The Explorer shares its car-based platform with the larger Ford Flex. The roomy and versatile interior is well finished and offers a usable third-row seat. Handling is secure but not particularly agile. The ride is steady and absorbent. The standard 3.5-liter V6 is punchy enough though a bit rough. A 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available only on front-wheel-drive models. The interior is well-finished and relatively quiet. The optional MyFord Touch control interface is complicated and distracting. A terrain-select system facilitates light off-road capability. Reliability has been much below average.
A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).
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