What Changed

The Explorer is all-new for 2011. Although the styling and proportions have changed, the big news is less evident. The new Explorer switches to a unibody chassis like the Honda Pilot, and the General Motors Enclave/Acadia/Traverse trio. The switch also means that 2WD models are now front-wheel-drive rather than the rear-wheel-drive models of the past. A V6 engine is standard. A V8 is no longer offered.

Comparison to Prior Model

2011 Ford Explorer 2010 Ford Explorer
2011 Ford Explorer 2010 Ford Explorer
Price Range ($) $28,190 - $43,670 $28,880 - $42,985
Length (in) 197.1 193.4
Wheelbase (in) 112.6 113.7
Width (in) 78.9 73.7
Height (in) 70.4 72.8
Track (in) 67.0 60.9
Exterior Volume (cu. ft.) 538.0 496.2
Curb Weight (lbs.) 4509-4695 4455-4719
Legroom Total (in.)
  • 80.4 (First 2 rows)
  • 113.6
  • 79.3 (First 2 rows)
  • 114.2
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)
  • 110.1 (First 2 rows)
  • 147.0
  • 106.3 (First 2 rows)
  • 146.4
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)
  • 43.8 (Behind row 2)
  • 21.0
  • 43.9 (Behind row 2)
  • 13.6
Driven Wheels
  • FWD
  • AWD
  • RWD
  • AWD
Engines
  • 3.5l V6 (290-bhp)
  • 4.0l V6 (210-bhp)
  • 4.6l V8 (292-bhp)
Transmissions A6 A5, A6
City MPG 17 13-14
Highway MPG 23-25 19-20
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