Adding terrain-taming 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capabilities to the already well-endowed 2012 Ford Explorer XLT begets owners the midlevel Explorer XLT 4WD. This midsize crossover additionally sports 80.7 cubic feet of cargo area as well as the standard 3 rows of seating for up to 7 occupants.
Standard exterior adornments include 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and a rear spoiler, not to mention heated power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, leather and simulated alloy cabin accents, digital keypad power door locks and power windows. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering are, of course, included, as are rear parking sensors, and all of this is complemented by front and rear air conditioning. Finally, an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers also comes standard, along with satellite radio, a USB connection, Bluetooth hands-free communications and subscriber voice-directions navigation.
Options-wise, the 2012 Explorer XLT 4WD is eligible for the popular Driver Connect Package with SYNC/MyFord Touch voice activation and touchscreen navigation, audio, dual-zone climate control and communications, as well as leather upholstery, heated front seats and premium 9-speaker audio. Various standalone options, meanwhile, include upgraded 20-inch wheels, the voice-activated navigation suite, second-row captain’s chairs, rear-seat DVD entertainment and a dual-panel power moonroof.
Standard power in the latest Explorer XLT 4WD is a 3.5-liter Flex Fuel (FFV) V6 engine that mates with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, with standard descent control, for 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped with the available towing package, the XLT 4WD will haul up to 5,000 pounds of trailer, while mileage remains at 17 mpg city/23 highway. The standard 4WD system, finally, includes a driver-selectable Terrain Management System that matches drivetrain to terrain for commendable light-duty off-road performance.
The traditional safety features inhabit Ford’s capable 4WD crossover and include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as the ubiquitous traction and stability control. Front side-mounted airbags with head protection chambers and 3-row head airbags, along with a post-collision safety system, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and front fog/driving lights are all standard safety equipment, as well. For additional safety, Ford’s BLIS blind-spot warning system and rear-seat inflatable seatbelts are notable occupant-protection options.
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