Competition in the family-vehicle market is intense, but both U.S. News & World Report and Parents magazine agree that the redesigned Ford Explorer is a standout performer. The two publications each recently released 2011 lists of family-friendly rides and the 2011 Ford Explorer was honored by each for its ability to please and protect parents and their kids. The iconic SUV was named the Best Off-Road SUV for Families by U.S. News and listed among the best "big cars" by Parents magazine.
U.S. News chose winners in 20 different vehicle categories based on its car rankings, other safety and reliability ratings and long-term ownership costs. Meanwhile, Parents magazine teamed up with Edmunds.com to choose 15 family-ready vehicles in five categories, ranging from budget cars to big cars. The Ford Explorer was one of three "big cars" to earn accolades, with its safety, efficiency and family-friendly accessories all helping to conquer the competition.
"New Hampshire families have relied on the Explorer for years," said Jim McGovern, general manager of Ford of Londonderry, a Southern New Hampshire Ford dealer. "The new Explorer offers the fuel efficiency of a large sedan with the capability of an SUV and the capacity of a minivan. But above all, it's going to protect the kids, which is the biggest priority for any parent."
Safety was a top priority for the engineers of the Ford Explorer as well, and a resulting Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2011 Top Safety Pick shows their efforts were worth it. The 2011 Ford Explorer scored a top rating of Good in all four of the IIHS' crash-test categories while meeting the minimum requirement of featuring standard electronic stability control. Complementing its structural crash protection, the Explorer is also available with inflating rear safety belts, which reduce risk of injury by distributing the crash force to lessen impact.
The 2011 and 2012 Ford Explorer models currently at Ford dealerships feature three rows of seating, allowing for up to seven passengers. Perfect for long family road trips, occupants can enjoy four standard power outlets as well as overhead reading lights in all three rows. If additional cargo space is needed, the third row can be easily stowed even with an arm full of groceries thanks to the optional PowerFold system that does all the work with the push of a button. There is also a power liftgate available that makes loading and unloading cargo pain-free.
The family-friendly capability of the Explorer extends to the driving experience as well. New Hampshire drivers have to keep their kids safe through a wide variety of conditions and the Explorer can handle them all with its available Terrain Management System, which allows the SUV to adjust to any driving surface, from sand to snow to mud.
New for the 2012 Explorer is its available 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque even as it gets 28 mpg on the highway, impressive fuel-economy numbers for those concerned about the rising prices at the pump.
"Families can rely on the Explorer no matter the situation," McGovern noted. "It's equally great at hauling the camper or cruising to Boston, and because it's a Ford you know you can count on it for many years to come. Now, with the new EcoBoost technology, you also know you'll be saving more money on gas as well."
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