Ford Explorer dimensions

With solid on-road dynamics, decent fuel economy and an accommodating, high-class cab, the 2012 Ford Explorer is a top pick for a big crossover SUV. Ford Explorer SUV offers the following pros: Upscale cabin; abundant innovative features; impressive ride and handling balance; available economical turbocharged four-cylinder. Ford Explorer SUV drawbacks are: Less third-row and trunk space than rivals; can feel large behind the wheel; Myford Touch has some ergonomic foibles.

The 2012 Ford Explorer is a big crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited versions.

Traditional equipment contains 17-inch metal wheels, privacy glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, a six-way performance driver bench (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping helm, Myford advanced trip computer and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and an optional stereo slot.

The XLT adds 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps, foglamps, back parking sensors, updated cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped helm and shift knob, a keyless entry code pad, Sync (voice-activated telephone/entertainment interface) and radio (optional on base).

For the Ford Explorer XLT, Ford provides the Rapid Spec features package that adds a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic conditioning, an eight-speaker audio system and the Driver Connect suite, which contains an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Myford Touch controls controls (includes two configurable displays, two USB ports and audio/video input jacks) and the Sync Services update (includes turn-by-turn directions and traffic reports). The next-level Rapid Spec suite contains all of the former plus leather upholstery, heated front seatings, an eight-way performance driver bench with power-adjustable lumbar, and a six-way performance passenger bench.

The Limited bundles the Xlt's Rapid Spec items with 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote motor start, a 110-volt performance outlet and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio. Two add-on Rapid Spec packages include a performance liftgate and a navigator, along with an eight-way performance passenger bench, ventilated front seatings and a power-folding third-row bench.

A safety-focused Rapid Spec package contains an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, inflatable seatbelts for second-row outboard passengers, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers.

Stand-alone features on the XLT and Limited include a dual-panel sunroof, the blind-spot warning system, a performance liftgate, a tow suite, second-row captain's chairs (limited only), a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted displays, and a navigator that contains real-time traffic, weather and other data. .