After the major revision of the Ford Explorer in 2011, one might not expect anything new for the 2012 model year. However, Ford has introduced a significant addition to the family-friendly SUV: a newly available EcoBoost engine. In fact, Ford notes that the Explorer will be the first of its models in North America to offer the EcoBoost. The full-size, 3-row SUV will continue to be available in 3 trims (Base, XLT and Limited), all of which will provide a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with Ti-VCT, making 290 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost’s goal is to approximate the V6’s power in a more fuel efficient 4-cylinder through a turbocharged direct injection system. However, the addition of the inline 4 is an added expense, leading to the natural question: Is the EcoBoost’s fuel savings worth the sacrifice to one’s wallet? Early test drives seem to indicate maybe, but only if you aren’t interested in maintaining the performance found in the V6.

While both the V6 and EcoBoost will provide best-in-class fuel economy, the additional cost for the optional EcoBoost will offer drivers only a 3 mpg improvement (20 mpg city/28 highway) over the traditional V6’s numbers (17/25 with FWD; 17/23 for AWD). The tradeoff seems to be performance, with sluggish 0-60 times reported for the EcoBoost (anywhere from 8.3 seconds to 9.2 seconds) and not quite as much power (240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque). Although the engine generally receives praise for its quietness and the initial acceleration isn’t bad, the weight of the Explorer equipped with the EcoBoost (around 4,500 pounds) makes it difficult to maintain speed. Once the vehicle is loaded up with gear and passengers (up to 7 with a second-row bench seat) or used for towing (up to 2,000 pounds with the EcoBoost and 5,000 with the V6), the acceleration issue may become even worse. Both the V6 and EcoBoost are paired with a 6-speed automatic, but the EcoBoost is available only with front-wheel drive. The V6 comes with either the standard FWD or available AWD system that includes the terrain management system (TMS). The TMS is controlled by a knob that can be tuned to optimize driving on four different surfaces: snow, sand, mud or normal conditions, as well as providing a hill descent feature to assist the vehicle in descending at a slower and more controlled rate of speed.

Inside the 2012 Explorer, the base trim comes with standard cloth-covered seating for 7 with a second-row 60/40-split bench seat and a third-row 50/50 manual split-folding seat. Front leather-trimmed heated seats are an option for the XLT and standard in the Limited, which can be upgraded (with the Luxury Seating Package) to heated and cooled perforated leather for the front and equipped with a PowerFold third row. The Limited also comes with the option to swap the second-row bench for two bucket seats, which can make way for a second-row console. The XLT can be upgraded to leather-trimmed front seats with a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat.

In general, most find the Explorer's interior materials to be solid and well-constructed. However, some complain that the SUV is a bit of an optical illusion—looking much more spacious from the outside than when actually sitting in the interior. Many chime in with the familiar refrain for a 3-row auto: “The third row is fine for children, but cramped for adults…” Even the Explorer’s cargo space measures smaller than some of its competitors, with a maximum 80.7 cubic feet behind the first row. Seat layout gets some criticism as well, with front armrests positioned for Stretch Armstrong and extra-soft nonsupportive seat cushions.

The Base and XLT are equipped with a standard AM/FM/CD player with 6 speakers, although an upgraded Premium audio system with 8 speakers is available for the XLT. A higher-end Sony system with HD radio, 12 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer is standard in the Limited. The Sony audio system includes iTunes Tagging, giving listeners the ability to “tag” music heard on the HD radio and save it for later review or purchase. A 6-month trial subscription to Sirius XM satellite radio comes standard with the XLT and Limited (optional for the Base). All three trims offer Ford’s SYNC system to integrate Bluetooth phones and MP3 players through voice commands and include an automatic connection to 911 after the airbags have deployed in an accident. The XLT and Limited can also be outfitted with a voice-activated navigation system including SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link. Many of the interior tech features can be controlled through the MyFord Touch system, which gives information on two configurable instrument panel displays controlled via two 5-way switch pads on the steering wheel, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen located in the center stack. The system is available in the XLT trim (with the Driver Connect Package) and standard for the Limited. It is not without its critics, however, as some find the displays difficult to read, especially when driving. A dual headrest DVD system can also be added to any of the Explorer trims. Each DVD player operates independently on a 7-inch color LCD screen and comes with headphones, remote, video game ports and CD/MP3 playback.

The high-end Limited trim offers the additional technology of an Intelligent Access key and push-button start, allowing drivers to enter the vehicle and start it as long as the Intelligent Access key is nearby (in a purse or pocket). A remote start feature can remotely control the climate in the Explorer to heat or cool the car before you make the mad dash through the heat or snow to start your commute.

Safety features are boosted in the Limited as well. A standard rear-view camera comes in the Limited (optional for the XLT), and both the Limited and XLT can add a blind-spot information system (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, using a signal in the side-view mirror to notify drivers of the presence of another vehicle before a lane change. The BLIS system also comes with what Ford states is the “world’s first automotive production inflatable rear safety belts” for the two outboard positions. The inflatable belts are activated during a front or side crash and work to support the head and neck, as well as better distributing energy created by a crash across the body. The Limited trim also offers available Active Park Assist to facilitate parallel parking with ease, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system to maintain a safe distance between the Explorer and other cars. Every 2012 Explorer is equipped with the standard AdvanceTrac system with Roll Stability Control and curve control. The former works to maintain control of the SUV by using two gyroscopes to sense rolling motion, wheelslip, and under- or oversteering, as well as working to maintain control on less-than-ideal road conditions (ice, rain, gravel). Curve control senses when the vehicle speed is unsafe for a curve and slows the Explorer.

Outside, the Explorer trims can be distinguished primarily by their color clues. The Ford 3-bar grille is Foundry Gray for the Base, Satin Silver for the XLT and body color for the Limited. Door handles are black on the Base, but chrome for higher-end trims. The roof side rails are black for the Base and silver for the XLT and Limited, which also come equipped with standard fog lamps and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and security lights that can be activated by unlocking the doors or opening the door via the key fob. The Base rides on 17-inch steel wheels, while the XLT provides 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, and the Limited offers the largest 20-inch wheels.

Overall, the 2012 should continue to offer a family-hauling-friendly SUV that, after the 2011 remodel, closely resembles a crossover in many respects. With a new EcoBoost engine for 2012, Ford has attempted to improve the heavy vehicle’s fuel economy with mixed results. While some laud the attempt to go greener, others feel that the tradeoff in performance is not worth the extra miles per gallon. Buyers will have to decide where their priorities lie.