2012 Ford Explorer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

2012 Ford Explorer: What Is It

One of Ford's three midsize crossover SUVs. This one has the most name recognition, as the Explorer goes back two decades to the infancy of the mainstream sport-utility vehicle.

This Explorer came online for the 2011 model year, shifting to a unibody crossover from the truck-type body-on-frame design used by all previous variants. It actually borrows some parts of its design from the Ford Taurus large sedan.

Explorer seats up to 7. It competes with similar vehicles offered by Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. Those are the Traverse, Pilot, CX-9, and Highlander, respectively.

2012 Ford Explorer: What's New

As Explorer went on sale for the 2011 model year, Ford isn't doing too much for 2012. The company's MyFord Touch interface gets an overhaul designed to make it faster and more responsive. All Explorers equipped with MyFord Touch will get the update. End users can perform it with a USB flash drive the company will ship to them. Dealers can do it as well.

A new 4-cylinder engine for front-wheel drive Explorers joins the lineup, too. What makes this change unusual is the fact that Ford is charging extra for the privilege. The new motor is designed to provide power similar to the existing V6 engine while delivering much better fuel economy.

2012 Ford Explorer: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

Explorer comes in three trim levels, Base, XLT, and Limited.

Standard are a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power driver seat, and keyless entry. Hill-descent control is included with all-wheel drive. The XLT adds rear-obstacle detection, a power passenger seat, satellite radio, and Ford's Sync infotainment system. The Limited has leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Ford Sync services and assistance, Sony-brand audio system, and MyFord Touch. Ordering all-wheel drive includes a knob that alters throttle and other settings to accommodate mud, sand, and snow.

Sync without MyFord Touch is optional on the Base, though selecting this option requires adding satellite radio. Many of the Limited's features are optional on the XLT. The Limited is available with some unique options, including forward-collision warning, hands-free parallel parking, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory, and cooled front seats.

A navigation system, power sunroof, power tailgate, and dual-screen DVD entertainment are optional on the XLT and Limited.

2012 Ford Explorer: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

All Explorers offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The new 4-cylinder engine is a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter unit that Ford dubs "EcoBoost." It's optional on all front-wheel drive Explorers. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission, regardless of engine choice.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the 4-cylinder.

2012 Ford Explorer: Fuel Economy

EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Ford Explorer is 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway with the V6 engine and front-wheel drive. AWD versions are rated at 17 city/23 highway. The 4-cylinder gets a score of 20/28.

All Explorers use regular-grade gas.

2012 Ford Explorer: Safety Features

The 2012 Ford Explorer has a standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features. Blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and 2nd-row inflatable outboard seat belts are optional on all but the Base. Lane-departure warning and prevention and forward-collision warning are optional on the Limited.