2017 Ford Explorer

If you have a large family that is always on the move, you need a large and spacious vehicle. While many families opt for the less expensive vans, for a bit more driving fun, comfort and luxury with your family, consider the Ford Explorer which features a good mix of fuel economy and the luxurious feel of high-end SUVs and is offered at a relatively affordable price.

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2017 Ford Explorer Exterior

The 2017 Ford Explorer will be offered in five trim levels which are; Base, XLT, Limited, XLT Sport and Platinum. Expect the new 2017 Ford Explorer to feature extensive changes.

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At the front, the vehicle has been modified and features a new grille, bumper, a redesigned hood and new LED headlights. At the back, the Explorer features a new bumper design, new exhaust pipes, LED taillights and modified pillars. The base models will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels while higher trims get 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Higher trims of the 5-door SUV will also get a moon-roof, HID headlights and rain sensing wipers among other features.

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2017 Ford Explorer Interior

The interior will be upgraded with quality materials and the latest technologies in the industry. The cabin features a 3- row seating arrangement and accommodates 7 passengers.

The SUV features as standard; cloth upholstery on seats, 60/40 split-folding second row seats, 50/50 split folding third row seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a 4.2 –inch display screen,  Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio inputs, a CD player and a rearview camera.

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The XLT trim adds rear parking sensors, 8-way power driver’s seat, a satellite radio, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, keyless ignition and a steering wheel wrapped in leather. The XLT has an optional Equipment Group 201A package which adds a remote start, SD card, leather upholstery, front heated seats, Sync functionality, an 8-inch touch-screen, and a configurable gauge cluster.

The Limited trim bundles all XLT package features and adds perforation on the front seats, a 110 V outlet, a premium Sony audio system, a tilt steering and telescoping steering wheel, driver memory setting and HD radio. The trim also has a 301A optional package which adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, brake priming and a massage function on the front seats.

Top trims come equipped with all 301A package features and adds aluminum and wood trims to the interior, captain chairs on the second row, a rear entertainment system and a dual-panel sunroof.

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Engine Specs and Performance

The 2017 Ford explorer will be offered in 3 drive-train options. All engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system which sends power to the front wheels as standard with an option for an AWD for the lower trims (AWD is standard on the Sport and Platinum trims).

To start with, the base, XLT as well as the Limited trims will feature a 3.5 L, V-6 unit which is capable of producing 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.

The second engine is offered on the Sport and Platinum trim levels. It is still a 3.5 L, V-6 engine tweaked to produce 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Motorists looking for more economy can opt for the 2.3 L, 4-cylinder engine which delivers 270 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is optional for the base, XLT and Limited trims. Official EPA ratings are not out but the automaker says that the Explorer returns an estimated 22 mpg on combined drives. Speed and acceleration details are yet to be released; we will inform you immediately such information is available.

2017 Ford Explorer Spy Photo

2017 Ford Explorer Spy Photo

Price and release date

The 2017 Ford Explorer will hit the market in the second half of 2016. No official information concerning the release date or price has been released by the automaker. As for the price, expect the Explorer to start at around $ 30,000 MSRP for the base model.

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Competition

Competition in this segment is high and increasing by the day as every automaker tries to come up with a better model than rivals. The Explorer SUV will face competition from the likes of Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot.

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9 Comments

  1. Deb Tilton February 26, 2016
    • Charles McCormick June 3, 2016
  2. Duane April 12, 2016
  3. rd April 23, 2016
  4. mark May 21, 2016
    • Brandi June 2, 2016
  5. Dave May 24, 2016
  6. Marc July 6, 2016
    • Shawn July 14, 2016

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