The Ford Explorer has long been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. A capable tow vehicle and off-roader, it also offers the generous interior space, comfort features and safety technologies necessary for day-to-day tasks.

  The 7-passenger Explorer is available in
 both front- and four-wheel drive
 configurations, with a choice of four trim
 levels: Base, XLT, Limited and Sport. A
 290-hp 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine and
 six-speed automatic transmission with
 SelectShift manual mode are standard on all
 trims. The 4x4 models get a user-friendly terrain management system, while an efficient 237-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection is available for FWD models. Explorer Base trims are well-equipped with 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, MP3 capability and MyFord driver connect technology; XLT trims add 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps and a reverse sensing system, along with a USB port, satellite radio and the SYNC communications and entertainment system. Limited trims are further outfitted with 20-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, HD radio, Intelligent Access with push-button start and a rearview camera. Standard safety features on every Explorer include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control function, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitor, as well as Ford's MyKey owner control feature and six airbags. Industry-first second-row inflatable seatbelts are available on XLT and Limited models, packaged with a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert; additional options include Active Park Assist and adaptive cruise control with collision warning.

The Ford Explorer carries over with minimal changes for 2013. A front passenger knee airbag is now standard on all models, while XLT trims get a six-way power front passenger seat. Additionally, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist are offered on the Limited trim for this model year, and the available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps now include automatic high beam control. The big news for 2013 is the addition of the high performance Sport trim with a 350-hp twin-turbo V6, sport suspension, 20-inch wheels and unique sport trim inside and out.