Ford ->ke31 unveiled the Explorer ->ke342 back in 1990, and since this debut, the Explorer has seen five generations. The latest of these generations came in 2011.

The fifth-generation Explorer moved on a new D4 platform, a modified version of the D3 platform that is also used for Flex and Taurus. With this shift in platforms, the Explorer also received a completely revised exterior, a new line of engines and an interior that is both refined and very user friendly.

Like with pretty much all the other models in Ford's lineup, the 2014 Explorer is offered in three trim levels: base, XLT and Limited, with prices starting from $29,600 plus $895 destination and delivery charges.

For 2014, the modifications given to the Explorer are minimal, and include a few new exterior colors and the shuffling of standard features.

Updated 06/13/2014: Ford released today details on the 2015 Explorer which will be available at dealers later this month. For 2015, Explorer will get a new appearance package for the XLT version, three new exterior colors, new 18-inch aluminum wheels and Class III trailer tow package offered as standard on Explorer Sport.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Explorer.

ford-explorer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-explorer
Pros
Cons

2014 - 2015 Ford Explorer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Ford Explorer
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 290 @ 6500
  • Torque: 255 @ 4000
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 Explorer continues to offer the same exterior look unveiled in 2011. Up front, the model features a three-bar grille inspired by the one on the Taurus, a trapezoidal lower air intake similar to what we find on some European Fords and larger wheel arches that give it an aggressive stance. The A, B and D pillars are painted black, while the C-pillar are coated in the same the color as the rest of the body.

Ford the 2014 model year Ford will offer two new exterior colors: Sunset and Dark Side.

2014 Ford Explorer - Standard Exterior Features

Base

-Black lower front and rear bumpers, wheellip moldings and bodyside cladding

-Black exterior door handles

-Grille, Foundry Gray

-Twin chrome exhaust tips

-Black mirrors, power with integrated blind spot mirrors

-Headlamps, bi-functional projector beam halogen

-LED taillamps

-Roof side rails, black with black end caps

-Body-color liftgate spoiler

XLT

-All Base features,plus:

-Chrome bodyside cladding accent

-Chrome exterior door handles

-Grille, Satin Silver

Limited

-All XLT features, plus:

-Chrome bodyside cladding accent

-Chrome exterior door handles

-Grille, Body color

- Privacy glass, second and third rows

New for 2015:

- Three new exterior colors: Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic and Magnetic Metallic

- 18-inch aluminum wheels

- Appearance package for Explorer XLT. It adds: 20-inch machined aluminum wheels featuring painted pockets, black body-side cladding and roof rack rails, Magnetic Metallic painted grille, mirror caps and liftgate appliqué, "Explorer" hood badge and body-color door handles.

Dimensions:

Wheelbase

112.6 Inches

Length

197.1 Inches

Width (excluding mirrors)

78.9 Inches

Width (including mirrors)

90.2 Inches

Width (mirrors folded)

82.5 Inches

Height (without options)

70.4 Inches FWD / 71.0 Inches AWD

Track, front/rear

67.0 Inches


Interior

For the 2014 model year, the Explrer continues to offer soft-touch materials and a very easy-to-use layout. Rear-seat occupants now get the added comfort of adjustable seatbacks.

Ford added in the latest-generation SYNC system with MyFord Touch, featuring Wi-Fi capability, text-to-voice, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and voice-activated navigation for the 2014 Explorer.

2014 Ford Explorer - Standard Interior Features

Base

- Manual single-zone climate control

- Rear auxiliary climate control

- Passenger-assist grab handles (1 at front-passenger seat, 2 in second row)

- Manual day/night rearview mirror

- 12V powerpoints, 4 total (2 first row, 1 second row and 1 cargo area)

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control, 5-way controls and secondary audio controls

- MyKey

- AM/FM single-disc CD player with six speakers

XLT

- All Base features,plus:

- First-row center floor console with wrapped armrest and storage bin

- Color-keyed, carpeted floor mats, front and rear

- Power windows, with 1-touch-up-and-down driver/passenger window

- Cruise control

Limited

- All XLT features, plus:

- Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control

- Overhead console with dome/map lights and sunglasses holder

- Front and rear scuff plates embossed with EXPLORER

- Manual tilt/telescoping steering column

- Cruise control

- Premium Audio System from Sony® with 12 speakers

- SiriusXM Satellite Radio

New for 2015:

- Appearance package for Explorer XLT. It adds: leather-trimmed, heated front seats featuring Miko® suede inserts and contrast stitching, floor mats with special badging and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Dimensions:

Seating capacity

Six/seven

First row headroom

41.4 Inches

First row legroom

40.6 Inches

First row shoulder room

61.3 Inches

First row hip room

57.3 Inches

Second row headroom

40.5 Inches

Second row legroom

39.8 Inches

Second row shoulder room

61.0 Inches

Second row hip room

56.7 Inches

Third row headroom

37.8 Inches

Third row legroom

33.2 Inches

Third row shoulder room

50.8 Inches

Third row hip room

40.7 Inches


Drivetrain

The 2014 Explorer is offered with a choice of two engines, less the Sport model: a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost and a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine.

The 2.0-liter engine delivers a total of 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, while the V-6 engine increases the output up to 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.

Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic transmission and send power to the front wheels. For V-6 models, Ford also offers an all-wheel drive system.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6

2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4

Manufacturing location

Lima, Ohio Engine Plant

Valencia, Spain Engine Plant

Configuration

Aluminum block and heads

Aluminum block and heads

Valvetrain

DOHC, four valves per cylinder

DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Bore x stroke

92.5 x 86.7 mm

87.5 x 83.1 mm

Displacement

3,497 cc

1,999 cc

Compression ratio

10.8:1

9.3:1

Horsepower

290 @ 6,500 rpm

240 @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

255 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm

Fuel

87 octane

87 octane (minimum)/91+(recommended)

Layout

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive

Transmission

Six-speed SelectShift automatic

Six-speed automatic

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

FWD: 17/24/20 AWD: 17/23/19

FWD: 20/28/23


Prices

Model

Price

Ford Explorer

$30,495

Ford Explorer XLT

$33,495

Ford Explorer Limited

$38,995


Competition

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The current-generation Grand Cherokee was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show and the only major updates to date are the addition of a new diesel engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission in the 2014 model year.

The Grand Cherokee is offered with a choice of three engines. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, V-6 engine delivers a total of 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The standard 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 engine puts out 290 horsepower. Finally, the range-topping 5.7-liter, V-8 engine delivers a total of 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

Prices for the Grand Cherokee start from $28,795.

Dodge Durango

Dodge took the Durango out of production in 2008 and then decided to being it back in 2010 when the third generation was unveiled. After only two years on the market, the current Durango was updated with a new look and the addition of a new eight-speed automatic transmission, making it a very capable SUV and the first to offer this feature.

Durango is offered with a choice of two engines. The base 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a total of 290 horsepower, and the top-of-the-line 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8 engine delivers a total of 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.

The model is priced from $29,795.

Conclusion

The 2014 Ford Explorer is one of the best looking SUVs in its class, and it offers enough interior room for large families. The Explorer isn't without its flaws, as it comes standard with front-wheel drive, which is not a very desirable train on an SUV.

Even so, the Explorer has plenty going for it, like a full line of engines to choose from and a beautiful cabin.