2019 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer wasn't the first compact/midsize SUV, but shortly after its launch in 1990, it was one of the most popular, quickly catching up to the Jeep Cherokee, even though that model had more than a five-year head start.

It's proof of Ford's ability to turn virtually every vehicle segment it touches into gold: the Explorer's explosion on the market spawned all kinds of competitors from all kinds of manufacturers and created the giant that SUVs have become in North America.

For 2019, the changes made to the Explorer are minor: the base trim is gone, leaving XLT as the entry point; the XLT now comes standard with a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and, optionally, a 3.5L V6, the reverse of last year's model. All versions of the Explorer are now four-wheel drive (the XLT was previously front-wheel drive) and come standard with blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.

Among the new features is an XLT Sport Appearance Package that adds 20-inch wheels, chrome mirrors and black leather seats to the entry-level XLT trim.

The Explorer is otherwise carried over from 2018. The 2.3L engine produces 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque in XLT and Limited versions, while the optional 3.5L engine is good for 290 hp and 255 lb-ft in naturally aspirated form. Turbocharging helps the V6 produce 365 hp and 350 lb-ft in the Explorer's Sport and Platinum versions.

Thanks to the Explorer's permanent all-wheel drive, all versions benefit from Ford's Terrain Management System, which adapts the behaviour of the 4WD system, transmission and engine controls to various environmental conditions at the simple touch of a dial located on the centre console.

The Platinum trim transforms the Explorer into a fairly solid luxury vehicle equipped with a dual-panel sunroof, heated steering wheel, front and rear exterior cameras, LED headlights, hands-free liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, power-adjustable steering column and pedals, navigation, power-folding third-row seats and heated second-row seats.

Although the Explorer is positioned above the Flex in the SUV lineup, there is considerable overlap between the two in terms of interior space and towing capacity. The Explorer's characteristics align perfectly against vehicles such as the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevrolet Traverse, while the Dodge Durango, which seems like a more natural competitor, boasts a higher towing rating and can be equipped with a muscle car V8 in its SRT variant.

The Ford Explorer's fuel consumption estimates are 13.1/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder engine and 15.2/10.9 for Sport and Limited models with their turbo V6.