Some things never get old and tired; no this is not a self-description.
But the Ford Explorer, now in its sixth generation, is a good example of eternal youth.
It香蕉视频直播檚 been driving our highways since 1990, and yes, it香蕉视频直播檚 had a few face-lifts along the way but perhaps the secret of its success is the steady commitment to improving comfort and bringing in the latest tech.
Result: More than eight million sales.
Today, it is still a worthy competitor in the hot crossover market, where families gravitate when looking for a place for kids and sporting/leisure equipment to be stashed while on the road 香蕉视频直播� mostly in that order.
In the looks department, the 2025 version is sleeker than the last edition and the tail gate design really carries on that theme pleasingly. So often the need to provide a gaping hole at the rear for loading limits the designer. However, the slightly recessed window breaks up what is still a big tail gate opening.
All that said, as I香蕉视频直播檝e mentioned before here, when it comes to crossover ute purchase, I doubt appearance is high on the must-have list. Or the roar of the engine, come to think of it. These days it seems the cabin is often the deal maker or breaker, and this edition has stepped up beyond its already good functionality. The tester was a loaded Platinum edition, one step below the top-of-the line and extremely sporty ST version, not to be confused with the ST-1 model. Don香蕉视频直播檛 ask.
Those third row rear seats dropped at the press of a button, revealing ample stowage for what most families demand. The upholstery features a mix of materials, with classy, stitched door coverings, all adding up to a jump in appearance. Seat comfort was generally good though I was ready to get out and stretch after four hours at the wheel. It may be more to do the earlier 香蕉视频直播榦ld and tired香蕉视频直播� comment.
Let香蕉视频直播檚 talk tech. The 12.3-inch instrument screen cluster offers the tablet experience that so many of us are used to in our lives. Crisp and clear images display information and the so-called My View can be configured so the driver can set what info can be scrolled on the centre of the screen. You can also see who in the back has not clicked their seat belt, without turning around and craning your neck to see if the brat in the very back is belted up. Sort of hi-tech equivalent of having eyes in the back of your head.
You can display Google Maps as the native way-finder and the system lets you voice instructions for such things as audio levels and climate control. It obeys immediately without question, unlike some of your younger passengers. Ok, Apple addicts settle down. You can open up Car Play and make it function like your iPad.
For some reason on the long road trip I decided to step down memory lane and load up the Bang & Olufsen sound system and play a few hours of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne香蕉视频直播檚 solo ear assaults. Shocked to hear about Ozzy香蕉视频直播檚 passing after I got out of the car...
Oh, the drive and what propels it. Almost forgot about that those small considerations.
The engine lineup starts for the Explorer range with Ford香蕉视频直播檚 2.3-litre, 300-horsepower, EcoBoost turbo-four cylinder engine, working with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. The optional engine in the Platinum and standard unit in the ST is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, delivering 400 horsepower. The latter is doubtless fun for wannabe (old) boy racers and those with Big Boats to tow but the 2.3 was fine for me and not lacking in the passing department.
Eco drive was fine for a single-occupant trip around town but Economy mode suited me more on the trip. Played with Sport mode for a while but it didn香蕉视频直播檛 send shivers down my spine. Using Economy drive for most of the week brought me close to the boasted 10.4 L/100kms combined highway/city consumption. The tested economy numbers are 11.9/8.7 L/100 kms (city/hwy).
The Platinum base price is $64,930 before taxes. The Active base version starts at $53,980, the ST-Line adds $6,000 and the ST starts at $72,580.
The Ford Explorer is still worth the first look while shopping for your family's next mini-bus.
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