Description

Overall, most reviewers say the 2013 Ford Explorer is a pretty good performer, with better handling than many of its competitors. Reviewers note that the Explorers acceleration isnt particularly impressive, especially in turbocharged EcoBoost models, but also say that most of the Explorers potential buyers will likely care more about things like all-wheel drive availability and fuel economy than how their three-row crossover handles. Scorecard 7.4Performance 2013 Explorer Photos 2013 Ford Explorer Angular Front 2013 Ford Explorer Angular Rear 2013 Ford Explorer Dashboard 2013 Ford Explorer Front Seat 2013 Ford Explorer Side View All Exterior Photos 2013 Ford Explorer Rear Seat All Interior Photos See all 107 Photos READ MORE The Explorer has baked-in refinement evident from its decent isolation from road noise and the muted hum coming from its 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Motor Trend READ MORE The Explorer is solid, quiet, and comfortable. Its base V-6 provides good power, but it feels a lot like a minivan, and it's not quite as versatile or easy to pilot. Car and Driver READ MORE It takes only a few minutes of seat time in the 2013 Ford Explorer to realize this is no ordinary SUV. The rigid unit body has none of the squeaks and rattles so commonplace in most truck-based SUVs, while Ford's Curve Control throttle intervention helps maintain a safe speed when rounding sharp corners. Kelley Blue Book Acceleration and Power The base 2013 Explorer comes standard with a 290-horsepower V6 engine on all trims, though a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is available on all trims except the top-of-the-line Sport. The turbocharged EcoBoost engine can only be paired with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is optional on models equipped with the V6. Both powerplants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Explorers fuel economy ranges from 16-22 mpg city-highway in all-wheel drive V6 models to 20-28 mpg in front-wheel drive, four-cylinder models, according to the EPA. Testers dont rave about the 2013 Ford Explorers acceleration, but they write that its fine from either engine. The V6 is more powerful, but reviewers say that for most shoppers, the EcoBoosts significant fuel economy gain may be worth the sacrifice in power. While opting for the EcoBoost engine improves fuel economy, it rules out all-wheel drive as an option. Reviewers say the automatic transmission is smooth, for the most part, though some downshifts can be sudden.