Test drive Ford Explorer. Family crossover or status SUV? Ford Explorer "Peppered" Habitat Habitat

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But in general, the 340-Nm torque of the "Explorer" motor is impressive. It is realized at 4000 rpm, and this seems to be true. Only for confident acceleration, the big Ford needs some time to “wake up”, it does not tear right off the bat. However, acceleration from zero to 100 km / h takes him, according to the passport, in less than 9 seconds. So if you wake up...

No, he will not wake up his colleagues along the stream with an animal roar of the exhaust. Own riders too. With an acoustic picture in the cabin, everything is open, enjoy music or conversation with fellow travelers to the fullest. Moreover, the engine revs are only required for acceleration, you can maintain a high pace even when it is running on the "lower end", a speed of 100 km / h approximately corresponds to 2000 rpm on the tachometer scale ... if you can see it.

Do you need to look? It turns out - yes! If on the highway or in the city you can completely trust the machine, then on the Ciscaucasian serpentines you involuntarily remember the manual gear selection mode. It’s not that the powerful motor frankly “withers”, but sometimes you want a little more dynamic ... I choose manual mode - and I find myself in front of a difficult choice. In second gear, the engine roars unnecessarily, in third it does not pull. The situation is explained simply: we climbed to a height of 2000 m, and here you clearly feel the lack of air, especially if you move too fast. Probably, the engine does not like the rarefied atmosphere either.

On descents, when engine braking is desirable, the Explorer doesn't impress either. The gear selection button on the gear selector handle takes some getting used to, and there are no other ways to change gears in the car. The selector itself is not intended for this, there are no paddle shifters. But, in general, an inexperienced driver in such conditions can rely on the machine. And, of course, on the brakes, which the “American” has discs on all four wheels and are very powerful.

It is noteworthy that in the corners the tall SUV does not heel so much. Far from what they did during the tests of the Chevrolet Tahoe and especially the Acura MDX. Maintaining a high ride smoothness, the Explorer is noticeably “collected”. The buildup is not about him. It's nice that he responds to the actions of the steering wheel with clear reactions, he is not late. This allows you to quickly go around sharp stones that have fallen from the cliffs onto the serpentine canvas.

Habitual habitat

From the asphalt, we turn onto a gravel road, along which we have to drive thirty kilometers in a row. Here it is better to keep the maximum distance between the cars, as the stones fly back from under the wheels at the speed of large-caliber bullets. Moreover, the SUV is able to lift larger boulders, which inflict strong blows on the bottom. Actually, only these two moments limit the speed of movement on gravel. If we exclude them, on such, so to speak, coverage, you can safely bring down, slowing down only in front of especially deep pits, as well as in front of herds of cattle grazing along these roads.

The new Ford Explorer is offered in Russia in three trim levels: XLT, Limited and Limited Plus. “Technically” they are identical, all cars are equipped with a 3.5-liter 249-horsepower V6 gasoline engine, a six-speed SelectShift automatic and all-wheel drive with an interaxle clutch. The salons of all versions are seven-seater, with leather upholstery. The cost is 2,719,000, 3,022,000 and 3,222,000 rubles. The price of the updated car is now lower than the previous one by 100 - 180 thousand rubles.

If you missed the hole, the blow will be loud, but without breakdown of the suspension. She stoically endures these tests. On convex bumps, the Explorer's front wheels can “click off” in the longitudinal direction with a characteristic sound, which indicates the relative softness of the silent blocks. Try to jump over the "speed bump" at speed - you will hear. And after that, colleagues call the suspension of the updated SUV tough? No, of course, it is denser than that of the “American” competitors, which we have already mentioned, as well as those who are aimed mainly at the overseas market (Kia Sorento Prime). But it is very far from real European rigidity. Ford Explorer in this regard is practically the middle ground between the two automotive "worlds", and this is its great advantage.

Perhaps, the control of the intelligent all-wheel drive system can also be called a plus, including its organization in the form of a washer with symbols highlighted when selected. During normal driving and the selection of the "Normal" mode, the main moment is transmitted to the front wheels, but part of it is constantly transmitted to the rear axle too. And this part is easy to increase. How does it manifest itself? On dry pavement - almost nothing, but on gravel, when you add "gas" or a sharp turn of the steering wheel, you may well feel that the rear wheels "played" slightly to the side. I wouldn’t recommend indulging in this, all the more so by turning off the stabilization system: the crossover is massive, has a high center of gravity, and does not show sports inclinations at all. Adjusts the driver to a calm rhythm of movement in space.

Which of the off-road modes could be useful for the Explorer on gravel - "Mud", "Snow" or "Sand"? Yes, in fact, “Normal” is quite enough here, as long as the pebbles under the wheels are dry and large enough so that the wheels do not dig into them at the start. If they were smaller, the Sand mode would have been suitable, providing maximum traction in low gears. And on wet stones - we were able to feel it - the "Snow" mode came in handy. Plus, the road turned out to be wet with a significant slope, on which the electronic assistant brilliantly performed its function when driving downhill. A separate mode is provided in the car for mud, it reduces traction on the wheels, preventing them from spinning and thus plays the role of a "lower". Unfortunately (or fortunately) we did not encounter any dirt on the rocky mountain slopes.

In general, I would call our circular trip in the vicinity of Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk actually optimal for the Ford Explorer. This "Explorer", of course, is not capable of steep off-road conditions, on which Land Cruisers and Land Rovers would not have saved. But remember that buyers often purchase the Explorer as ... a family minivan, additionally possessing certain "skills" to overcome difficult conditions. By the way, its ground clearance is declared very good - 211 mm. True, the rear overhang is too long ... But the clearance under the exhaust system, located below everything under the bottom, turned out to be even more than the nominal one - 230 mm. And under the steel standard crankcase protection, I measured even more - 245 mm.

So, if you are a lover (or lover) of long-distance road trips, Ford Explorer is in your garage. We introduced you to some of its capabilities in natural conditions. We add that in passing cities you will be helped by such devices as the control of "blind" zones with indicators in the exterior mirrors (by the way - huge ones), traffic lane control and a collision avoidance system with loud audio - and a bright visual signal on the windshield. Front and rear view cameras, 12 parking sensors along the perimeter of the body and automatic parallel and perpendicular parking systems will turn out to be indispensable helpers - single competitors can boast of such a “pair”.

And what will the updated Ford Explorer boast in front of them? Yes, to be honest, nothing particularly outstanding. This was my first acquaintance with this model, and, I must say, it did not impress me with any of its “competencies”. But, in aggregate, the big "American" offers, in general, a very good ratio of quality, quantity (we read - equipment level) and price. Just now, if I had to choose / buy this type of car, I would not be able to pass by the Explorer. The comparison table would be replenished with one more “player”, quite a “field player”, that is, showing abilities not only on asphalt. It's much more (and more travel-friendly) than family minivans. Of course, you can hardly put it on the same board with the LC Prado, a crossover, even a large one, is no match for a real SUV. In addition, for comparable money, the “pro” will not be richly equipped, you will actually get one of the basic versions. But among the large crossovers, the Explorer has several almost equal rivals. Or offers rivalry to them.

Specifications Ford Explorer
DIMENSIONS, MM	5019 x 2291 x 1788
WHEELBASE, MM
GROUND CLEARANCE, MM
CARGO VOLUME, MIN. / MAX., L
CURRENT WEIGHT, KG
ENGINE'S TYPE	floor, petrol
WORKING VOLUME, CUBE CM
MAX. POWER, HP, AT RPM
MAX. TORQUE, NM, AT RPM
TRANSMISSION	automatic, 6-speed
MAX. SPEED, KM/H
ACCELERATION 0 - 100 KM/H, S
AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION, L / 100 KM
TANK VOLUME, L

Author Andrey Ladygin, columnist for the portal "MotorPage" Edition site Photo photo of the author

Not so long ago, the first thing that came to the mind of the head of an overgrown family, when the question of changing a car to a more spacious one, was to go to the nearest Ford dealer: the Ford Explorer had almost no competitors in its class. But as soon as the last crisis loosened its grip, the modernized Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9 of the second generation re-entered our market. In which of these crossovers will a large unit of society receive the most equal opportunities?

Mid-size frame SUVs go down in history one by one. In their place, large crossovers have firmly established themselves, with 5-, and often with 7-seater saloons. So our today's duelists are typical children of their time. Highlander in its current generation “props up” the classic Prado, which still remains in the model line, in the corporate hierarchy. And Explorer itself in the last generation was that same classic frame SUV. So can they replace the departed "icons" or is the time of the "classic" over?

I have known the Ford Explorer crossover for a long time: I regularly hear rave reviews about the car from my sister, who carries three children in an American. So I used to consider it almost an ideal candidate for the role of a car for a mother of many children. Despite this, at the presentation of the updated Explorer, the audience is completely different: successful men aged 35-45. And even speech about children does not go at all. What's the matter?

In our next “mix test”, representatives of two different views agreed on what a large four-wheel drive car should be. The "old school" is demonstrated by Toyota Land Cruiser Prado - one of the best representatives of the modern frame school of automotive industry. An SUV whose design has been honed over decades and which today, in 2015, has remained true to its principles. Bridge, frame - and the point.

We have already tested it several times and we are familiar with it. And now a restyled version has appeared on sale, which we took for a test. It makes no sense to study the car in detail again, technically it has not changed dramatically, so we will only touch on the updated parts, let's see how the restyled Explorer differs from its predecessor. And share new experiences.

In fact, the changes affected both appearance and technology. New headlights and a grille have given the car a makeover, but in a conservative vein, the Explorer looks more like its predecessor, the SUV that was retired back in 2010. And the only ones that look new are the inverted C-shaped fog lights and the zigzags of the LED daytime running lights. With these details, Explorer is now related to the latest American aluminum Ford F-150 pickup truck, which has now become a real fashionista in the States and dictates the general style of all Ford SUVs. In the rectangular headlights, LED dipped beam is already standard. There was also a front camera.

But in general, there are quite a lot of changes, only the central part of the body - the doors and the roof - has remained the same. The body has become longer than 13 mm due to new bumpers. Aerodynamics have been improved by 5%, and thanks to thinner struts, visibility has improved, this is a really relevant change for the Explorer. A more luxurious interior trim has appeared, the equipment has been improved, and the suspension has become softer and more comfortable.

In America, in addition to the previous engines, a new one is also offered, the place of the 2-liter 240-horsepower engine from the EcoBoost family, which came only in combination with a front-wheel drive transmission, was taken by a 2.3-liter 270-horsepower unit. It can also be with all-wheel drive. But there were no changes in power units in the Russian range, as before, only the “six” of 3.5 liters, it was only adapted to our tax legislation and now the aspirated is 249 hp, and the turbo engine is 345 hp.

There is no point in repeating about the architecture, layout and general ergonomics of the interior, everyone can look up previous tests in the archive, nothing has changed dramatically. But, nevertheless, there are small innovations in the cabin. It concerns, first of all, finishing materials. The new upholstery of the front seats and second-row seats has become more embossed, a little more comfortable and looks richer. The front seats are now heated, ventilated and even massaged, and adjustable in ten directions. This is what, among other things, additional and considerable money is paid for, because some versions of the Explorer have risen in price by almost half a million! If you look closely, you can see that the steering wheel is also new, although it almost completely repeats the shape of its predecessor. The plastic of the rim in the grip zone has become a little more convenient, as well as the location and design of the buttons on the knitting needles. Keyless entry with an engine start button is now offered, which was not there before. The silver plastic trim and moldings on the front panel, doors and steering wheel have been changed to a more muted "dark silver". And the edging of the air ducts and the stripes on the doors themselves have become thinner. And it all looks more noble now. In the instrument cluster, the speedometer dial, which occupies a central place, has changed, it is more informative and more correct in architecture. And the vertical column for indicating the choice of transmission modes has changed from vertical to horizontal. But the most important innovation is that the touch buttons on the center console have given way to conventional ones, and now, feeling a tactile touch, they are much more convenient to use.

A spacious interior and a huge trunk, everything in the interior still pleases the user, so it’s more likely to drive for driving impressions. There is nothing new to say about the engine and transmission. Our test car is with a naturally aspirated engine and, as we have already said, this is the best option for a car in terms of reasonable sufficiency and a combination of dynamics, economy, cost of operation and ownership. And the transmission is a 6-speed "automatic", flexible and quite agile. In a word, Explorer, as before, demonstrates the excellent makings of a long-range highway express. And it steers with dignity, given its weight and size indicators. The suspension really seems to be softer and more comfortable, so that even on 20-inch wheels there is no particular problem with shaking, as it used to be. So the manufacturer now puts such wheels on all versions of the crossover, with the exception of the initial one. And before, 20-inch wheels were made to order, and only the Sport version was equipped with them.

SUV Explorer, as shown by previous tests, is very conditional. So the Terrain Management four-wheel drive system with four driving modes is, for the most part, just a toy. We once again received confirmation of this during the current test. Snow mode is not suitable for driving on snow. No, on rolled snow or a light snow that has just fallen - all right. But at the end of winter, the snow becomes very insidious, it is deep, frozen or, on the contrary, melted, viscous. And the “Snow” mode desperately “strangles” the engine, trying to avoid wheel slippage, and the sluggish redistribution of torque does nothing. The car is not running. And in the "Mud" mode, it's about the same. So, the only way out is the "Sand" mode! Only he allows you to somehow move through the snow. Electronics sends maximum torque to the wheels, keeping the transmission in low gears longer. And most importantly, the traction control and stabilization system are automatically turned off, which makes it possible to dose traction, as required by the situation. That's it, more or less. But the limit, in fact, is not great. When the "ski" of the front bumper begins to scrape over the crust, and the snow level has not yet reached the wheel hubs (see photo) - this is the limit. You should not meddle deeper, otherwise the car will inevitably sit on its belly and no buildup will help. While it is still possible, we hand over back and retreat. In the "sand" mode, you can also ride in a power slide, a couple of laps on a cleared area. The Explorer handles well with steering and traction, adjusted for the inertia of the massive body.

We stop to try other modes again. Op-pa! The puck spins, but the Terrain Management system has automatically switched to the original Auto mode and refuses to switch. And on the screen of the on-board computer, an inscription appeared with a recommendation to visit a service station in order to troubleshoot. Electronics failure! Well, at least the possibility of driving has been preserved, but only in automatic all-wheel drive mode. And thanks for that. This Terrain Management is such a sissy, and without any special loads, we didn’t even have time to skid properly. And the car is practically new - mileage is less than 2000 km. In a word, there is no confidence in electronics on off-road! Eh, where are you analog, honest all-terrain vehicles, unpretentious and tenacious with real differentials and mechanical locks? Unfortunately, their age is coming to an end.

In fairness, let's say that for many years and hundreds of tests carried out, this is not the first time we have to deal with a failure or incorrect operation of electronics. And all this on machines of eminent, well-known brands. Believe me, no one is immune from this. Here the sequence is directly proportional: the more electronics in the car and the more complex it is, the greater the likelihood of all kinds of problems. So this is, one might say, an inevitable tribute to progress.

As for the Explorer, it remained an excellent tourist car, and the new generation only strengthened these positions, but the travel route must be laid near the centers of civilization, where there is a branded or at least some modern service. And a special Ford roadside assistance program may come in handy. A 24-hour tow truck is a strong argument in today's competitive struggle. No wonder so many elite brands offer their customers such programs. Is it because there is no hope for electronics?

Ford Explorer Specifications (Manufacturer Data)

• Body - 5-door, load-bearing, steel
• Number of seats - 7
• Dimensions, mm
• Length - 5019
• Width - 2004
• Height - 1788
• Base - 2860
• Clearance - 200
• Curb weight, kg - 2235
• Gross weight, kg - 2809
• Trunk volume, l - 595/1243/2285
• Engine - gasoline with double turbocharging
• The number and arrangement of cylinders - 6, V-shaped
• Volume, l - 3.5
• Power - 249 HP at 6500 rpm
• Torque - 346 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Gearbox - 6-speed automatic
• Drive - full with a multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive
• Front suspension - independent, spring, McPherson
• Rear suspension - independent, spring, multi-link
• Maximum speed, km/h - 175 (limited)
• Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h, s - 8.7
• Fuel consumption per 100 km, l
• Urban cycle - 14.9
• Country cycle - 8.8
• Mixed cycle - 11.0
• Gasoline - AI-92-95
• Tires - 255/50 R20

Photos from the test drive

Today we will share our impressions of the test drive Ford Explorer 2016 model year, the production of which is established in neighboring Yelabuga.

New Ford Explorer was introduced in Russia in autumn 2015. Its production has been established at the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, and at the end of the year the first cars have already begun to arrive at dealers.

Ford Explorer 2016 year can not be called new, rather it is reystayling. The car retained recognizable features and impressive dimensions. Changed only the grille, front and rear optics, bumpers. However, such an update has already become traditional in recent years for all automakers.

The interior of the seven-seater crossover is still spacious, there may not be enough space except in the third row of seats.

By the way, the rear row of seats here is folded electronically, both completely and in parts.

When folded, the seats in the trunk of the Explorer can safely carry a refrigerator and other large items.

Behind the wheel Ford Explorer 2016 almost any person can get a job - the seats are equipped with an electric drive and are adjustable in a wide range.

The steering column is also electronically adjustable in two planes. Moreover, you can even adjust the position of the pedal assembly - again with the help of an electric drive.

Driving a five-meter SUV (the length of the car is slightly more than 5 meters) is quite interesting.

And here in the parking lot Explorer can easily take up one and a half parking spaces.

When driving on our spring roads, the car makes it easy to overcome broken sections and huge puddles without slowing down.

When driving on broken asphalt, it is felt that the designers have worked on sound insulation - it is noticeably quieter here than in the previous generation model.

249 horses under the hood allow you to confidently start first from traffic lights.

On the road, we tested contoured seats equipped with a massage function. They actively stretch the muscles of the driver, but on the way it’s better not to indulge in it too much - it’s dangerous to relax behind the wheel, especially when driving such a large car. But in the parking lot - a very useful feature.

In Russia Ford Explorer available with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which now develops 249 hp. (an excellent figure for the transport tax). And the "Sport" package is available with a turbocharged version of this engine, which already develops 345 hp. Both motors work with a 6-band automatic. By the way, this machine works neutrally, you can’t call it fast, but there are no delays in switching.

The Russian version is equipped with an all-wheel drive system with an electronic clutch.

Price for Ford Explorer 2016 today is at least 2864 thousand rubles. This is significantly more expensive than the pre-styling version. However, the equipment of the updated version has become richer - there are LED headlights, multi-contour seats with massage function, inflatable seat belts for rear passengers, front wide-angle camera, heated windshield, hands-free trunk opening system and many other options.