What’s in a name? If you’re talking about the latest model year of the Ford Explorer, quite a lot. With its recently updated lineup, this family-friendly SUV continues to raise the bar, explore boundaries, and shatter limitations.
Read this review by the team at The SmartLots to find out why the Ford Explorer continues to be a popular choice for drivers in Daytona, Palm Coast, or DeLand, FL and has been named America’s all-time best-selling SUV.*
MAX HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN SIZE
MAX CARGO CAPACITY
TRI-ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
5G LTE WI-FI HOTSPOT
BLUECRUISE HANDS-FREE DRIVING
With a name like Explorer, it’s only natural that you’d have certain expectations for this SUV. Fortunately, it’s from Ford, so be prepared to have every expectation met—and exceeded.
The Ford Explorer offers two powertrain options, ranging from 300 to 400 horsepower (HP), so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Engine |
Horsepower
|
Torque
|
|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine(standard) | 300 HP | 310 lb-ft |
| 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine | 400 HP | 415 lb-ft |
Both engines are paired with a recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers fast acceleration, smooth shifting, and efficient operation. Available paddle shifters put the control firmly in your own hands.
The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which provides balanced handling, improved traction, and greater stability. Available intelligent 4-wheel drive (4WD) sends torque to the wheels as needed. Meanwhile, the standard Terrain Management System™ optimizes performance regardless of conditions.
With its six standard Selectable Drive Modes, you can adjust your Explorer’s traction and stability control, steering feel, and transmission shift points:
Select a mode to match conditions or your preferred driving experience as you traverse farther with the Ford Explorer.
When you’re ready to pack up the family or your friends and head out into nature, hitch up a camper or fishing boat—with its standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Standard Trailer Sway Control ensures you remain in charge. Meanwhile, a standard front skid plate (rear skid plates are available) makes it possible to head boldly off the pavement and into the rough.
Even as your Ford Explorer is equipped to take on rough-and-tumble adventures, you and your crew will enjoy the comforts of a spacious, well-furnished cabin. With its recent design updates, the Explorer proves that Ford is constantly raising its standard of excellence.
The latest Explorer is a head-turner and attention-grabber. Its lower center of gravity and larger grille—unique to each trim—reflect its fearless attitude and your thrill-seeking personality. Sleek LED headlamps and taillamps frame the front and rear fascia, ensuring you can see and be seen.
Choose from seven wheel styles, ranging from 18 to 21 inches in various shades and finishes, including new Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels. Additional exterior options for the latest model year include a new Vapor Blue Metallic paint and a black-painted roof.
Once you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the pushed-forward dash that opens up the cabin. The Explorer has brand-new options for its interior color scheme and offers premium materials, like wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces, ActiveX® or leather seating, and silver mesh accents. Choose from multiple packages and ambient lighting in seven colors to personalize the interior to your specific tastes.
Comfort is assured for everyone on board thanks to standard heated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control. Your passengers can take their seats in the second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry or on the third-row 50/50 split-fold bench. As the driver, you can further increase your comfort with available multicontour massaging seats and a heated steering wheel.
Ford builds vehicles tough and smart. That’s evident from the impressive infotainment and safety technologies you’ll enjoy in the Ford Explorer—including the debut of the Ford Digital Experience.
This latest Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to include the Ford Digital Experience that expands your connections and customization options with standard:
You’ll enjoy easy access to apps, maps, music, and more. Send a text, make a call, or change the climate with a simple voice command to Google or Alexa. A wireless charging pad is available to keep the cabin clear of cord clutter, too.
Every road trip needs a soundtrack. Cue up your favorite adventure-worthy playlist through the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 10 or 14 speakers. You can cruise down the highway to some smooth jazz or chill lo-fi or rock out while you head off-road and take on, well, rocks.
Safety is your priority whenever you take the wheel. It’s Ford’s prime concern, too, which is why they incorporate the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite of driver-assistance technologies into their models, including the Ford Explorer. Among these protective features are:
Select models of the Ford Explorer offer available BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving. Take a break from fully hands-on driving while your Explorer handles the accelerating, braking, steering, and lane centering on over 130,000 miles of roads across North America.
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Part of selecting the right SUV is being able to explore various possibilities. Whether it’s the number of drivetrains or multiple engines a model offers, you benefit from having the power of choice. When one of those options also provides more power, as it does with the Ford Explorer, it’s a win-win.
Explorer |
vs
|
Traverse
|
|---|---|---|
| Available | 4-WHEEL DRIVE | Not Offered |
| 2 | ENGINE OPTIONS | 1 |
| 400 HP | MAX HORSEPOWER | 328 HP |
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SUVs like the Ford Explorer and the Toyota Highlander are designed for adventures beyond the asphalt. That said, only one model provides the necessary components without an upgrade to ensure you can move forward without hesitation. Regardless of trim level, this Ford is equipped to explore the highlands, the lowlands, and every place in between.
Explorer |
vs
|
Highlander
|
|---|---|---|
| 6 | STANDARD DRIVE MODES | 4 |
| Standard | FRONT SKID PLATE | Not Offered |
| Standard | TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM™ | Available |
|
 |
Like Ford with the Explorer, Kia has made numerous updates to the Telluride for its latest model year. Still, the Ford Explorer goes the extra mile when it comes to comfort and convenience—making every mile more enjoyable for the driver as well as everyone on board.
Explorer |
vs
|
Telluride
|
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable | STANDARD DRIVER’S SEAT | 6-way manual |
| Tri-zone | STANDARD CLIMATE CONTROL | Dual-zone |
| Available | HANDS-FREE DRIVING | Not Available |
What would you call the all-time best-selling family SUV that handles off-road adventures equally as well as everyday driving near Daytona, Palm Coast, or DeLand, FL? Ford calls it the Explorer; by now, you may want to call it yours.
To make that happen, contact The SmartLots to get behind the wheel and start exploring more of your world today.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Explorer for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
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