2014 Ford Explorer
Changes for the 2014 Ford Explorer:
Ford modifies the 2014 Explorer’s steering and brakes to improve the midsize crossover SUV’s driving dynamics, and adds automatic headlights as standard equipment. New options include heated rear seats, an adaptive cruise control system, and for the Explorer Sport model, a rear center floor console for models with second-row bucket seats. New paint colors also debut.
Model Lineup:
Explorers are equipped with base, XLT, Limited, or Sport trim. Upgrading to the Explorer XLT adds larger aluminum wheels, nicer trim, fog lights, heated side mirrors, rear parking assist sensors, satellite radio, a USB port, and more.
The Explorer Limited is equipped with heated front and rear leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, MyFord Touch technology with an in-dash color touchscreen and a reversing camera, and a keyless passive entry system with push-button starting. Body-color exterior trim and 20-inch aluminum wheels are also included.
The Explorer Sport gets unique 20-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, perforated leather sport-bolstered seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a twin-turbocharged engine, transmission paddle shifters, and all-wheel drive.
Engines and Transmissions:
All Explorers except for the Sport are equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is optional. This EcoBoost engine produces 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, and is more fuel-efficient than the standard V-6. However, it is available only with front-wheel drive.
The 2014 Explorer Sport is equipped with a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine generating 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed transmission equipped with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive are standard.
Depending on the model, the 2014 Explorer can be optioned with a dual-panel power sunroof, a navigation system, a power tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Class III trailer-towing package. Additional highlights include inflatable rear seat belts, a Blind-Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, Collision Warning with Brake Support, and an adaptive cruise control system.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the 2014 Explorer gets between 16 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, depending on trim level, engine, and drivetrain selection.
Safety Ratings:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2014 Explorer an overall crash-test rating of 5 stars. As this summary is written, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the 2014 version of the Explorer.
Technology Highlights:
Every 2014 Explorer has Sync Bluetooth pairing technology, and when a paired phone is aboard the vehicle and the air bags deploy, a 911 Assist service activates to help speed rescuers to the scene of the accident. Additionally, the 2014 Explorer can be optioned with an Active Park Assist system that automatically steers the SUV into a parallel parking space while the driver operates the foot pedals and the transmission.
