Up-sized and re-powered, the 2011 Ford Explorer offers, among other changes, a roomier cabin and a more user-friendly unibody construction. The recently debuted next-gen Explorer also gets some cosmetic changes, as well as a modernized cabin layout that has already begun gaining kudos from the automotive media. Though this midsize SUV isn’t quite as off-road-worthy as its predecessors, it still offers three rows of seating, 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space (with the rear seats folded), and available four-wheel drive (4WD) across the lineup. Said lineup includes the Base, midlevel XLT, and high-end Limited trim levels, and all three trims offer a choice of the standard V6 engine or an available turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) powerplant. In keeping with tradition, the Explorer’s competition includes the likes of the Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, and Mazda CX7/CX9, all of which are also worth a look.

Standard power for the 2011 Explorer comes from a 3.5-liter V6 and, in the Base trim, a six-speed automatic transmission. The XLT and Limited are equipped with a six-speed auto-manual transmission that’s also optional for the Base. In either case, this combo puts out 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque and has a trailer-towing capacity of some 5,000 pounds. Ford additionally claims a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency with this re-worked V6. Also available is a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 engine that, along with its standard six-speed auto-manual transmission, throws down 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is, of course, significantly less than the V6 offers, but fuel efficiency is expected to be considerably better.

The 2011 Explorer’s available part-time 4WD system equips only V6-powered trims, while both the Eddie Bauer trim and the V8 once available with previous four-wheel-drive Explorer trims have been dropped for 2011. Additionally, the 4WD’s low-range gearing has been eliminated for all trims, thus taking this re-tooled ’ute off-road is discouraged.

The spiffed-up 2011 Explorer boasts a wealth of standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features, with the Base featuring 17-inch steel wheels, rear spoiler, roof rack, dual chrome exhaust tips, cloth upholstery, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, manual air conditioning, MyKey speed and volume control (when the kids borrow the car for an evening), and a single-CD player with six speakers. The XLT adds premium cloth upholstery, 18-inch painted alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, reverse parking sensors, and satellite radio. The top-shelf Limited, meantime, throws in 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, leather-trimmed upholstery, SYNC infotainment and communication interface, power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start, rear-view camera, universal garage door opener, and dual-zone climate control.

Options for the Base trim include many of the standard features on the higher trims, as well as a class III trailer hitch and rear-seat DVD entertainment. For the XLT and Limited, a dual-panel power moonroof, eight-speaker premium audio system, and power liftgate are available, while the Limited offers available power-folding third-row seats and, for those a bit leery of parallel parking, Ford’s well-regarded Active Parking Assist.

Safety concerns are allayed in the 2011 Explorer with standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, integrated trailer sway control, and a post-collision safety system across the lineup. The XLT and Limited trims add front fog/driving lights and remote anti-theft alarm. Inflatable rear seatbelts, the BLIS blind-spot/cross traffic alert system, and adaptive cruise control with pre-collision brake preparation are optional for the higher trims, while the Limited also offers available HID headlights.

Because the 2011 incarnation of the Ford Explorer is essentially a whole new animal, it can be assumed that owner gripes over the years have, for the most part, been addressed. Old favorites, like the SYNC system and three rows of seating, have been retained, while improved fuel efficiency and handling are expected to bring a significant number of prospective Explorer owners into Ford’s showrooms.