The traditional image that comes to mind when contemplating the Ford Explorer is trailblazing SUV. The Explorer took up the mantle of the Bronco and brought SUV power to the public at large. Yet as CrunchGear reports, fuel economy has made the former beast something of an SUV crossover dream. That’s the new 2011 Ford Explorer, and it is considerably smaller than ever. The engine, height and mudding capacity have all been shaved down to size for green automobile pastures.
Taurus- and Flex-informed is the 2011 Ford Explorer
The 2011 Ford Explorer saves a significant amount of weight by using the same uni-body construction that Ford employs on the Taurus and Flex. Those are compact automobiles, making it necessary for Ford to drop some of the larger-scale SUV specs previously associated with the Explorer. Engine choices are a 3.5-liter V6 (the power option, although large) or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost for fuel efficiency; both are six-speed automatic. The previous puts out 290 horsepower in front- or four-wheel-drive choices (excellent for towing up to 5,000 pounds), while the latter provides greater fuel economy.
Drive more when hauling less
Heavy lifting is not the forte of the 2011 Ford Explorer. City driving is the norm, and being able to handle heavy weather on the road doesn’t hurt. Weather is no bother, thanks to the front- and four-wheel-drive options. Couple that ability with greater fuel economy and you have an SUV crossover. Quite possibly downhill forays are safer, thanks to easy-selecting rear differential and Descent Control. And you will find numerous more. The 2011 Ford Explorer is the non-SUV for which people who previously felt burdened by their giant SUVs are waiting. Fuel economy is more than a buzzword; you’ll feel it in the wallet.
More info on this topic
crunchgear.com/2010/07/26/the-2011-ford-explorer-goes-greener-no-v8-front-wheel-drive-unibody-platform-v6-or-ecoboost-i4/
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