2017 Ford Explorer

The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT delivers a driving experience that feels genuinely connected to the road, with steering that responds directly to input and a chassis that balances comfort with a touch of athleticism. Driving enthusiasts who crave engagement will appreciate how the Explorer XLT transforms daily travel into something rewarding. Its thick leather steering wheel, heated for comfort, puts substantial feedback at your fingertips, while the supportive bucket seats keep you planted during spirited driving. If your test-drives are about feel, control, and the subtle signals a vehicle sends through its controls, this SUV is engineered to keep you involved and satisfied every mile. Performance shines with the 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT engine, producing 290 horsepower and paired to a 6-speed automatic with Select-Shift manual mode. Throttle response is crisp, making acceleration feel responsive rather than muted, and the transmissionâs manual mode delivers satisfying, well-timed shifts. The chassis settles confidently into curves, aided by the 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and four-wheel independent suspension, while brakes deliver solid, linear feel for precise modulation. Steering is speed-sensitive, gaining reassuring weight as speeds rise, so the Explorer feels planted and communicative, especially when pushed through corners. The result is a midsize SUV that rewards enthusiastic inputs and feels composed across a variety of surfaces. Safety features are tuned to enhance, not intrude upon, your driving experience. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control intervene progressively, letting you explore grip limits before gently correcting course. The BLIS Blind Spot Information System and rearview camera expand situational awareness without numbing the connection to the road. Emergency braking and rear sensors add confidence in sudden stops or crowded environments, acting as an extension of your own reflexes rather than a replacement. Lane-keeping and driver-assist functions complement your skills, supporting spirited driving with subtle guidance when necessary. The XLT trim brings an array of features focused on both engagement and comfort. The XLT Technology Feature Bundle and Equipment Group 202A add SYNC 3 with voice-activated navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and advanced displays, putting information at your fingertips without distraction. Heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel keep the cabin inviting, while the hands-free power liftgate and remote start system simplify everyday usability. The Comfort Package and Class III Trailer Tow Package expand versatility, so you donât have to sacrifice function for driving pleasure. Among midsize SUVs, the Explorer XLT stands out for its tactile driving feel, especially when compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Where competitors often isolate the driver from the road, the Explorerâs steering feedback and suspension tunin