2009 Ford Explorer Review

The Ford Explorer has, for many years, been a favorite among mid-sized SUV buyers, for its roomy and functional cabin, four wheel drive, and typical SUV power. Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that seats five to seven people. There are three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. For 2009 the Explorer gets a standard trailer-sway control system and a new standard SOS-Post Crash Alert System that unlocks the doors and activates the horn and emergency flashers if the airbags deploy. The Ford Explorer completely redesigned in 2006. The 2009 Ford Explorer has never been better and represents an excellent choice among midsize sport utilities. It gets the basics right while paying attention to the details. The Explorer remains fully competitive in a tightly contested segment, succeeding as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase.

 Powering the 2009 Explorer

All Explorer trims are available with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission or opt for the 4.6-liter V-8 engine which has a a six-speed automatic. The full time four-wheel drive has low-range gearing and can be driven on dry pavement. When properly equipped, a V-6-equipped Explorer can tow up to 5,395 pounds, versus 7,310 pounds in models with V-8 power. Explorers ride smooth and offer good handling for the size. Both engines ride smoothly and run quiet. 

'09 Ford Explorer Design

 Inspired by Ford's F-150 pickup truck, the Explorer has a prominent grille and liftgate, as well as squared-off taillamps and dual-beam headlamps. The Explorer measures 193.4 inches long and 73.7 inches wide, making it the longest of the group. Each Explorer trim level is unique. XLT features black wheel-lip moldings, black roof rails, and a four-bar chrome grille. The Eddie Bauer trim level has a three-bar chrome grille with side nostrils, a a two-tone front bumper, an accent-color rear bumper,  body-color exterior mirrors, accent-color wheel lip moldings, silver roof rails with black end caps and Pueblo Gold running boards. The Limited trim level features chrome exterior mirrors, body-color front and rear bumpers, chrome roof rails with black end caps, a chrome four-bar grille, body-color running boards, and body-color wheel lip moldings.

Inside the Ford Explorer

 Inside the Explorer, there is standard room for five. An optional flat-folding third-row seat (which is standard on Limited) ups seating capacity to seven. The 60/40-split folding second row can be reclined. Passenger volume comes in at 106.4 cubic feet for the five-seater. The seven-seater has 145.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. There's 45.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the Explorer has two rows, which is more than either the TrailBlazer or Grand Cherokee offers. The cabins are pleasing. With five, six, or seven-passenger seating configurations, customers can outfit their Explorers to fit their passenger and cargo carrying needs. The cabin boasts dark wood accents. Opt for the Eddie Bauer edition and wood accents are darker and richer.

2009 Ford Explorer Lineup

The 2008 Ford Explorer lineup comprises the XLT 2WD, XLT 4WD, Eddie Bauer 2WD, Eddie Bauer 4WD, Limited 2WD, and Limited 4WD. Standard equipment on the XLT includes a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest recline, two 12-volt power points, fold-away power exterior mirrors, air conditioning, power windows with one-touch-down driver window, remote keyless entry,  cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar adjustment, cargo management system, trip computer with two-line message center, one-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window, painted aluminum wheels on all-season tires, black roof side rails, and fog lights.

The Eddie Bauer trim level includes illuminated visor vanity mirrors, automatic headlights, leather, 10-way-power seat for the driver, overhead console, wood-grain interior accents, trip computer,  keyless entry keypad, painted aluminum wheels with all-season tires, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and fixed running boards.

The Limited trim level features rear air conditioning, unique floor console, heated exterior mirrors, machined-aluminum wheels with all-season tires, unique interior wood-grain accents, dual-zone electronic climate control, Audiophile AM/FM audio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 playback and subwoofer, Homelink universal garage door opener, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, a third-row 50/50 split manual-folding seat, and power-adjustable pedals.

Conclusions

The Explorer is a great choice for families that want towing capability without giving up the comfort of a smooth ride for all passengers. For more research, read Motortrend's 2009 Ford Explorer Overview.