Redesigned for the 2011 model year, the new Ford Explorer will be available with an optional 2.0-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which Ford claims will increase fuel economy by at least 30 percent over the current-generation Explorer. The 2010 model's old-school 4.0-liter V6 Explorer is EPA rated at 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway. Ford claims the EcoBoost could bring the highway fuel economy up to 26 mpg on the highway.
We recorded 15 mpg overall when we last tested a V6 Explorer. Based on a 30-percent increase, the new vehicle could return 20 mpg overall--a significant improvement.
And if you drive 12,000 miles per year and fuel costs $3 a gallon, you could save $600 a year.
Ford's says that its EcoBoost technology is designed to help to "boost" fuel economy. We've recently tested a few of Ford and Lincoln models with this engine, including the Ford Flex. Even with its 355-hp, the 3.5-liter turbocharged "EcoBoost" Flex still returned 17 mpg overall--the same as the less powerful base Flex with the 262-hp, 3.5-liter V6.
In addition to the EcoBoost engine, the new Explorer will have a lower curb weight than the previous model due to the use of lighter and stronger steels. Other fuel-saving measures include electric power-assisted steering, deceleration fuel shutoff, and a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor that helps to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
The new Explorer is set to hit dealerships later this year. We're looking forward to purchasing ours and find out how the real-world fuel economy measures up.
—Liza
Barth
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