2017 Ford Explorer FIRST LOOK

2017 Ford Explorer FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

If you want the look of the Explorer Sport but are on a XLT budget, Ford has some welcome news.  New for the 2017 model year is the XLT Sport Appearance Package.  Ford says exterior appearance is the number one consideration in SUV purchase decisions so here they’ve taken the bread and butter XLT trim and have given it the allure of a unique model.

The XLT Sport Appearance Package features updates both inside and out including 20” wheels, grille, mirror caps and rear applique all finished in Magnetic Gray.  There’s Ebony Black body side cladding, a black roof rack and an Explorer hood badge.  Inside, Dark Earth Gray leather and suede seats with contrast stitching adorn the front and Explorer logo floor mats are underfoot.

The Ecoboost engine and sport-tuned suspension remain exclusive to the Sport model so this XLT keeps its 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, mated to a 6-speed auto in either front or 4-wheel drive configuration.  Other standard features include Intelligent Access with push-button start, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, SYNC3 and LED fog lamps.

Pricing for the Explorer XLT starts in the mid-$30,000 range while specific pricing for the 2017 Sport Appearance Package will be announced closer to its on-sale date in the summer of 2016.