2011 Ford Explorer Overview.

The Ford Explorer has long been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. The all-new Ford Explorer is named the 2011 North American Truck of the Year. Now it finally has what it takes to compete with the finest midsize SUVs and crossovers on the market according to the critics. Ford has completely redesigned the Explorer for 2011. It has a brand new sporting look, better fuel economy and standard third-row seating. As per the critics the new model handles to be both a comfortable family vehicle and a realistically rugged SUV.

The massive change in Ford Explorer is under the hood. Explorer is available in four-wheel drive configurations, with an option of three trim levels: Base, XLT and Limited. All the trims have the new 290-hp 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Later in this year, Ford will bring in an optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make 237 horsepower and 250 pound feet of torque.

Explorer is a capable tow vehicle and rugged off-roader. In addition, it can comfortably seat seven occupants, because of the standard third row which offers generous amount of cargo room. Explorer is quite similarly to the new Edge. The Explorer's dashboard can come equipped with touch-sensitive controls and LCD gauge screens. There are a lot of available technology features, like MyFord Touch and SYNC are only available on the upper trims and which were also liked by the critics. It's undoubtedly a Ford, but further than that it's more sleek and sporty looking than its older models.

The fuel economy for Explorer with front-wheel drive V6 engine is 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. If you go for all-wheel drive and the highway fuel economy drops to 23 mpg.

All the buyers who are trying to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2011 does deserve a look. A lot of critics often compare the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee, which starts at just about $2,000 more than the base Explorer. While the Grand Cherokee is more expensive, it comes with more standard features, that may give good reason for the cost to a few buyers. In addition, the Grand Cherokee is built for tough off-roading, while the Explorer is appropriate for light-duty trails and polluted weather. Though, the Grand Cherokee does not have a third row seat, so if you would like to seat more than five people, the Explorer is the way to go.