Today we will share our impressions of the test drive Ford Explorer 2016 model year, production of which was established in neighboring Yelabuga.

New Ford Explorer was introduced in Russia in the fall of 2015. Its production was established at the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, and at the end of the year the first cars began to arrive at dealers.

Ford Explorer 2016 The year cannot be called new, rather it is a restyling. The car has retained its recognizable features and impressive dimensions. Only the radiator grille, front and rear optics, and bumpers have changed. However, such an update has already become traditional recently among all automakers.

In the cabin seven-seater crossover It's still spacious; there may not be enough space except in the third row of seats.

By the way, the rear row of seats here folds electronically, both completely and in parts.

With the seats folded down, you can easily transport a refrigerator and other large items in the trunk of the Explorer.

Behind the wheel Ford Explorer 2016 Almost anyone can get a seat - the seats are electrically driven and adjustable over a wide range.

The steering column is also electronically adjustable in two planes. Moreover, you can even adjust the position of the pedal assembly - again using an electric drive.

Driving a five-meter SUV (the length of the car is slightly more than 5 meters) is quite interesting.

And here in the parking lot Explorer can easily take up one and a half parking spaces.

When driving on our spring roads, the car allows you to easily overcome broken areas and huge puddles without slowing down.

When driving on broken asphalt, you feel that the designers have worked on sound insulation - it is noticeably quieter here than in the previous generation model.

249 horses under the hood allow you to confidently start first at traffic lights.

On the road, we tested the contoured seats equipped with a massage function. They quite actively warm up the driver’s muscles, but on the road it’s better not to indulge too much in this - relaxing behind the wheel is dangerous, especially when driving such big car. But in the parking lot it is a very useful function.

In Russia Ford Explorer available with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which now develops 249 hp. (great figure for transport tax). And the “Sport” package is available with a turbocharged version of this engine, which already develops 345 hp. Both engines work with a 6-speed automatic transmission. By the way, this automatic machine works neutrally, you can’t call it fast, but there are no delays in switching.

The Russian version is equipped with a system all-wheel drive with electronic clutch.

Price for Ford Explorer 2016 today is at least 2864 thousand rubles. This is significantly more expensive than the pre-restyling version. However, the equipment updated version became richer - yes LED headlights, multicontour seats with massage function, inflatable seat belts for rear passengers, front wide-angle camera, electric heating windshield, hands-free trunk opening system and many other options.

We have already tested it several times and are familiar with it. And now a restyled version has appeared on sale, which we took for testing. There is no point in studying the car in detail again; technically it has not changed dramatically, so we will only touch on the updated parts and see how the restyled Explorer differs from its predecessor. And let's share new impressions.

In fact, the changes affected both appearance and technology. New headlights and a grille give the car a facelift, but in a conservative spirit, the Explorer looks more like its predecessor, the SUV that was retired back in 2010. And only the fog lights in the form of overturned C letters and zigzag LED running lights look new. With these details, Explorer is now related to the latest American aluminum Ford pickup The F-150, which in the States has now become a real fashionista and dictates the general style of all Ford SUVs. In rectangular headlights, LED low beams are already standard. A front-facing video camera also appeared.

But in general, there are quite a lot of changes; only the central part of the body remains the same - the doors and roof. The body has become longer than 13 mm due to new bumpers. Aerodynamics are improved by 5%, and visibility is improved thanks to thinner pillars, this is a truly relevant change for the Explorer. More luxurious interior trim has appeared, equipment has been improved, and the suspension has become softer and more comfortable.

In America, in addition to the previous engines, a new one is also offered; the place of the 2-liter 240-horsepower engine from the EcoBoost family, which was only available in combination with a front-wheel drive transmission, was taken by a 270-horsepower 2.3-liter unit. It can also be with all-wheel drive. But in the Russian range of power units there were no changes, as before, only the 3.5 liter “six”, it was only adapted to our tax legislation and now the aspirated engine is 249 hp, and the turbo engine is 345 hp.

There is no point in repeating ourselves about the architecture, layout and general ergonomics of the interior; everyone can look up previous tests in the archive; nothing has changed fundamentally. But, nevertheless, there are small innovations in the cabin. This applies, first of all, to finishing materials. New skin The front seats and second row seats have become more prominent, a little more comfortable and look richer. The front seats are now heated, ventilated and even have a massager, and are adjustable in ten directions. This is why additional and considerable money is paid, among other things, because some versions of Explorer have risen in price by almost half a million! If you look closely, you will notice that the steering wheel is also new, although it almost completely follows the shape of its predecessor. The plastic of the rim in the grip area has become a little more convenient, as well as the location and design of the buttons on the spokes. Now it is offered keyless entry with an engine start button, which was not the case before. The silver plastic lining of the edgings and moldings on the front panel, doors and steering wheel have changed their shade to a more muted “dark silver”. And the edging of the air ducts and the stripes on the doors themselves have become thinner. And it all looks more noble now. IN instrument unit The speedometer dial, which occupies a central place, has changed; it is more informative and more correct in architecture. And the vertical column indicating the choice of transmission modes changed its vertical location to a horizontal one. But the most important innovation is that the touch buttons on the center console have given way to regular ones, and now, feeling a tactile touch, they are much more convenient to use.

A spacious interior and a huge trunk, everything in the interior still pleases the user, so it’s more likely to get behind the wheel for driving impressions. There is nothing new to say about the engine and transmission. Our test car is naturally aspirated and, as we said, best option for a car from the point of view of reasonable sufficiency and combination of dynamics, efficiency, cost of operation and ownership. And the transmission is a 6-speed automatic, flexible and quite efficient. In short, the Explorer, as before, demonstrates the excellent makings of a long-range highway express. And at the same time it steers with dignity, taking into account its weight and size indicators. The suspension seems to have really become softer and more comfortable, so even on 20-inch wheels there is no special problems with shaking, as happened before. So the manufacturer now installs such wheels on all versions of the crossover, with the exception of the initial one. Previously, 20-inch wheels were available to order, and only the Sport version was equipped with them as standard.

The Explorer SUV, as previous tests have shown, is very conditional. So the Terrain Management intelligent all-wheel drive system with four driving modes is, for the most part, just a toy. We once again received confirmation of this during the current test. The “Snow” mode is not suitable for driving on snow. No, on compacted snow or light snow that has just fallen - no matter what. But at the end of winter, the snow becomes very treacherous; it is deep, frozen or, on the contrary, melted, viscous. And the “Snow” mode desperately “strangles” the engine, trying to avoid wheel slipping, and the sluggish redistribution of torque does nothing. The car doesn't move. And in the “Dirt” mode it’s about the same. So, the only way out is the “Sand” mode! Only it allows you to somehow move in the snow. The electronics send maximum torque to the wheels, keeping the transmission in gear for longer. low gears. And most importantly, the traction control and stabilization systems are automatically turned off, which makes it possible to dose traction as the situation requires. That's it, more or less. But the limit is actually not great. When "ski" front bumper begins to scrape across the crust, and the snow level has not yet reached the wheel hubs (see photo) - this is the limit. You shouldn’t go any deeper, otherwise the car will inevitably sit on its belly and no amount of rocking will help. While it’s still possible, let’s back up and retreat. In the “sand” mode, you can also ride in a power slide, a couple of circles around a cleared area. The Explorer has good steering and traction control, adjusted for the inertia of the massive body.

We stop to try other modes again. Oops! The puck rotates, but the Terrain Management system has automatically switched to the original Auto mode and refuses to switch. And on the screen of the on-board computer an inscription appeared with a recommendation to visit a service station to troubleshoot the problem. Electronics failure! It’s good that at least the possibility of driving has been preserved, but only in automatic mode all-wheel drive. And thanks for that. This Terrain Management is such a sissy, and this without any special loads, we didn’t even have time to skid properly. And the car is practically new - the mileage is less than 2000 km. In short, there is no trust in electronics off-road! Oh, where are you analog, honest all-terrain vehicles, unpretentious and tenacious with real differentials and mechanical interlocks? Unfortunately, their age is ending.

To be fair, let’s say that over many years and hundreds of tests carried out, this is not the first time we have had to deal with a failure or incorrect work electronics. And all this on cars of famous, well-known brands. Believe me, no one is immune from this. Here the sequence is directly proportional: the more electronics there are in a car and the more complex it is, the greater the likelihood of all sorts of problems. So this, one might say, is an inevitable tribute to progress.

As for the Explorer, it remains an excellent tourist car, and the new generation has only strengthened these positions, but the travel route must be laid near the centers of civilization, where there is a branded or at least some modern service. And Ford’s special “Road Assistance” program can come in very handy. 24 hour tow truck is strong argument in modern competition. It’s no wonder that many luxury brands offer similar programs to their clients. Is it because there is no hope for electronics?

Specifications Ford Explorer(Manufacturer's data)

• Body - 5-door, monocoque, steel
• Number of seats - 7
• Dimensions, mm
• Length - 5019
• Width - 2004
• Height - 1788
• Base - 2860
• Ground clearance – 200
• Curb weight, kg - 2235
• Total weight, kg - 2809
• Trunk volume, l - 595/1243/2285
• Engine – petrol with twin turbocharging
• Number and arrangement of cylinders - 6, V-shaped
• Volume, l - 3.5
• Power - 249 hp at 6500 rpm
• Torque - 346 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission - 6-speed automatic
• Drive - four-wheel drive multi-plate clutch in the rear wheel drive
• Front suspension - independent, spring, McPherson
• Rear suspension - independent, spring, multi-link
• Maximum speed, km/h - 175 (limited)
• Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s - 8.7
• Fuel consumption per 100 km, l
• Urban cycle - 14.9
• Suburban cycle - 8.8
• Mixed cycle - 11.0
• Gasoline – AI-92-95
• Tires – 255/50 R20

Photos from the test drive

Today in review updated Ford Explorer 2016, although it is worth recognizing the fact that it is not completely new - the model has rather undergone significant changes. The popular SUV in Russia has acquired a slightly modified front end, and also received a number of technical innovations designed to make the model more functional and versatile...

Ford Explorer began to look even more brutal. In the appearance of the 2016 Ford Explorer, smooth outlines and roundness have noticeably decreased. They were replaced by straight lines and angular details, thanks to which the car acquired a more aggressive and lean look.

Explorer is ideally suited to Russian conditions, thanks to intelligent system all-wheel drive Terrain Management, adaptation to cold climates and wide possibilities transformation seven-seater saloon. I drove it all over road surfaces, did not let me down everywhere.

By the way, updated crossover for the Russian market are assembled in Yelabuga, and buyer interest is on new model yes - sales growth of the new Ford Explorer is 7% more than in the first six months of 2015.

Localization of assembly in Russia made it possible to avoid a double increase in prices due to the economic crisis, as happened with many in German marks. Thus, the new Ford Explorer 2016 is available at a price starting from 2,599,000 rubles; before the crisis, the model cost from 1,798,000 rubles.

In terms of price and equipment, Explorer really has very few competitors. For that kind of money the "Germans" will sell you empty car, right - leather interior, electric seat drive, heated/ventilated seats, massage, LED headlights low beam, adaptive cruise, lane marking reading, keyless entry, touch opening of the trunk door (foot), third row of seats (with electric folding).

Compared to the previous version of the SUV, changes in the interior are minor and are noted in a different steering wheel and some decorative elements on the center console of the front panel. Thanks to special acoustic glass and seals in the interior doors, the developers were able to significantly increase the level of noise insulation.

When it’s freezing outside, raining or snowing, a warm and comfortable atmosphere always awaits you in the new Ford Explorer. The electric heating system for the steering wheel, as well as the rear and front seats will allow you to warm up in a matter of minutes. And electric heating of the windshield and side mirrors will help you quickly and easily get rid of ice or snow.

By the way, the legroom for passengers in the second row of seats has increased!

And why don’t all manufacturers make 220V sockets in cars? It's so convenient...

The use of new modern high-quality materials in the interior decoration has contributed to the fact that in terms of comfort the car can probably be classified as a premium class.

In Russia, the Ford Explorer is available with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, which now develops 249 hp. And the “Sport” package is available with a turbocharged version of the engine, which already develops 345 hp. Both engines work with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine with a power of 249 horses showed consumption in the city at 12 liters per hundred.

In general, the car began to behave more stable at high speeds than the pre-restyling version. But I was especially pleased that the efficiency of LED low-beam headlights has been significantly improved, resulting in an increase in the level of road illumination. On the previous version, the headlights were three points, sometimes even in the city you had to turn on the high beams - now this issue is off the agenda.

My conclusion: thanks to the improvements and Russian assembly- Explorer's competitiveness has become higher! Ideal as a car for all occasions.

In accustomed to expensive cars In Chechnya, our caravan of white test Ford Explorers is arousing keen interest. They turn around and follow us with their gazes, apparently thinking that some official people are again running around the republic. At stops, seeing that we are clearly not one of the “servants of the people,” the locals are not averse to looking inside and asking something like the classic “how much does it eat, how much does it rush, how much does it cost?” Some, having seen enough of the updated crossover, quickly light up in Caucasian style: “where can you buy one of these”?! Someone suggests changing on the spot: for an Explorer one horseman would give...

Minimum price

Maximum price

Camrys in Chechnya, as in Russia, are also all black. But also White color they are respected here - you should have seen how many white, lowered "Priors" there are here! The updated Explorer in white also looks expressive, including due to the new “face”. As one of my colleagues said about his changed appearance, “it’s like he opened his eyes.”

And he opened it, one might say, in the literal sense of the word. Because after the update, Explorer appeared in the basic configuration LED headlights low beam and automatic switching to high beam. The low beam shines brightly and widely, and the powerful fog lights perfectly match it! The high beam is halogen, but it also shines decently, so what head lighting we give credit.

External restyling for the Ford Explorer includes new headlights, radiator grille, bumper, and foglights. AND wheel disks: 18 inches “in the base” and 20 inches, starting with the second Limited trim level. The body has become longer by 13 mm (up to 5019 mm), but even without this, the Explorer remains the longest and widest car in the class.

Visibility? The windshield pillars are still thick and look like they could support the weight of a truck! And to slightly expand the viewing sector, the handrail front passenger moved from the rack to the ceiling. True, the driver still has nothing to grab onto when landing. But after the update, Explorer received frontal and rear camera with washers. And the front “eye” also has a wide-angle viewing function - now it’s more convenient to lean out of the parking lot. By the way, the car parking system itself was taught to dock a car not only parallel, but also perpendicular to the roadway. Although in the latter case, the automation does not always position the car level.

Power

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

There are also a lot of changes in the driver's seat. The engine is now started by a button, and from now on the servo drive is now found not only in the pedal assembly, but also in the steering column (from the Limited version), which can move back, making it easier to get out. The new grippy steering wheel has the same massive spokes with buttons, which you still touch with your hands in 9-3 position. But a heated steering wheel is now available from the Limited version (previously only in the Limited Plus and Sport version).

At the rear there are new LED marker lights, bumper, tailgate and side moldings. At the same time, the tailgate servo drive received a sensor for opening “from the foot” if your hands are busy (starting from the Limited version).

The seat itself under me is like it’s alive, and moves with bumps! Seven massage pneumatic chambers of the front multi-contour seats (optional) work on your health. By the way, for the Explorer Sport, such seats with massage are not available even for an extra charge. As a consolation, he was left with only ventilated front seats covered in perforated leather, which are now available for the Limited version of the regular Explorer. You can settle comfortably and for a long time in both options thanks to the mass of settings and their range. One thing is upsetting: Ford never changed the air supply to the legs of the driver and front passenger. The air blows not from above, but from the side, so in winter one leg is warm and the other is cold.

Engines for Russia? No changes here. The base naturally aspirated V6 Ti-VCT Cyclone with a volume of 3.5 liters, equipped with distributed injection, still produces a “tax” 249 hp. and 346 Nm. And under the hood of the Sport version there is still the same volume V6 of the EcoBoost series with two turbines and direct fuel injection, developing 345 Horse power and 485 Nm of torque.

Interior updates are in the details. The sound insulation on the floor has been strengthened, the shape of the steering wheel and seats have been changed, they have received new upholstery and filling, wood-look inserts have been added, and new door trim panels with soft inserts have been added.

The huge Explorer weighs a considerable 2.2 tons, but even in the naturally aspirated version it feels like 3.5 liters of volume still makes the difference! According to the passport, the crossover goes up to “hundreds” in 8.7 seconds, does not give up at traffic light starts, and on the highway under gas there is always a reserve of traction for acceleration when overtaking. Not a sports car, of course, but even with a full interior of passengers there will be no reason to accuse the car of being “vegetable”. And the velvety rumble of the engine remains, although now it is somewhat muffled by the enhanced sound insulation of the cabin.

Against the background of a frisky “aspirated” engine, the Explorer Sport drives even angrier, accelerating to 100 km/h immediately 2.3 seconds faster (6.4 seconds). And while driving, you can clearly feel that same “turbo boost” and almost 500 Nm of torque, which literally throw the car forward if you apply gas. And the sound of the engine is already different, noticeably lower, muffled, more brutal. Now I understand why there were queues in Russia for the pre-restyling Explorer Sport: the main competitors do not offer such versions.

On the instrument scale, only the speedometer has changed: the automatic transmission mode indicator has become horizontal. Navigation tips are still displayed in the right window, and trip computer data is displayed in the left window. And the small tachometer in the left window is still “blind”.

The six-speed hydromechanical automatic 6F50 has been carried over from the previous model. It works smoothly and quite quickly, does not strive to accelerate as quickly as possible high gears. But this was not enough for Ford and on the updated Explorer they also introduced a sport mode into the automatic transmission! At the same time, the previous inconvenient gear change buttons were removed from the automatic transmission lever. And instead of them, all trim levels of the restyled crossover now have paddle shifters, which only the Explorer Sport previously sported. In Drive mode, you can use them to briefly intervene in the switching process - if the box is in no hurry to go “up” or “thinks” when switching to lower gears.

Calibrations independent suspensions(McPherson front, multi-link rear), which are expectedly a little stiffer in the Sport version, have not changed. And these settings are not imposingly American, but rather harsh in a European way. On hefty “rollers” measuring 255/50 R20 Explorer rides tightly, but as if more intensely, a little more indicating and transmitting to the body those road ripples and irregularities that a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, most likely, would have passed more smoothly.

On the lower climate control unit, the touch buttons have finally been replaced with the usual analog “poke” buttons! But the settings for multi-contour seats and massage are done through the SYNC 2 multimedia touchscreen from Sony, which still “dulls” in response to pressing.

But due to these settings, the Explorer is perceived as more collected and less clunky. The suspension doesn’t rattle even on moderate bumps, which upset us so much new Pilot. And it steers very decently for an “American”, giving an exact idea of ​​what is happening with the front wheels - thanks to the electric power steering settings and the changed angle of articulation of the steering shaft. And the steering wheel is well insulated from bumps.

Well, now it’s time to answer our readers’ questions about the new product.

Question from Petr

I'm interested in the quality of the all-wheel drive, or more precisely, the coupling test for overheating. And diagonal cross-country ability

The all-wheel drive system on the updated Explorer is also the same: rear axle automatic ones are connected by a multi-plate clutch, which is “clamped” electromagnetic drive. When the selector for selecting modes of the Terrain Management system (throttle reactions, automatic transmission settings and stabilization systems change) is in the “Normal” position, almost all the torque goes to the front wheels, and the transfer of traction back begins only with active acceleration or slipping. In the "Snow", "Sand" and "Mud/Ruts" modes, the clutch preload already increases by rear wheels Almost half of the thrust is constantly supplied.

1. From previous model I got ambient interior lighting with 7 color options.
2. The new front camera with wide-angle viewing function “sees” almost 180 degrees.
3. Control of air flows and activation of heating and ventilation are still assigned to touch screen. If music or navigation is turned on, you need to call this menu separately. Inconvenient!

During the test, place the car in deep snow and it was not possible to check the coupling for “heat resistance” - they walked in a column, driven by time. In general, the slippery and snow-covered Chechen serpentines did not cause any problems; we went everywhere without problems. But it is still clear that difficult off-road conditions are not for the Explorer; the low landing, long overhangs of the body, and the absence of a low gear have not yet been canceled.

But I managed to drive the crossovers into the “diagonal”. It turned out that in the “Sand” mode, the electronic imitation of inter-wheel locks is completely disabled - and when hanging diagonally, the Explorer becomes helpless. In other modes, it works and pulls out the car, but the electronics act with restraint, you need not to throw off the gas and maintain speed in order to get out of the ambush.

1. The middle row has its own climate control. New features include two USB connectors and a 230-volt socket.
2. Even an adult with a height of 180 cm can easily endure sitting in the third row for some time. Although the back does not tilt, and only one third of the middle sofa can be moved forward.
3. Passengers in the second row were given 36 mm of legroom and inflatable seat belts (optional). Warm air blows into your feet and from the ceiling. The only thing missing is a folding armrest in the center of the backrest.

By the way, the “sand” mode can easily be used as a sport mode: it has the sharpest (some might even consider them twitchy) reactions to the gas, the stabilization system allows you to misbehave, the box shifts “down” earlier and faster and holds the selected gear longer. Against this background, the “Snow” mode is expectedly the most “vegetable”, and “Snow/Mud” (softer reactions to the gas at start) and “Normal” will do as intermediate options. One irritating moment also surfaced. You can display a “cartoon” on the instrument panel, showing the current distribution of thrust along the axes. However, as soon as you click the gear shift paddle, this graph turns off and a tachometer appears in its place.

Along the way, it turned out that as soon as the hill start assistant releases the brakes on the hill, the Explorer with the gear engaged in the gearbox does not hold in place, but rolls limply back. Against this background, you can’t find fault with the descent assistant: it picks up the car immediately, brakes confidently, and works in a muted manner.

Question from Dmitry

Will we have Platinum trim levels? I foresee the answer, but still?

Yes, the top-end Platinum package is offered for the Explorer only in America and Canada, and it is not available for Russia. By and large, its difference is in the Sony audio system with a power of 500 watts versus 390 watts for the “music” with which the Explorer is delivered to Russia. But in Russian configurations there is so much equipment crammed in (including new ones) that there is no point in regretting our lack of “Platinum”. Moreover, some new “features” of the Russian Explorer are no longer offered anywhere - for example, included in basic equipment Electric heating of the entire surface of the windshield.

Folded rows of seats create a flat floor and plenty of space for organizing a bed. The trunk volume behind the third row is 595 liters, behind the second row - 1243 liters. The volume with both rows folded was already huge, but it was increased by 28 liters - up to 2.3 cubic meters!

In addition, the starting version of the XLT added an alarm system, keyless entry, push-button engine start and front parking sensors. The Limited trim level includes front seats with perforated leather and ventilation, as well as power steering for the third row of seats. The top-end Limited Plus version now has multi-contour front seats with massage, a rain sensor, automatic parking and a low-to-high beam switch.

But also prices for the updated Explorer they immediately jumped by 130,000 - 250,000 rubles. The basic version of XLT now costs without discounts 2 799 000 rubles, Limited priced at 3 049 000 rubles, Limited Plus - in 3 179 000 rubles, but they will ask for the Sport modification 3 399 000 rubles

Question from Sergey Fateev

Who would buy an Explorer for that kind of money?

Specifically, “based on the portrait”, Ford sees successful family men aged 35-50 as buyers of the Explorer.

Question from Ivanescence

Who are the competitors?

Ford has added 10 cars to the list of rivals for the updated Explorer! In the forefront of competitors of the atmospheric version of the Explorer are the quite expected crossovers (from 2,728,000 to 2,964,000) and Nissan Pathfinder(2,460,000 - 2,760,000 rubles for 2015). has not yet been included in this list: there are no Russian prices for it.

1. Starting with the Limited trim level, the Explorer comes with a power-folding third-row seat. You can fold both seats at once or separately.
2. The third row has its own cup holders, loudspeakers and ceiling ducts.
3. Ford Explorer is supplied to Russia only in a 7-seater version. Under the third row there is a dock.

Next on the list of competitors were (from 1,999,000 to 3,492,000 rubles), (2,179,000 - 3,100,000 rubles for 2015), Jeep Grand Cherokee(from 2,549,000 rubles) and Volkswagen Touareg(from 2,645,000 rubles) - all with V6 gasoline engines. But why are they here if they are already SUVs? Ford says that potential buyers choose between the Explorer and these cars based on their price, not on the type of car and its off-road capabilities.

Against this background, the atmospheric Explorer is also not cheap at all. But according to the approximate cost of maintenance declared by Ford for a mileage of up to 100,000 km, it outperformed almost all of the above-mentioned 6-cylinder competitors. For Explorer it costs 105,000 rubles, for Jeep Grand Cherokee - for 127-150 thousand, for Touareg you will have to spend about 152,000 rubles, Mitsubishi Pajero will require 173,000 - 177,000 rubles, and the most expensive were Toyota Highlander and LC Prado - approximately 217,000 rubles each. The least expensive on this list is only the Nissan Pathfinder: about 76,000 rubles are enough for its maintenance.

After the update, Explorer received adaptive cruise control in conjunction with a collision warning system (optional). But the “cruise” is turned off at speeds below 16 km/h and the driver must brake until it comes to a complete stop. At the same time, a system for keeping the car in the lane has been introduced: it warns of deviations and can itself, by adjusting the trajectory with the steering wheel through an electric booster, return the crossover to the true path.

Ford also decided not to be modest with the declared rivals of the 345-horsepower turbo version of the Explorer Sport. Like, why be shy if compared to them Sport costs less (3,399,000 rubles), and in terms of acceleration to 100 km/h (6.4 seconds) it is almost as good as anyone?! I was only able to drive around it “in numbers” (5 seconds). But it now costs a million rubles for every second of acceleration. Basic petrol Porsche Cayenne(V6, 300 hp), traveling to “hundreds” in 7.7 seconds, costs from 4,281,000 rubles. A little less (from 4,122,000 rubles) will be charged for Range Rover Sport with a compressor V6 (340 hp and 7.2 seconds to 100 km/h).

Breathing into the Explorer Sport bumper is a VW Touareg with a 360-horsepower gasoline V8, which reaches “hundreds” in 6.5 seconds and costs from 3,950,000 rubles. The 6-cylinder BMW X5 xDrive35i (306 hp) costs from 3,330,000 rubles to accelerate.

Question from Petr

Will Explorer be supplied to Russia with a 2.3 liter petrol turbo engine, as well as new SUV Everest?

After Ford updates Explorer has been replaced by the smallest 4-cylinder petrol turbo engine in the EcoBoost series. The previous 2-liter unit (240 hp and 366 Nm) has given way to a 2.3 liter engine (on the Explorer it produces 280 hp and 420 Nm), which also powers the new Mustang and Focus RS.

In behind-the-scenes conversations after the presentation, Ford said that they were studying the possibility of supplying us with an Explorer with such an engine. But let’s dare to assume that in reality such a probability (especially during a crisis) is close to zero! From installing a small motor big Explorer will not become much cheaper in Russia - the benefit from customs clearance will be eaten up by the price of the engine itself, which in the States costs almost $1000 more than the base 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.

And although in this year Ford stopped selling the Ranger pickup truck here, Everest has a better chance of gaining a foothold. But Ford again avoided specifics, saying that the issue of bringing Everest to Russian market still being studied. In the meantime, Ford people are thinking, Everest is already sold in Australia, India, China, South Africa and Thailand. True, if the ruble and oil prices continue to move downhill, we will definitely not have time for Everest next year...

“How big it is!” I thought when I first sat down in the new Ford Explorer. No, I’ve encountered large machines before. Last summer I rode a car, which is comparable in size to the Explorer. And even after that, it’s hard to surprise me with the car’s dimensions. This is different. In the cabin Explorer size feels different. Not physically, but psychologically or something. This is a car for big people, and it's not just about the body :)

I've had the Explorer for about two weeks. I managed to drive it a little around St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, and then we tested the car in long journey- on the way to and from. Below is a detailed overview of the car.

Let's start, traditionally, with appearance. He's good, isn't he? The previous Explorer looked like a troll with a double chin from the front, due to the “heavy” front bumper. The new one looks lighter and faster from the front, but has lost its individuality. Some people don’t like this; they liked the old Explorer precisely because of its heaviness and brutality.
2

If we raise the question of the similarity of the exterior to other cars, then... The shapes of the headlights of the previous Explorer were quite recognizable, but on the new one they are similar to several other crossovers. Well, for example, there is something from the Jeep Grand Cherokee:
3

LED running lights in the shape of a recumbent letter P look interesting. Rear optics also LED. But the low and high beams are ordinary bi-xenon, not even lensed.
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The rear of the new Explorer hasn't changed much:
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Huge 20-size wheels with 255/50 R20 tires. It's scary to think how much such a set of wheels costs :)
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I personally have nothing more to add about appearance. Those who were well acquainted with the previous Explorer would say more. Although... wait, what's that on the front of the bumper? Oh, camera! And not a simple camera, but with a washer! The car has two cameras, there is also one at the back, and it also has its own washer nozzle. It’s very convenient; you don’t have to constantly wipe the lens from adhering dirt. The nozzles are activated together with the windshield and rear window respectively.
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It's much more interesting inside. To get there, you just need to grab the door handle; they have built-in touch sensors. And on the outside of the handles there is a button built in, pressing which closes the door locks. There is no need to take the key out of your pocket.
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I have already written about the internal volume above. Even people of large build will not feel the lack of space around. And with my modest figure and 170 centimeters height, I looked a little ridiculous behind the wheel. At least that's what it seemed to me at first. Then I got used to it :)
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The trunk is also impressive with its volume - 1343 liters with the third row rear seats folded down. By the way, about this. The Explorer, as you know, is a seven-seater car. The third row of seats is folded flat. Out of habit, I started looking for levers or handles to raise the third row - I couldn’t find them. After which they showed me 4 buttons that were on the left wall of the trunk. It turns out that the third row of seats is fully motorized, and each of the two seats has three positions. You press a button, and the floor smoothly folds into seats. You press it again - the backs and seats fold and rise up, forming a “pit” in the trunk. Well, the third position is basic, with a flat floor. Moreover, each of the two seats can be controlled separately, or both together. Everything is fine, but you just need to remember to put things in the trunk before folding out the third row. Otherwise it might get chewed up.
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More about the trunk. The fifth door is equipped with an interesting technology: it opens/closes if you wave your foot under the bumper. This feature was introduced in the new Ford Kuga. Cool idea if you need to load something into the trunk with your hands full. True, the impression of this technology is spoiled by two things. The first is the slow electric drive of the fifth door itself, which takes a long time to open and close. The second is that the door opening/closing sensor can be triggered by careless foot movement under the bumper. Imagine, you are digging in the trunk, and then you hear a sudden “pip-pip-pip” and feel that the door is coming at you :) In a panic, you climb into the trunk and press the button on the trunk door so that you don’t get nailed.
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The second row is also spacious. The three passengers sat quite freely, without feeling cramped. The designers of the restyled Explorer made the front seats thinner to add cherished millimeters for the knees rear passengers, and they succeeded. In addition, one part rear seat can move forward and backward. Why only one is unclear.

To close the topic with the back rows, I’ll mention two USB connectors for charging gadgets and one 220V socket. Our Explorer also had three-zone climate control; second-row passengers had their own climate control panel. Air was supplied to them not only from below, but also from the ceiling. They are not deprived of heated seats either. To be completely happy, they lacked a massage function, since only the two front seats are equipped with them.
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The most interesting thing about this car, of course, is the driver. First of all, I would like to note the ease of landing. Of course, because in this car, EVERYTHING is simply regulated in the driver’s seat, and it’s electrically driven. The chair is in all directions, the lumbar support, the steering wheel in height and reach, and even the pedal assembly, and that is controlled by buttons. This allows you to adjust the driver’s seat to a person with any requirements for the seat and the position of the controls. A nice bonus - two-section a roof with a panoramic view from glass. In the cabin it is closed with a tight flap and opens in two steps. And above the front seats there is a roof in the form of a hatch, which can open a gap as high as your index finger.
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There are also plenty of amenities for drivers. Lots of different niches and pockets. Two USB connectors, one of which is above the gearshift lever, and the second in the deep glove compartment in the armrest. Heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and windshield. The front seats, in addition to standard adjustments, have the ability to extend or remove lumbar and back support. Moreover, the backrest adjustments are carried out in three parts, each of which has as many as seven positions! In general, the Explorer gets five plus for ease of landing!
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The car starts, of course, with a button. The instrument panel is easy to read, everything is large and legible. There are some complaints that there are a lot of buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard, and their location is not always intuitive. This is especially true for climate control. As with the Ford Mondeo, a lot of things are hardwired into the SYNC2 system, which is notorious for being a bit clunky and thoughtful. There are many steps to go through until you get to the desired setting.
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The car is a joy to drive. You soon get used to the considerable dimensions; parking sensors all around along with cameras at the front and rear help with this. The car, despite its heavy weight, responds quite quickly to the gas pedal. Sharp acceleration occurs with a very juicy and tasty roar, which, however, sounds muffled in the cabin due to good sound insulation. The engines are the same as on the old Explorer. I had a test drive with a 3.5-liter engine gasoline engine, developing 249 horsepower (respect to Ford for this figure, no need to overpay the tax). Acceleration to hundreds in 8.7 seconds. On the track there was no lack of power when overtaking. Automatic transmission It shifts gears smoothly and promptly and does not cause irritation. Fuel consumption is quite tolerable for a car with such characteristics: in mixed mode it turned out to be about 15 liters per hundred. If you don’t have enough strength, you can take the package with the top-of-the-range EcoBoost engine for the Explorer. The volume is the same, but the power is already 340 hp.
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We had an Explorer in the top-end LIMITED PLUS configuration. There are a lot of interesting things there electronic functions. The most interesting is the active cruise control, which, coupled with the lane tracking system, turns the car into an almost robotic car. You set the speed limit, the minimum distance to the car in front, turn on the lane marking control - and you can release not only the pedals, but also the steering wheel :)
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The car drives itself, keeping a distance between the front cars, and it steers itself if there are clear markings. Cool! You shouldn’t trust automation completely, of course, you never know... For example, the markings will disappear or become invisible. And if front car stops abruptly, another collision warning system will be activated. In a matter of seconds and centimeters before the bumper of the front car, the Explorer will emit a loud signal, light up a bright red strip of light on the dashboard (directly in the driver’s eyes) and use emergency braking. We previously tested this system on the new Mondeo even before the launch of sales. We accelerated to 40 km/h and drove straight into a cardboard wall on which reflective elements were glued. It was difficult not to press the brake pedal, but if you refrain from doing so, the system itself stopped the car. In the city, such a system will be especially valuable, otherwise many accidents are due to the fact that someone got lost in a traffic jam and drove into the rear of a neighbor in front.
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IN dashboard There are two small screens built into either side of the speedometer. The right one displays information from the audio system, navigation or control of a Bluetooth-connected phone. To the left screen, in addition to the usual data on-board computer, you can display more interesting numbers and pictures. For example, tire pressure indicators. I also liked the screen that shows the degree of force on each axis. It is noticeable that if you drive smoothly, almost all the traction falls on the front axle. During intense acceleration, especially at slippery surface, the rear one also connects smoothly. Well, off-road, traction can move spontaneously between the axles.
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By the way, about the drive. The gearshift lever has a round mode selector: mud/ruts, sand, grass/gravel/snow. These modes change the nature of the operation of all-wheel drive, accelerator and electronic systems. Honestly speaking, there is not much difference in the behavior of the car in different modes didn't notice. Off-road, the Explorer is hardly ready for large, or even medium-sized heroics. Don't forget that this is just a big and heavy crossover. But... It was not possible to test the descent assistance system; a suitable slide was not found. But there is no doubt about it.
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In addition to the positive, some oddities were noticed. The first is associated with the mechanism for opening the trunk using a wave of the foot under the bumper. I wrote above that the trunk door may suddenly begin to close when someone is rummaging through the trunk. That's not all. One day I stopped at a gas station, filled up with fuel and went to pay. I returned and noticed that the trunk door was open. None of my fellow travelers opened it. Later this happened again. It turned out that the opening sensor can work even if a person just walked past the fifth door. Apparently this happens due to contamination of the sensor in slushy weather.

The second oddity was the method of notifying that the driver left the running car along with the chip key. My Nissan just makes a quiet, repeated beeping noise. The Explorer in this situation... blares its horn twice. Just imagine, you drive into a quiet courtyard late at night. We quickly left the salon to give something to someone. You slam the door with the engine running and a loud FA-FA is heard throughout the yard! For what??? Why couldn't there be a much quieter way to notify the driver? Unclear.
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Fortunately, both this horn notification and the tailgate control sensor can be disabled. If you can do the first with great relief, then you do the second with some regret, because the feature is convenient. The Ford Russia office said that they are aware of this problem, and the company’s engineers are going to fix it.

Prices for the new Ford Explorer start at 2,864,000 rubles - this is for the XLT package. If we take into account all the discounts and bonuses, the minimum price drops to 2,599,000 rubles. Our car, which is discussed in this post, will cost 3,145,000 rubles. And the coolest one, with an EcoBoost engine, costs 3,360,000 rubles. If you compare the Explorer with its competitors, you get an interesting situation. This is the best car in terms of price/equipment ratio. Competitors with approximately the same features will cost significantly more. And even top competitors don’t have some of Explorer’s features. Good alternative to expensive ones Range Rover and Toyota succeeds.
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