2010 Ford Explorer Review

Overview

The 2010 Ford Explorer is a midsize five- or seven-passenger truck-based SUV available in three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. For 2010, the Explorer's standard Trailer Sway Control complements its extensive set of safety technologies, and the XLT Sport package provides a customizable, sporty alternative for buyers. The Explorer offers the latest technology including a next-generation navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link.

Power and performance

The base 4.0-liter V6 engine generates 210 horsepower. A 4.6-liter V8 producing 292 horsepower is optional on all models. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6 engine, while the V8 comes teamed with a six-speed automatic. Both engines can be equipped with either a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive system with a push-button transfer case. The Explorer models with 2WD 5-speed automatic transmission deliver 14 mpg in city and 20 mpg on highways while those with 4WD give 13 mpg city/19 hwy. The V8 engine with 4WD 6-speed automatic yields 14/19 mpg city/highway. When fully equipped, the maximum towing capacity is 5375 lbs with the V6 and 7115 lb with the V8. The cargo volume behind third row seat is 13.6 cubic feet.

Body and styling

The 2010 Ford Explorer XLT comes with AM/FM stereo single-CD player; air conditioning; 16-inch painted-aluminum wheels, 4-bar grille, and Premium cloth 1st-row bucket seats with 6-way power driver seat, driver manual lumbar and 2-way adjustable head restraints. The Eddie Bauer models have 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, 3-bar chrome grille with nostrils, automatic headlights, SIRIUS satellite radio, leather upholstery; iPod adapter; voice recognition; trip computer; automatic day/night rearview mirror; compass; automatic headlights; Ford Sync connectivity; faux wood interior trimmings; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Limited has all these features as well as monochromatic paint; 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels; dual-zone electronic automatic climate control; premium Sound System with AM/FM stereo/6-disc in-dash CD changer, subwoofer and 190 watts, heated front seats and more. A number of packages that upgrade the facilities in each trim level are available.

Safety Features

Ford has bolstered the 2010 Explorer by enhancing its proven stability control system with the addition of Trailer Sway Control, which joins an already impressive list of standard safety features including industry-exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). The standard and available safety features on the 2010 Ford Explorer include AdvanceTrac with RSC, air bags, second-generation driver and front passenger seats, Front Passenger Sensing System, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system on rear outboard seat locations, S.O.S. Post Crash Alert System, Safety Canopy with roll over sensor and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).