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient than prior versions, thanks to its lighter unibody construction. It also sits a bit lower toward the ground, making it resistant to rollovers. Its modern control panel is easy to use and suits the needs of its most likely drivers.

The redesigned appearance of the 2011 Ford Explorer may not suit everyone’s tastes. It has a look that has been described as “snub-nosed,” yet it is also distinctive. For those who are looking for a strong off-roader, the Explorer’s shift towards a more car-like design may be a disappointment.

Overall, the changes Ford has made to the 2011 Explorer should make it a more desirable model than the Explorers of prior years for most modern SUV drivers. It rides more like a car, is more efficient, and drivers can even talk to it. If a driver does take it off-road, it performs well and can hold its own under some extreme conditions. It’s definitely worth a look for those in the market for a new SUV.