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Introduced in 1991, the Ford Explorer line has
become a stalwart of the Ford line each year. Its introduction over 20 years
ago helped solidify the popularity of the sport-utility vehicle in America. For
a model getting so long in the tooth, you would think resting on its laurels
would become one of its weaknesses. However, Ford has been proactive in keeping
the Explorer an important part of the SUV landscape, and a number of tweaks and
additional options for 2014 has kept the nameplate fresh.
The 2014 Ford Explorer succeeds thanks to its excellent combination of fuel economy, power, and interior refinement that hits all the checkboxes that those looking for an SUV in today's market are hunting for. It is available in base, XLT, Limited, and Sport trim levels, and faces down stiff competition from the Chevy Traverse, the Dodge Durango and Mazda CX-9.
Like many modern SUVs, the Explorer has adopted the unibody design favored by most cars. This allows the Explorer to offer more interior space, better fuel economy and better handling, which are all important to Ford keeping the Explorer relevant. The 2014 Ford Explorer also brings a car-like level of refinement to the interior that makes it a pleasure to drive.
Standard equipment on the base Explorer includes a 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive with the option for four-wheel drive, 17-inch steel wheels, integrated blind-spot mirrors, full power accessories, a six-way power driver's seat, and automatic headlights which make their debut as standard equipment.
The 2014 Ford Explorer succeeds thanks to its excellent combination of fuel economy, power, and interior refinement that hits all the checkboxes that those looking for an SUV in today's market are hunting for. It is available in base, XLT, Limited, and Sport trim levels, and faces down stiff competition from the Chevy Traverse, the Dodge Durango and Mazda CX-9.
Like many modern SUVs, the Explorer has adopted the unibody design favored by most cars. This allows the Explorer to offer more interior space, better fuel economy and better handling, which are all important to Ford keeping the Explorer relevant. The 2014 Ford Explorer also brings a car-like level of refinement to the interior that makes it a pleasure to drive.
Standard equipment on the base Explorer includes a 3.5L V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive with the option for four-wheel drive, 17-inch steel wheels, integrated blind-spot mirrors, full power accessories, a six-way power driver's seat, and automatic headlights which make their debut as standard equipment.
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Options on the 2014 Ford Explorer include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Keyless entry code pad
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SYNC voice-activated infotainment system
- Satellite radio
- MyFord Touch interface
- Heated front seats
- Power liftgate
- PowerFold third row seating
- 110-volt household power outlet
- 12-speaker Sony sound system
The
2014 Ford Explorer truly comes with a bevy of optional equipment. There are a
number of options under the hood as well, starting with the base 3.5L. That
engine produces 290 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 17 miles per gallon
city and 24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive equipped. The second option is a
turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, which sacrifices a bit of power for an
improvement to 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, representing the best-in-class
fuel economy. The 2.0L is capable of producing 240 horsepower. The top engine
of the group is a turbocharged 3.5L V6 that comes only on the Sport model. It
produces a whopping 365 horsepower and gets 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Of course, basic safety features like traction and stability control are included, with Curve Control which monitors speed in to a corner and decelerates if it feels necessary. MyKey parental controls are also standard.
Of course, basic safety features like traction and stability control are included, with Curve Control which monitors speed in to a corner and decelerates if it feels necessary. MyKey parental controls are also standard.
Behind
the wheel, the 2014 Ford Explorer feels bigger than it is. While sometimes that
can be a good thing, in this case it represents a negative. It results in
making the Explorer feel a little less maneuverable than others in its segment.
Overall, however, the Explorer handles well and is very comfortable over long
drives. As such, it represents one of the better options in the category.Â
Contact
Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg
6320 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
- Sales: 8554898869
- Service: 717-766-4733
- Parts: 717-766-4733
Showroom Hours
- Monday 9am-8pm
- Tuesday 9am-8pm
- Wednesday 9am-8pm
- Thursday 9am-8pm
- Friday 9am-7pm
- Saturday 9am-5pm
- Sunday Closed