MSRP: $42,825
Engine:Turbo 2.0L I4
Power:240 HP / 270 LB-FT
Transmission:6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:4,503 LBS
Seating: 2+3+2
Cargo:21 / 43.8 / 80.7 CU-FT
MPG: 20 City / 28 HWY
Our Explorer tester came laden with Limited trim and Ford's Rapid Spec 301A equipment package, which included niceties like a power liftgate, power folding third-row seating and voice-activated navigation. As a result, our sticker price hovered just under $42,000 including an $825 destination fee. Buyers will be able to get into a base Explorer EcoBoost for significantly less coin, however. Buyers can spec out a model with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine for $29,165 plus the same destination charges, or just just under the $30,000 mark.
Despite its many positives, at the end of the day, we would have a hard time justifying the additional $995 for the EcoBoost option. A jump of 3 mpg in both city and highway driving is nothing to dismiss, but a lack of available all-wheel drive and significant cut in towing capacity are sacrifices that are tough to justify in our book – especially considering Ford is asking its buyers to pay for the reduced functionality. Unfortunately, we suspect the success of the Explorer EcoBoost will probably depend largely on fuel prices in the future.
