Already available with a peppy EcoBoost I4 engine that delivers up to 28 mpg highway, the Ford Explorer will soon show off the other side of the Blue Oval’s signature powertrain technology in the form of a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that will deliver north of 350 hp. The new model—the 2013 Explorer Sport—also gets outfitted with a hi-po suspension for improved driving dynamics, as well as fresh design cues that spotlight its more athletic personality.
But even so, the Explorer Sport will still have the best fuel efficiency in its class (“gas-engine, high-performance SUVs”), with projected EPA ratings of 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway; that makes for advantages of 3 mpg/2 mpg against the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter HEMI engines that deliver comparable power, and bests the Land Rover Range Rover Sport by 3 mpg/4 mpg.
Set to become the range-topping member of the Explorer family, the new Sport version naturally offers drivers a plethora of premium features, including standard and optional equipment like:
■An advanced four-wheel-drive setup with Ford’s innovative Terrain Management System
■Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
■Heated first-row seating, with a 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar functions and a six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar capabilities
■A rearview camera
■SYNC with MyFord Touch driver connect technology
■An up-scale Sony sound system with 12 speakers and HD Radio capability
■A dual-panel moonroof
■Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with rear cross-traffic alert
■Inflatable rear seatbelts
■An advanced four-wheel-drive setup with Ford’s innovative Terrain Management System
■Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
■Heated first-row seating, with a 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar functions and a six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar capabilities
■A rearview camera
■SYNC with MyFord Touch driver connect technology
■An up-scale Sony sound system with 12 speakers and HD Radio capability
■A dual-panel moonroof
■Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with rear cross-traffic alert
■Inflatable rear seatbelts
“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager for the vehicle. “By carefully beefing up the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance—while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”
