2014 Ford Explorer Limited FWD (Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car) Review

2014 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED RENTAL CAR REVIEW:

            Ford first introduced its compact (now midsized) Explorer SUV in 1991 to replace its aging compact Bronco II SUV that had changed little since it was introduced in 1984. Now in its fifth generation, this style of Explorer, first introduced in 2011, still proves to be popular with American families in need of a large and capable vehicle. Competing with the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (also redesigned from 2011), and Nissan’s Pathfinder (redesigned in 2013), among others in the midsized SUV category, the Explorer has some fierce competition, but still comes out on top. Let’s take a look at the 2014 Ford Explorer Limited.

            The Explorer shares its basic platform with, believe it or not, the Taurus full-sized car (redesigned in 2010), which it switched to in 2011, and also switching the assembly plant to Kansas City, Missouri. The front end is rounded and the Explorer has a rugged-looking grille. The sides of the Explorer are free of any unnecessary cladding, and the rear end is simple with tail lamps that flow with the rest of the exterior of the vehicle. This particular Explorer was finished in Sterling Gray Metallic, and is one of the more popular colors of the Explorer. The Limited trim rides on P255/55R20 Hankook Optimo BSW all-season tires with 20” alloy wheels. The exterior looks attractive and is quite large on the outside.

            Inside, the Explorer is full of technology. While this Explorer did not come equipped with any options, the Limited trim still comes equipped with an abundance of standard features. As soon as you sit in the driver’s seat of the Explorer, the leather trim hugs you, and the cushioning is adequate. The front seats are also heated; though you can get perforated leather trim with ventilated AND heated front seats. The instrument cluster is basic, consisting of only a single analog speedometer surrounded by dual color LCD display screens, which are customizable depending on which information you would like to have shown while driving. The Limited trim also features an oblong-shaped keyless entry remote with standard remote engine start, keyless access via touch sensors on both front doors and the tailgate, an “invisible” touch-sensitive code keypad for remotely unlocking and locking the vehicle via a PIN without your key or remote, and a push-button ignition switch. The driver’s seat also moves to a set position in a 3-position memory system when the starter button is pressed. This Explorer featured an Ebony leather interior, with wood interior trim. The wood trim is not too overbearing, and flows well in the interior of the vehicle. The MyFord Touch system also comes standard on the Limited trim, though a navigation system was (surprisingly) not included, as it is on its top-trim competitors. The system worked well, and pairing your Bluetooth-enabled phone to the SYNC System is not a difficult process. The voice command system functioned well, and performed all actions pertaining to the commands that were given. The 390-watt, twelve-speaker 5.1-channel Sony surround-sound system had excellent sound quality. This Explorer also did not feature a panoramic sunroof, which is available. The 2^nd-row seats are comfortable, with a flat floor and plenty of legroom. While the 3^rd-row seats were not tested, they look to only be intended for young children, and the folding process is tedious if you do not have the power-folding 3^rd-row seat option (this should be standard equipment on a vehicle like this). Overall, the interior of the Explorer is excellent, and rivals that of more expensive vehicles.

            On the road, the Explorer has plenty of power, thanks to a 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower V6 engine (E85 ethanol capable) that is right on-par with its competitors. The six-speed automatic transmission offers manual shifting capabilities, but only via buttons on the side of the selector lever. Steering was effortless, and driving the vehicle does not feel like you are driving a large SUV, thanks to the Explorer’s Taurus-sourced chassis and platform. This SUV rides like a standard car. Fuel economy was not great, though still better than some of the Explorer’s competitors. A rear backup camera comes as standard equipment on the Limited trim, as does rear-mounted backup sensors. Overall, the Explorer’s ride and handling was excellent. The fuel economy is not as good on four-wheel-drive (4x4) models of the Explorer (this one was front-wheel-drive or FWD).

            To sum up, the Ford Explorer is a great vehicle for anyone looking for a larger SUV that drives like a car. You may want to also check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee, another great competitor, which has run with the Explorer for almost its entire life. –Vincent D., Vincent’s Auto Reviews

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT AVIS/BUDGET RENT-A-CAR’S 2014 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED FWD:

Exterior Color: Sterling Gray Metallic

Interior Color: Ebony (Leather)

Engine: 3.5L FlexFuel-Capable V6, 290 HP

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic, Manual Shifting Modes

Tires: Size P255/55R20 Hankook Optimo BSW All-Season

Wheels: 20” Alloy

Starting Price (MSRP) for 2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5L FWD: $38,100.00 (Excl. Destination)

Total Price (MSRP) for 2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5L FWD: $38,100.00 (Excl. Destination)

Mileage at Rental: 14,380 Miles

Required Fuel Time: Regular (87 Octane) or E85 Ethanol 

NOTE: I was NOT paid by Ford nor Avis/Budget Rent-a-Car for this review.