2013 Ford Explorer Sport

Standup: Unlike Explorer Sports of the past, this all-new 2013 model receives tangible performance upgrades while still retaining its 4 doors.

It’s been several years since Ford has sold an Explorer with the Sport moniker and when it did, the definition of ‘Sport’ was little more than some additional content and a slightly distinguished appearance.  And going back even further, ‘Sport’ was defined as an Explorer with 2 doors – cramped and inconvenient as I recall.

But now in its 3^rd year since the major redesign of 2011, Ford has revived the Explorer Sport – elevating it to top trim status, fitting it with their most potent turbocharged V6, reworking the chassis and giving it its own assertive style.

Available exclusively with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 4-wheel drive, the Sport’s output of 365 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque raises the ante considerably over the regular Explorer’s non-turbo V6.  And to show how far fuel efficiency has advanced in recent years; the 2005 Explorer Sport had a 239 horse V8 and returned 14mpg.  This one weighs 600 pounds more, is 7.5” longer and generates nearly 70 pound feet of additional torque and is rated at 18mpg combined.

And upon driving it this week, this is the engine the Explorer should have had all along.  The base V6 feels a tad underpowered and now that Ford offers the EcoBoost 4-cylinder for those prioritizing fuel efficiency, I could see them making this twin-turbo the only V6.  The Sport’s 16mpg city/22mpg highway numbers are only 1mpg off of the standard V6 anyway, while the performance is ratcheted up several notches.  It feels very lively and as paired with the paddle shifted 6-speed automatic has an eagerness to it that’ll satisfy those who need more than just adequate.  Ride quality is notably firmer. Towing capacity of the Sport remains 5,000 pounds.

Ford continues the Sport treatment to the chassis, reinforcing it and adding stiffness for improved handling while tweaking the electric steering for a lighter though more connected feel.  Planting the Sport to the pavement are 20” wheels wrapped in Hankook Optimo rubber while improved stopping power is delivered through larger brakes.  And the upgrades perform as intended, sharpening the Explorer’s cornering ability, giving the driver more control, allowing for more confident speed and braking with more assurance.  A Porsche Cayenne it is not, but Ford’s efforts here, while still fairly modest, produce an Explorer Sport worthy of the badge.  But the biggest sell for most will undoubtedly be the Sport’s flashier, more athletic appearance which in this extra charge white platinum tri-coat surely turned heads all week.  More audio from the exhaust would do wonders.

Upgrades find themselves inside as well with a unique 2-tone leather treatment with special stitching and a tech finish applied to the trim pieces.  Package 402A adds the Navi and its associated goodies, intelligent key with push button and remote start while my tester also opts for the 2^nd row bucket seats.  MSRP comes in then at $47,150.  And though I appreciate Ford’s toils here and find the Explorer to a be a viable 3-row choice in general, I can find more to love at a similar price over at GMC with an Acadia Denali that feels every bit as strong with a better ride and which dresses for sophistication as opposed to adolescence.