Roadfly.com - 2011 Ford Explorer Review & Test Drive

The 2011 Ford Explorer takes a huge evolutionary leap, transitioning from an old-school ladder-frame SUV to a modern, car-like crossover.
I found it a willing partner for the suburban life, with the best 3rd-row stowing mechanism I could possibly have imagined, and decent fuel economy as well (nearly 20mpg observed, EPA rated 17/23).
The chassis is rock-solid, and at high speed feels nearly as composed as some European luxury-performance utes I've recently tested. The 3.5L V6 makes 283hp and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, but is handicapped by a 6-speed "SelectShift" transmission that offers manual shift capability--but only via a tiny rocker switch on the shift knob itself.
It's a great start for Ford, with a few minor (and easily fixable) glitches. The NAV system for example is very comprehensive, but equally convoluted. A few tweaks here and there would produce a truly excellent product.
-Ross Rapoport, Road Test Editor and Video Host
Visit roadflytv.com for more pictures and a downloadable window sticker.
Vehicle: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited
Base Price: $39,190
Price as tested: $45,060
Engine: 3.5L V6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with SelectShift
Horsepower: 283 @ 6500rpm
Torque: 252 lb.-ft @ 4100rpm
0-60 MPH: 8.3 seconds
Warranty: 3 years, 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper; 5 years, 60,000 miles powertrain warranty
Fuel Economy: 17 city / 23 highway MPG
Towing Capacity: 5,000lb
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IMDB - www.imdb.com/title/tt1790415/

[@rdwhite83]

Thanks for another great video Ross! I'd not heard or seen anything about those cool seats! Thanks for teaching me something today!

[@PorscheCayenneLover]

Excellent review Ross!

[@whatever04811]

Good job Ross

[@ebhaha59]

Really like this car, not sure if I´d buy it but nice anyway, nice way of reviewing from Ross. Keep up the good work! Ford is finally doing it right.

[@rapandrnb]

I love Ross's reviews.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

It's really a great drive! Ive owned it now for 3 months~6500mi. We took it to MyrtleBeach with great pleasure. Averaged 26.5mpg @ 75mph, 4 adults with the rear seats flat for storage. Although mine is an XLT, the drive and handling is better than my old 2006 500! Turning is tighter than the 500 and there less noise! Its used for work and I have enough room behind the third row (its about the room for 4~ 5gal gal tanks). Mine was this first in the area of Powell but now I've seen about ten!

[@juukame]

i gotta say, those folding seats are pretty awesome

[@hampstershat123]

nice was waiting for this!

[@bonniendlo]

His shortness makes this car look bigger

[@gbritaney]

Can you spend more time on the interior of your car reviews in the future? Like see how much knee room there is in the back seat and the third row...also the small details does it have enough cup holders. I know it's kinda asking a lot, but those details really help me out. Awesome review of the explorer!!

[@neil10451]

Hey again Ross. To tell the truth you're the kind of guy I'd like to have for a friend. INTELLIGENT. Piss on what those other guys say. Smart makes up for short. I always hated being the big dumb jock so I decided to be the SMART guy in the bunch. As I told my (used to be pretty) sisters. Beauty fades, but smart lasts a lifetime. Jessi won't always be "Eye Candy" but you'll always be smart. I like you dude. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@Cali_Lux_Cruiser]

I absolutely love this new Explorer. But, the 2nd generations are my absolute favorite.

[@hawkmankid]

I would surely buy one once it hits the local soil! Nice family SUV!

[@bwestindc]

Great review. Just when I think I'm on the path to buy the Enclave, along comes Ross with a comprehensive report on the virtues of the new Explorer. Guess it's back to eenie, meanie, miney, moe.

[@amathew711]

i really like ford is taking some risks with design instead of the same old conservtive b.s. good job ford. great review btw.

[@edmaluf]

Hi Ross, please test the 4 cylinder version too. (I know some will complain that you'd be testing the same car twice). But it is such a different engine as far as Explorers are concerned, not to mention that it's the new trend with Ford (4 cylinder, turbo), that I think we deserve this "repeated test drive". (Thumbs up if you agree)

[@advosburgh]

Good looking SUV, well done Ford.

[@Kirbynessness]

Awesome!

[@PostmoderneModelWorks]

If I didn't know better I would think the only way to use navigation or climate setting is through the touch screen, and would have to stop to use some features. There was no mention that all the functions can be controlled through voice commands while driving, or the five way button on the steering wheel.

[@kelleredison]

@OmarDammam03 Ross is the BEST! I really enjoy watching his reports, very professional and accurate in his information as well! And it does not hurt that he is very easy on the eyes! Good work Ross, keep it going mister, your the best!

[@cabrioglx]

Ross whomever shot this for you did you in dude! It almost looks like tiny-man trick photography!!! LOL!!! Great review though!

[@ManGaribay]

So if I don't want the 4x4, is the base model front or rear wheel drive?

[@rml695]

What ever happened to that four cylinder model they were going to bring out?

[@SwPiotrek]

It's simply great.

[@moritani13]

What a huge car...

[@GBraidi78]

@TCB1468 If you looked at the GPS closly when he was messing with it, it said Reston,VA!!

[@warrengelisanga]

@jwatwater thats why you can talk to it (sync system) and make it adjust the volume for you and everything else hell it can even read text messages.

[@Dankcatvacs]

why no locking diff or low range?

[@MrYoda1972]

hi. i'm currently looking at this SUV and the Nissan Pathfinder or even the Mazda CX9. which vehicle do you think i should go for. im not really an off-roader driver, i just need that off road ability just in case ill find myself in that situation.

[@datboiwes333]

@Snapper314 I think he was comparing it to the Grand Cherokee because a lot of people who would buy a GC would check out an Explorer when SUV shopping. Plus most people who own Grand Cherokee's probably wouldn't go off road with them anyway.

[@Tbolt1000TForLife]

ever think of the chevy tahoe? it's still a body on frame with a solid rear axle and is rugged and stiff, and is not in any way car based

[@whatever04811]

Will Explorer be available in Europe? Will it have an optional diesel engine?

[@Ugross2195]

How is leg room in the second and third rows?

[@gene978]

Ross Excellent review as always! How was the ride? I see you have a ride selector switch. Also do you think they will offer the EcoBoost motor? And how were the seats? Stiff, soft, good materials? No Lie Ross. I live in a city no one has heard of Fitchburg, MA. When this SUV came out. I saw so many in the first few weeks on the road here. 90% female drivers. It was like these people didn't care paying top $ for this car. And with $4 a gallon gas!

[@lgreen5]

Ross, how don't the explore rate against the new Durango? Test the Durango next.

[@TCB1468]

Where in northern va do you test your cars?

[@Dirtyharry70585]

@TypeR1013 My loaded xlt without nav and AWD was listed @$36.9k, I bought it for $34k. If you get a chance it see the ford exhibit of one of these with the bottom up, like in Detroit with the raptor, its stout and has massive front and rear control arms. Even changing the oil is easy-no spilling on the pipes!

[@StangBang35]

Where was this shot caz i live in Prince William County

[@Barobran92]

Have ya not seen the T&C/ Grand Caravan, they have the same power rear folding seats. These are super nice, but i love my Acadia.

[@randomhandle20003]

@2003SCT Well said man. Not to mention, if you option out an MDX, you can hit $60k pretty easily.

[@mfattal]

Whats better this or the 2011 GMC acadia?

[@scvs2]

When I saw this vehicle in real life, all I saw was the front half and first look at the heads light I thought it was the new MDX... then looked to the back and I was like this is a ford design.

[@1996Huckleberry]

I understand why manufacturers are changing to uni-body systems instead of body on frame. However, I think the appeal of SUVs originally was indeed their ruggedness. Most people I knew said they would sacrifice gas mileage for off-road capability or power. I don't think people want a giant minivan that looks like an SUV, especially since fuel is so expensive these days. I'm not sure people will choose luxury over ruggedness in the long run when purchasing an SUV.

[@Tbolt1000TForLife]

@onoff314 the problem with crossovers is that they are taking over, people buy them because they think they are more economical, that is killing off the regular, tough SUV

[@grisellimay]

@keithie13 no... he made that explorer look big i found myself squinting at the screen like is it really that big or is he just small???

[@blackmist27]

hi ross, i think you did a good job describing the features of the explorer however i was wondering why you didnt tackle the white elephant in the room... the fact that this explorer is a FWD not a RWD vehicle... thought that was a very significant discussion point.

[@nicologarcia]

My OCD got so angry with him failing to close the hood at 1:30

[@Boodieman72]

@roadflytv That terrain setup looks like the ones Range Rover has had for ages.

[@tres311]

Looks like a better 4runner suprisingly

[@neil10451]

Ross, you say you read ALL of the comments, so here goes. First your height. If anyone has anything to say about your height tell them that you are NORMAL, YOUR LEGS GO FROM YOUR ASS TO THE GROUND, THAT'S NORMAL! Next, as much as I like LOOKING at Jessi BETTER than looking at you (which as a man I should) I really like when you test a car. You seem to be more informed than the "Eye Candy". You do an excellent job. KUDOS. Keep up the good work. Althought I do STILL want to see Jessi sometimes

[@jacobandrews87]

I love this car ... I am from india... I wud definitely buy it if it comes with a 2.2 litre variable turbo geometry diesel engine of 170 horse power at 3500 rpm / 300 nm of max torque at 1400 rpm with an average of 33 mph on the highway

[@carguy379]

@Prostreetcrazy and why do you think that?

[@saadantefj]

my booooooy Ross

[@jwatwater]

@SayMustang ah, ok. thats pretty cool

[@khunopie]

That is the biggest SUV I've ever seen! I could fit 30 laundry baskets in it

[@MrUpgraydde]

Rather have one of these than an Acura MDX any day!

[@datboiwes333]

@reevsaj And Land Rover used to borrow a lot from Ford back when Ford owned them. The early to mid 2000's Land Rovers used to be filled with Ford parts.

[@A_guan]

why did'nt u close the hood all the way???

[@PTNM15]

it's like a long-wheel based version of the Range Rover Evoque.

[@davespiegal]

why did you compare the explorer with the cherokee so much? You should have compared it to the durango.

[@carguy379]

@Snapper314 you realize that while the grand cherokee is very capable off road is actually a unibody right? it is and always has been.

[@nwhit1]

@mfarabcomedy I would have to say that if you need an eight passenger vehicle, the Acadia, as the Explorer seats seven. If you want a vehicle that has a lot more luxury features, Explorer. Depends on your needs. I chose Explorer.

[@gtilover11]

Car and Driver was ableo get the Explorer to 60 in the mid-7 second range and if this is a FWD model, then the EPA ratings would be 17/25 which is best in class

[@keithie13]

lol the explorer makes him look so small standing right next to him xD 0:26

[@duca8063]

@OmarDammam03 most the people don t need a car to do off-road that is why the reviewers dont care about it anymore if you want something to go off road buy a land rover or a jeep or a pick up crossovers are the american station wagons with 4wd(as an option)

[@jwatwater]

Btw, just wondering, is this car really that much bigger, or is it just because youre short? (comming from another small guy myself, Im honestly not making fun of you, just wondering...)

[@jwatwater]

I'm over touch screens. you can't use them while driving my car has real buttons, so I can change the radio, air, ect without looking, cant do that with a tochsreen

[@NMS350]

Ford called, this came out in 2010, before the land rover

[@Barobran92]

Motortrend sure hated these, not quite sure why.

[@KANATADOMPIZ]

Ross looks like a smurf next to this thing.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

onl 80.7 cubic feet of cargo? Why is this bigger then a highlander with 95cubic feet >.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

@mojo335i Nope mine is a worker. It drives GREAT! And you'll be behind me most of the time...if you can keep up;)

[@NicemaN212]

his name should be ROSS REPORTER!! :P

[@xoquixxoqafxo]

fail. he didnt close the hood fully at 1:20 lol

[@wickedhouston5538]

hes going to need a booster seat to see over the steering wheel

[@Little199]

this car is not that big actually, i saw one today and looks amazing!

[@krinko187]

is the guy tiny or the explorer is huge

[@AdamAus85]

This car looked really small, until you stood next to it, lol.

[@billydudeiskewl]

not sure if the truck is just big or if the guy is just small

[@NadrianATRS]

you guys are so mean to Ross, he can't help he's short

[@DevPack]

pretty sure its 290hp...

[@TheFruitvale]

hood didn't close :)

[@OmarDammam03]

This car is just AWD wagon version of the Taurus

[@lanier2k5]

will there be a 3.5 ecoboost engine offered?

[@ultimateormus7903]

That's a really big vehicle or a tiny guy.

[@tiltheendoftim3]

Does this guy not own another pair if shoes!?

[@bb996]

Weee Mannn!!

[@Emmanuelbrooks03]

okay they stole that power 3rd row seats from chrysler! its in the 08-11 town and country, but i love the 2011 ford explorer!! ill be getting one soon!

[@wheelerwheels]

I agree...such a big sticker price...I guess you will get what you pay for.

[@flatblackstrat]

Sorry Ross but I don't like how you automatically go to saying an MDX is a better price in the mid 40s range for a car. This car has everything the MDX does and then some. It also gets better fuel economy and 2 engine options and is actually capable of going offroad, the MDX is a concrete whore. Also the interior quality of the Explorer is luxury level. I don't see the point in getting an Acura when a Ford is this nice.

[@118nas]

At the start the ford looks HUGE compared toRross

[@mojo335i]

What an oversized beast. Yet another yacht to get stuck behind in the fast lane. For all the talk of towing capacities and terrain abilities, the truth is the only place you'll ever see this vehicle is in the parking lot of Target being driven by a lone tiny suburban housewife.

[@AlternativeUses]

i cant imagine how annoying it would be to cycle through menus and use a touch screen to change climate controls - much less helping your passengers do it

[@LoveTheCity123]

The roof sort of reminds me of a Range Rover, lol ..

[@RokitScientist1987]

No time to talk about all the changes? I didn't know that youtube videos are limited to 6 minutes.

[@jason11582623]

this is the only person i like from roadfly since jessy is gone and they got that lame british girl. keep doing good guy and roadfly what are you doing bring jesy back.

[@2logical]

@NadrianATRS Ross wins in the end....I know this much. If testing cars could by my livelihood, i'd gladly trade a little height + a regular job to have his...u think Ross cares that people think he is short when he is behind the wheel of some exotic car that he's testing? I think not!

[@clumpy12]

I thought these car was for real off-roading, but people uses them to drive on fine tarmac. And so much technology. I would say that, its not what its made for :/

[@twistedtoobe]

to be honest...any and i mean ANY SUV/Crossover i buy is not going off road.

[@MsMotonews]

FORD DESIGN COULD BE BOLDER BUT MODERN