The current generation of the Explorer has been released more than half a decade ago and it is the first model to use a unibody design which allowed Ford to make a lighter and more rigid car than before with quite a bit more interior space. While the basic design of the car changed tremendously over the years, the Explorer still is one of the better cars in its class and it is among the best selling cars on the US market. While many thought that the car would receive an entirely new model by now, it seems that Ford wants to keep it on the market for a few more years as the 2017 Ford Explorer still uses the same platform and basic design as the car released back in 2010 with only a few differences inside and out over the 2016 facelift.
2017 Ford Explorer – Sport Appearance Package
One of the largest changes on the new model is the addition of an entirely new package that will be available on most models in the range. This new package is called the “Sport Appearance Package” and it can be had on the XLT models. This adds all the extra exterior bits found on the Sports model without the Sport engine. This will be available for around $1,500 over the base cost of the XLT model which is quite good considering that besides the exterior bits it will also add a matching interior.
This will include Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system as well as an updated Sync Connect which is going to offer advanced phone-pairing features that will make the Explorer slightly better connected than the rest of the cars in its class. These will allow the driver to check the oil level, the service schedule and it will even allow for remote start and air conditioning use without having to be near the car. The upholstery will be very similar to that of the Sport but the seats and the steering wheel are still going to be the basic units found on the XLT.
The Appearance Package will also add quite a few bits on the outside. This means that the 2017 Ford Explorer will get an all-black exterior package with a black honeycomb mesh grille, black surrounds for the headlights, a dual-exhaust system in the back as well as front and rear aluminum skid plates. The other models in the range will remain mostly unchanged. Read more on https://tonybassogm.com/accessories/sound/speakers-for-jeep-wrangler-sound-bar/
2017 Ford Explorer Specs
A 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque is still offered as standard on the base model which is quite gutsy for how much power it has with the only major drawback being the fuel consumption which is not that great when compared to that of its competitors. As an option people will be given the choice to opt for a 2.3 liter EcoBoost inline 4 which might be physically smaller than the V6 but thanks to its turbocharger it will make 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque while being more fuel efficient and also slightly better at towing thanks to the massive amount of torque available from as low as 1,900 rpm.
Unlike with the 2015 model of the car, there are now two all new trim levels that can benefit from the 3.5 liters EcoBoost V6 with both the Platinum and Sport models being available with this engine. When equipped with it, the 2017 Ford Explorer will make 365 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque and it will hit 60 MPH in just around 6 seconds while using roughly the same amount of fuel as the base V6. Unlike the other two, this particular engine is only available with a standard all-wheel drive system.
