For those looking to save at the pump, Ford has announced that the all-new Explorer will achieve a class-leading 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway (23 MPG combined) when equipped with the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four cylinder engine. The fuel economy numbers are even more impressive when considering the large Explorer weighs in at around 4,550 pounds. It will even be glad to drink regular 87-octane fuel. However, the improved fuel economy does come with a few drawbacks…
For starters, Ford is asking for $995 to equip an Explorer with the 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet 2.0L EcoBoost engine. There’s also a loss in horsepower compared to the base 3.5L Duratec V6’s 283 horses (though the V6 offers less torque). There’s also a substantial drop in towing capacity, down from 5,000 pounds seen in the V6 to a mere 2,000 pounds with the boosted four (when both are equipped with the Class III towing package). Then again, we don’t see that being much of a deal-breaker.
[expand]Ford Explorer Sets New Standard for SUV Fuel Efficiency
• The completely reinvented Ford Explorer powered by EcoBoost™ delivers a class-
leading EPA rating of 28 mpg on the highway, besting Honda Pilot by more than 20
percent and Toyota Highlander by 12 percent
• The hot-selling Ford Explorer – the 2011 North American Truck of the Year –has
already doubled 2010 Explorer model year sales volume, with Ford seeing the
strongest customer preference for well-equipped, range-topping models
• EcoBoost engine technology combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection on
smaller engines to provide customers the power they want and fuel efficiency they
need
DEARBORN, Mich., July 28, 2011 – Ford’s hot-selling Explorer is now the most fuel-efficient
seven-passenger SUV on the market, delivering an EPA-certified 28 mpg on the highway with
an all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. This is the first application of this advanced engine in
North America.
“Today’s SUV buyers place a high priority on miles per gallon, so Explorer has expanded its
portfolio of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new EcoBoost offering,” said Amy Marentic, Ford
group marketing manager.. “SUV buyers deserve efficiency with their capability, so Explorer
now offers best-in-class V6 and four-cylinder fuel efficiency.”
Building on Explorer’s current class-leading V6 fuel efficiency, the addition of EcoBoost power
and a 28 highway rating now puts Explorer over the top. On the highway, Explorer now beats
Honda Pilot and Jeep Grand Cherokee by five mpg, Chevrolet Traverse by four mpg and Toyota
Highlander by three mpg.
Delivering best-in class fuel economy in both V6 and EcoBoost variants, the full-size, three-row
Explorer with EcoBoost even delivers better highway fuel economy than the compact Subaru
Impreza (one mpg better), while matching the most-efficient gas-powered BMW 3-Series.
Now launching in the Explorer, this advanced EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides the
optimum balance between fuel efficiency and responsive power, delivering 240 horsepower at
5,500 rpm and a generous 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm.
Ford’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine combines gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with
smaller overall displacement, delivering comparable power to a standard V6 engine while
delivering the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost
engine technology.
EcoBoost is a global Ford strategy to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers
while also delivering the power they desire EcoBoost will eventually be offered on 90 percent of
Ford nameplates by 2013.
The combination of superior fuel efficiency and ample responsiveness is enabled by direct
gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Efficiency is further
enhanced through employment of low-friction 5W-GF5 motor oil, a variable-displacement air
conditioning compressor, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and a unique 6F35 six-speed
automatic transmission developed to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
The Explorer with its standard V6 delivers up to 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway,
to lead the full-size V6 SUV segment in fuel economy. The Explorer with EcoBoost continues
this class-leading fuel economy momentum.
Explorer fuel efficiency also benefits from a smooth vehicle shape and careful aerodynamic
detailing like optimization of the front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler lip and lightweight
components such as an aluminum hood.
In the first six months of 2011, Explorer sales totaled 65,823 vehicles. This figure exceeds the
full-year 2010 total of 60,687 Explorers. More than half of early buyers of the redesigned 2011
Explorer cited fuel efficiency as a primary motivation in their purchase decision. Moreover, the
majority of customers are choosing better-equipped XLT and Limited series models.
The 2012 Explorer is assembled at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.
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