2009 Ford Explorer

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

In 2007, the Explorer underwent a top-to-bottom overhaul, which resulted in what most reviewers consider a more refined ride.

• "Explorer and Mountaineer are among the best-riding traditional SUVs. Explorer is compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Explorer isn't as carlike as a true crossover SUV, yet it does ride and handle well compared to the vehicles in its class. A standout? No. But a capable SUV that can tow a real trailer, that's a definite yes." -- Popular Mechanics
• "Although the 2008 Ford Explorer succeeds in being both smoother and more responsive than any previous model, it still drives like a big, truck-based SUV when compared to a select few of its competitors, many of which deliver almost sedan-like ride and handling." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Performance is adequate, though the Explorer lags behind most rivals. We timed a V8-equipped 4WD Explorer at 9 seconds for the 0-60 dash. By comparison, a V8-equipped Nissan Pathfinder does the same run in 7 seconds flat." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

The base Explorer's V6 engine nets 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. The optional V8 creates 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. According to the EPA, the 2WD Explorer achieves 14/20 mpg city/highway with the V6 engine and 15/21 with the V8 engine. The 4WD model achieves 13/19 mpg and 14/19 mpg with the V6 and V8 engines, respectively.

• "No V6 Explorers or Mountaineers have been made available for us to test. V8 versions provide ample power. A 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission changes gears smoothly and delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however." -- Consumer Guide
• "We found the V6 had more than enough output to meet our daily-driver demands." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The V8 lifts the Explorer off the line with decent escape velocity, but the midrange passing power was noticeably less Mustang-like -- this truck's torque is used for towing." -- Edmunds
• "Both the V6 and the V8 are smooth and quiet. With the lighter V6, the Explorer is a bit easier to turn and maneuver, but both engines are pleasant and competent. Choose the V8 if you pull trailers. The fuel economy hit is negligible." -- New Car Test Drive

Handling and Braking

The Explorer's 2006 redesign gave it a more rigid frame and redesigned front and rear independent suspension.

• "Typical of a traditional SUV: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering feel is responsive and accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel with no undue nosedive in quick stops." -- Consumer Guide
• "Handling is smoother than on the trucky Explorers of yore. There's less bounce and a tighter grip on turns, bringing the Explorer closer to the carlike handling that has made crossovers popular." -- U.S. News
• "The power steering allows quick moves, but is heavy -- especially at lower speeds." -- MSN
• "The brakes work well, with much less pedal pressure and travel than before." -- New Car Test Drive

Off-Roading

Beyond the asphalt, the Ford Explorer performs well.

• "Ford's efforts to resist head toss, an aptly descriptive term, made our rough road driving a comfortable experience. In less sophisticated SUVs your head is tossed about like pins at a bowling alley. Explorer exhibits a very minimal amount." -- The Auto Channel
• "The revised steering finally evinces a dedicated sense of straight-ahead, even in crosswinds. Off-road, the massaged IRS is so adept at soaking up basketball-size boulders and potholes that it's like riding in a Range Rover." -- Car and Driver