LOS ANGELES, California - When the current Ford Explorer was launched, it was a wow moment for the company. In fact, I'm sure I'm not the only person who did a double-take when I first clapped eyes on the vehicle. Many still confuse it with products emanating from high-end European manufacturers, and this will perhaps happen more often now as we welcome the new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport!
Although performance has always played a role in Ford's product line, the performance SUV category has, until now, been predominately the playground of other, often European, brands.
Now, following the success of its EcoBoost line of engines (1.6 million units annually by 2013), and in particular its fabulous 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (available in the
F-150), the company has decided to install this powerhouse into the Explorer and produce a true seven-passenger performance SUV.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
The word subtle comes to mind while eyeing the exterior of the new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. Starting at the front with its low-gloss Sterling Grey grille, this sporty blacked-out look flows across the vehicle in a series of eye-catching features. It's there, yet it's not in-your-face. This is then topped off with some truly stylish 20” wheels which, if you look closely, have the word “Sport” imbedded in the outer edge of the rim. Again, it's noticeable but not outrageously obvious.
The Sport comes in a choice of four colours - Ruby Red, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black, and Ingot Silver (all metallic finishes), and I will happily vouch for the company's wise choice of paint schemes.
Overall, the new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport boasts a sharp and distinctive look which sets it apart without appearing gimmicky. I like it.
Climb aboard
The interior aptly suits its exterior wardrobe and has been carefully crafted to produce a feeling of true luxury combined with modern high-tech wizardry. Soft-touch materials are in abundance and together with the appearance of hand-stitched leather seating surfaces, the look & feel of this interior will do little to help alleviate the confusion between the Explorer and those high-end European offerings.
As I've already indicated, the new Sport carries Ford's complete complement of electronic gizmos which we've come to love. However, with added niceties such as first-row heated & cooled seats, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, power tilt & telescopic steering, adjustable pedals and a premium Sony audio system, this vehicle is certainly moving the bar considerably upward.
Of course, one can always pick on minor items you'd wish to improve upon. For me, this would be the left-foot (dead pedal) resting area because, try as I may, my size 10 simply couldn't find a comfortable position. Apart from that one small irritant, I was more than happy to spend several hours aboard the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. All in all, the vehicle offers above and beyond what one might expect, especially taking its pricing into consideration, as a well-appointed Sport starts at just $48,299 and there are very few additional options to add to this.
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| Soft-touch materials are in abundance and together with the appearance of hand-stitched leather seating surfaces (Photo: Kevin Corrigan) |
Hold on tight, here we go!
Obviously, with a twin-turbocharged, 365-hp powerplant on tap (along with 350 lb-ft of torque), this vehicle's no slouch, as the estimated 0-100 km/h time is in the low 7-second range which, although not ground-breaking, is pretty fair given the size & weight of the vehicle.
However, this is not simply an Explorer with a large-capacity motor under the hood. In fact, far from it! Major modifications have been made to the chassis and suspension components and the sophisticated Terrain Management System has been modified to provide optimum power & torque under all settings (on-road, sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent). This vehicle handles every situation well!
Perhaps the most surprising addition to all this performance-related tweaking lay in the fuel economy figures which the company has managed to achieve. While certain other high-performance SUV manufacturers still labour under the opinion that “if you can afford to purchase the vehicle, you can afford to put gas in it,” Ford has been quick to realize that perhaps being moneywise led to that initial purchase.
After all, who doesn't like to save money on gas? Ratings for the new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport are 13.2 L/100km in the city and 8.8 L/100km on the highway. That's quite impressive for a rather sizable seven-passenger SUV capable of towing 5,000 lbs.
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| 2013 Ford Explorer Sport are 13.2 L/100km in the city and 8.8 L/100km on the highway. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan) |
Conclusion
I believe the company has a winner on its hands with this one. It has the looks, the performance and, without a doubt, the fuel-economy figures to worry the competition. It's a nice package and it certainly throws a curveball into the current performance SUV category.
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