StangBangers Road Test: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport

Nov. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Diehard Fast Ford enthusiasts will likely recall the Saleen Ford Explorer; manufactured in very limited quantities by Saleen from 1998 through 2001. This hopped up Ford Explorer featured: 5.0-liter V-8 engine (supercharger optional), Racecraft suspension, 18” magnesium wheels wrapped in Pirelli 255/55SR18 tires, and a plethora of racey bodywork (special front and rear fascia, side skirts, door cladding, roof-mounted rear wing). Recaro leather seats were also optional.

Since then, the Ford Explorer has been an SUV bigger on Utility than Sport. Until now, that is...

The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport generates 365-HP/350-lb.ft. of torque via a 3.5-L twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine (same one as in the Taurus SHO), which pulls like a V-8, and leaves many unsuspecting drivers wondering how their beloved sports car just got smoked by an Explorer.

Our shiny new blacked-out (Tuxedo Black Metallic) Explorer Sport looked like it could double as a police cruiser, which may be the reason why every other car on the road seemed slow, or more likely, they just were going too slow. Acceleration is effortless, even given the 4,900-lb curb weight. Six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission shifts through the gears with precision, or you can shift yourself via paddle-shifters.

Handling is very good even compared to sporty vehicles, and excellent when compared to other SUVs. Sport suspension, 20” wheels/tires, and 4WD, give you the confidence to push this vehicle much harder than you would ever dare push a non-Sport Explorer.

Big brakes stop this big vehicle quickly and with little drama.

Our only gripe (minor) was that the front seats could be a bit more supportive. They look great and are quite comfortable, but do not offer much support when driving enthusiastically on a twisty road. Would be awesome to have the option to order Recaros, as you can in any level Mustang now (or the old Saleen Explorer)! Just sayin’.

Standard Equipment list is extensive, and includes just about anything you might want/need, including a 390 Watt 12-speaker Sony audio system. Our test vehicle also had the optional Equipment Group 402A, which kicks it up another notch with a bunch of power, luxury, and safety options (including auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts), plus the voice-activated Navigation System.

If you’re in the market for a new 7-passenger SPORT Utility Vehicle, then look no further than the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. Be for-warned though, you will never again be able to say you’re running late. No one will believe you.

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