2007 Ford Explorer: Road Test
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2007 Ford Explorer ▼
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- MSRP: $25,300 -$35,295
- Invoice: $23,996 -$33,162
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Our road test for the 2007 Ford Explorer includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Ford Explorer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Ford Explorer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Ford Explorer help you decide if a 2007 Ford Explorer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.2 |
No V6 Explorer or Mountaineer made available for test. V8 versions provide ample power. Test 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Maximum towing capacity is 7300 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4 |
With 2WD, test V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. Mountaineer offers all-wheel drive and test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. Both V6 and V8 use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Explorer and Mountaineer among best-riding truck-type SUVs. Explorer compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers, however, say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 |
Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering responsive, accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel, no undue nosedive in quick stops.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.6 |
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road noise well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.6 |
Explorer, Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. Transmission shift lever blocks easy access to climate controls. Dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, despite presence of many hard plastic surfaces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry/exit complicated by fairly high step-in. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Available power running boards automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 8 |
Opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is heavy to open and close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room, but leave gaps large enough for smaller items to fall through. Optional power folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 5.9 |
Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features. These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineer provides nothing of consequence over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick for its broader range of model choices.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 62 | 58.4 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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