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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Ford Explorer

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford Explorer

Overview

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2010 Ford Explorer Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Despite the recent downturn in SUV sales, a somewhat aging platform and less-than-stellar fuel economy, the 2010 Ford Explorer continues to populate Ford showrooms. Powerful owner loyalty, a reasonable size and the option of a potent V8 engine all contribute to the Explorer's appeal, and it makes a great choice for families looking to get away from a full-sized SUV, as well as for those who need the ground clearance and towing ability only a body-on-frame SUV can provide. Although the Explorer has plenty of newer competition, both domestic and foreign, few offer the combination of an attractive price, three-row seating, a powerful V8 engine and the Explorer's 7,300-pound tow rating.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you're drawn to the 2010 Ford Explorer for its truck-like towing and cargo-hauling capabilities or its minivan-like versatility, you'll find more of what you're looking for in the latest incarnation of this quintessential SUV.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the 2010 Ford Explorer succeeds in being both smoother and more responsive than any previous model, it still drives like a big, truck-based SUV when compared to a select few of its competitors, many of which deliver almost sedan-like ride and handling.

What's New for 2010

Trailer Sway Control is added to the standard equipment roster of the Ford Explorer for 2010.

Driving the Explorer

Driving Impressions Thanks to a sturdy frame and recently revised suspension, the 2010 Ford Explorer is noticeably smoother and more stable out on the highway than previous generations. It's also quieter, making...

for easy conversation between occupants in separate rows. Moreover, the Explorer is more responsive around town and, when equipped with the V8 and six-speed automatic transmission, is the most powerful model yet, although we found the V6 had more than enough output to meet our daily-driver demands. While both ride and handling are improved all around, the balance remains very much in favor of comfort, with handling characteristics that fall short of more car-like competitors, such as the Nissan Pathfinder.

Favorite Features

Power-Folding Third Row
Not only do the two rear rows fold almost perfectly flat, but the third row is available with a power folding option that makes it easy to transform the Explorer from people-mover to cargo-hauler and back at the push of a button.

Interior Peace and Quiet
Considering its vast interior volume and all the opportunities that exist for outside noise to creep inside, the 2010 Ford Explorer is impressively, refreshingly quiet.

2010 Ford Explorer Details

Interior

The 2010 Explorer's interior sports traditional Ford angular styling along with a few new interior options. Front-row seats feature extended seat tracks to better accommodate a wider range of occupant heights, while the second row is available in three seating configurations and the third row offers a power folding feature. In addition, both rear rows of seats now fold almost completely flat (just two degrees from horizontal), so cargo is more likely to stay in place. The only functional sore spot we noted was the awkward placement of the front inside door handles.

Exterior

The 2010 Ford Explorer remains a very obvious descendant of the first Explorer that materialized some 18 years ago and revolutionized the industry. The biggest and most obvious change is up front, with two grilles – each assigned to a particular trim level – inspired by Ford's F-150 pickup. Distinguishing this generation from the last is probably most difficult from the side, but look closely and you'll find thicker roof rails, larger and more distinct wheels and bigger side mirrors. Around back, large taillights and a big nine-inch blue Ford oval further differentiate the new model from previous Explorers.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on a base-level Explorer XLT includes a 4.0-liter V6, five-speed automatic transmission, two-wheel drive, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control, 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, cloth bucket seats with driver-side manual lumbar support, tire pressure monitoring system, digital compass, outside temperature indicator and front, side-impact and two-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Trim-level, package and stand-alone options include a 4.6-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel or all-wheel drive, third-row seat, leather seats, woodgrain interior accents, voice-activated navigation system, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, premium sound system with six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, auxiliary rear climate control, reverse sensing system, glass sunroof, six- or 10-way power driver's seat, six-way power passenger's seat, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, adjustable pedals, driver-position memory, power-folding third-row seat, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, electrochromic rearview mirror, entry keypad, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer and 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels.

Under the Hood

The 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers decent mileage and, according to Ford, produces fewer emissions than the previous-generation V6 Explorers. The 24-valve V8 delivers a marked increase in horsepower, along with increases in maximum towing and payload capacities, to 7,300 and 1,520 pounds, respectively. Ironically, the larger and more powerful V8 achieves better fuel economy ratings that the V6.

4.0-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5100 rpm
254 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 13/19 (4WD)

4.6-liter V8
292 horsepower @ 5750 rpm
315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21(2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

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2010 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 349 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

8.2/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.5/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.7/10

the best car a have ever had

By mycar (FL) on Monday, February 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 124,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i fall in love with this car @ first time, great look , amazing comfort, runs so smooth and super economic on gas. the best choice i ever made buying a car."

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Major dissapointment.

By elkay on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 67,400

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Owned a 93 T-bird for 120000 problem free miles, and also a '05 F-150, bought used in '07 (with high miles,) but a solid ride none the less, figured this '06 explorer w/23 k miles on it would be as dependable as the above Ford products. Nay, nay. 67k miles and the radiator leaks, the trans needs a solenoid block to correct the 'slams' when shifting into 'R', and the rear axle hub bearings are growling (a common problem on these rigs, I hear.) Guess it's another case of newer, costlier, and make 'em so the service bays at the dealerships stay profitable."

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