Ford Adds More ‘Sport’ to the 2013 Ford Explorer SUV

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Images courtesy Ford

Images courtesy Ford

Ford “reinvented” its popular Explorer sport ute for the 2011 model year, shedding its frame-based roots for a unibody platform shared with the likes of Taurus and Flex. For 2013, Ford is adding the option of the twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine in the midsize ute – calling the new model Explorer Sport.

To add more of a sporty nature in the new Explorer Sport, engineers beefed up the platform rigidity to allow for the added power while also enhancing ride and lateral stability. A new crossmember was added underneath the transmission tunnel area and the front strut tower supports were strengthened as well.

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All this architecture supports the 365hp, 350 lb. ft. torque twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood that is backed by six-speed automatic gearbox and linked to full-time all-wheel drive system utilizing model-specific calibration of Explorer’s Terrain Management System. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

Explorer Sport also “sports” new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and unique sport tuned suspension mods and rides on a set of slick and stylish 20-inch rims. Engineers told us much of the research specific to the Explorer Sport model came from the Fleet and Commercial operations, specifically the Explorer Interceptor package.

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None to fear leadfoots, Ford assured us the Police Interceptor models will not be getting the EcoBoost motor in Explorer models but remember it is an option in the Interceptor Sedan (police version Taurus).

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The Explorer Sport receives model-specific styling treatments, most of which include piano black on trim pieces and unique interior stitching along with Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Pricing for the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport begins at $40,720 with a nicely appointed model (like the one we spent a half day with) rolling in at just a tick over 47 grand.

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While we did not have the opportunity to take the new Explorer Sport offroad (nor would we really want to) we did find its onroad manners above reproach with outstanding acceleration throughout the entire powerband.

Ride and handling were more than we expected from a vehicle with these sport tires and we found ourselves never having to raise our voices over the road noise of the rougher paved surfaces encountered.
When redesigning the Explorer, Ford found very seldom do SUV owners take their vehicles off paved surfaces but they do want them to not only look good but ride and drive like a winner as well, and with this new Explorer Sport bolstering the lineup Ford definitely has a winner here.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.