Latest news with #FordExplorer
Forbes
a day ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
These Are The 3 Safest Cars In The U.S. In 2025
The 2018 Toyota Camry sedan is one of the safest, most reliable cars on the market. (Photo credit ... More should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) Whether you're choosing a car for a first-time owner or a veteran motorist, buying the right vehicle can be a challenge. And by the 'right' car, we mean a safe and reliable car that does not break the bank. To be able to recommend such a prize collection of safe vehicles that are budget-friendly, the highly regarded Consumer Reports (CR) has once again tied up with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to find the safest and most reliable vehicles in the land. Camry, Forester and Explorer rank as the safest Out of some 260 models on the market today, Consumer Reports says that the following three vehicles are not only the safest and most reliable on sale now, but they offer enough model years to be budget-friendly. For sedans, the safest is the Toyota Camry built from 2018. For small SUVs, the top pick is the Subaru Forester from 2019. For the mid-sized SUVs it's the Ford Explorer from 2020. The Subaru Forester also ranks in the top 3. (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) As a bonus, CR tells us that the highest rated electric vehicle is the Tesla Model Y taking into consideration factors such as speed and ease of charging and range, areas in which the Y excels. Consumer Reports evaluates cars based on four key criteria—road test, reliability, owner satisfaction and safety. To make the list, a vehicle must receive a CR score of at least 3 out of 5 for tests that include acceleration, braking as well as routine and emergency handling and fuel economy. CR also evaluate usability, fit and finish, noise, ride, and safety systems. Ford's Explorer also ranks highly. (Photo by Samuel Corum/) Top rated vehicles must also receive a score of at least 2 out of 5 for their controls and displays— meaning that CR excluded vehicles fitted with the most confusing displays and controls which can be a distraction for drivers. Another critical factor for CR, owner satisfaction is based on whether a CR member would definitely get the same car if they had a chance to do it over again, effectively measuring whether a car lived up to its owner's expectations. In addition, all of the vehicles on the list have electronic stability control (ESC) at standard equipment, a key safety feature in avoiding traffic accidents. Each of these top rated vehicles also boast a high 'G' for Good rating in five different IIHS crash tests including small overlap front test, moderate overlap front test, updated side test and pedestrian front crash prevention test. Vehicles with curb weights of under 2750 lbs do not appear on the list as they are considered too small to provide sufficient crash protection, especially when impacting with larger vehicles. Readers may also realize that full-size SUVs and pickups are not on the list as well as sports cars which are considered by CR to invite excessive risk.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
The 2026 Ford Explorer's off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker's popular Tremor badge later this year. The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential. The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to 'Electric Spice' orange details. On sale late 2025 Standard four-wheel drive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine 400-hp maximum power 10-speed automatic transmission 31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires 18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight Electric spice orange highlights Assembled in Chicago Price: TBA The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer's short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year. The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It's not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood. Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available. The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford's pickups. The Explorer Tremor's front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer. Other unique Tremor touches include: 1 inch more ground clearance Twin front recovery hooks LED off-road lights in grille Steel front, rear and transmission skid plates Unique front and rear fascia Off-road driving mode Improved approach and departure angles Trail view cameras Unique stabilizer bars and springs Upgraded shock absorbers The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford's Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features. It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps, music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment. Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
Top Gear
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The rugged new Ford Explorer Tremor is ready to climb mountains
The rugged new Ford Explorer Tremor is ready to climb mountains Or just make it through the urban jungle. Is this the sweet spot of the Explorer range? Skip 12 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 12 Today, the Ford Explorer joins the Tremor family and frankly, this one's a no-brainer. While the recent three-row Expedition Tremor SUV certainly has its use cases, the Explorer is second only to the F-150 in Ford sales. This means a far wider range of drivers can opt into having what is potentially a top-tier all-rounder. An all-rounder with either the same 300hp 2.3-liter 'EcoBoost' turbo I4 the standard vehicle comes with, or the 400hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that powers the sporty Explorer ST. Notable Tremor upgrades include off-road-ready suspension with more rugged springs and sway bars not found on the regular SUV. Advertisement - Page continues below The ride's been raised an inch and as such, the approach and departure angles have been improved, with skid pads included in the front and back for when those limits are put to the test. A new limited-slip diff and 18in all-terrain tires round out the new hardware. In terms of software, you can expect the Explorer Tremor to include the latest Ford suite of digital doodads, including Google's Maps, assistant, and compatible apps from Google Play. There's also a 14-speaker B&O speaker system to bump tunes with and Copilot 360 assist, which among other functions provides 360 degrees of view around the car, now presumably for more than supermarket parking lot use. Naturally, Ford will include BlueCruise 1.5, the latest iteration of its hand-free driving assist for use on the highways towards your next great adventure. 'Tremor all the things' has seemingly been the mantra over at Dearborn, and from the Maverick to the Expedition, we've been sufficiently impressed. The Tremor-branded cars have proven to be the 'sweet spots' in the lineup, without splurging on the pricey and more extreme Raptor lineup, if there is even a Raptor version of your chosen Ford. Advertisement - Page continues below Expect to see the Explorer Tremor for yourself on dealer lots later this year. Looking for more from the USA? READ THE LATEST USA NEWS Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
The Drive
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
The Ford Explorer Tremor Is Basically a 400-HP Off-Road ST
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Yes, this is another blog about some outdoorsy crossover. But, I will say, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor seems actually cool—almost like an ST but for the trail. Running Bridgestone Dueler all-terrains, slightly lifted suspension, and an available 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6, it sounds like a hoot that would make quick work of a gravel fire road. This off-road Explorer is a lot like Ford's other Tremor models: the Maverick, Expedition, F-150, and Super Duty. Not only do the orange accents carry over from the rest of the lineup, but so does the general ethos of the four-wheeling upgrades. It has a limited-slip Torsen differential, which, while different from the Maverick Tremor's trick twin-clutch GKN unit, should still be a boon for traction. There are steel skid plates front and back, a one-inch suspension lift, and LEDs all around. I caught a sneak peek at the Explorer Tremor back in May, but I couldn't say anything about it until now. Caleb Jacobs The standard powertrain is a still-stout, 300-hp EcoBoost turbo four. It's the same 2.3-liter you'll find in plenty of other Fords. You can option up to the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from there and have some real stump-pulling power. No matter which engine you choose, it's paired with Ford's 10-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Just because the Explorer Tremor is all about adventure vibes doesn't mean it's barebones. Far from it, really. You can spec it with BlueCruise 1.5, the latest version of Ford's hands-free driving assist. That gets you new features like automatic lane changes, a nifty function I utilized while testing the new Expedition a couple of months back. And if you're feeling especially fancy, you can spring for massaging front seats and a 14-speaker B&O audio system. Imagine bumping some hipster acoustic music through that bad boy. Fortunately, the brand's CoPilot 360 Assist 2.0 with surround-view cameras is standard. I think every off-roader these days should have a system like that. Ford rates the Explorer Tremor's max tow capacity at 5,000 pounds, which is plenty for a few dirtbikes or a small camper trailer. Ford Ford hasn't announced pricing yet, as a spokesperson told The Drive that would come closer to the Explorer Tremor's launch date later this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see it slate above the ST-Line model, starting near $50,000 with a ceiling similar to the full-on Explorer ST—so just shy of $60,000. That's only speculation, though, so we'll have to see where it lands in a few months time. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
Motor Trend
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD First Test: A Candidate for Most Improved?
Pros Among the quickest in class Spacious cabin, comfortable ride Premium interior look and feel Cons You look like a cop BlueCruise still needs work Small third row We're not in the habit of handing out dozens of vehicle awards each year, but if we were, the 2025 Ford Explorer would be the odds-on favorite for 'most improved.' When the sixth-generation Explorer arrived back in 2020, we panned it for its unrefined ride, poor engine tuning, dated technology, and cheap build quality. Much has changed for the better, however, with the refreshed the 2025 Ford Explorer. The Platinum AWD model we just drove represents a marked improvement over previous Explorers, turning it from an also-ran to a three-row family SUV that's more than worthy of consideration. The 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum AWD is significantly improved, featuring a refined ride, enhanced interior, and advanced tech. With a 400-hp V-6, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Priced at $61,740, it offers value against rivals, boasting premium features and a smooth driving experience. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next What's New for the 2025 Explorer While the Explorer has undergone plenty of positive changes, the song remains the same under the hood (well, unless you're looking for the hybrid option, which is now only available on Explorer police cars). Its carryover engine options are gas only, namely the 300-hp 2.3-liter turbo-four, or in the case of our luxeish Explorer Platinum, the more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both are also paired to the same 10-speed automatic, which, unlike most three-row SUVs in its segment, powers the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is of course an option (equipped on our test vehicle) for $2,000 extra. Much like a home flip, Ford spent sparingly but smartly, gussying up the Explorer where it would make the biggest difference. New grille and wheel treatments telegraph the changes outside (though as our photographer noted when we pulled up to our shoot, 'I thought you were a cop'), but inside is where the most drastic and impactful updates were made. All 2025 Explorers get a redesigned dashboard, a new, 13.2-inch Ford Digital Experience infotainment display, and on higher-spec models like our Explorer Platinum, Ford's BlueCruise hands-free advanced driver assist system. Ford also invested heavily in redesigning the center stack and console, improving materials quality and trim mixtures. How It Drives Based on our time behind the wheel of the new 2025 Explorer Platinum, we suspect that instead of revamping engine power, for example, Ford engineers decided to dedicate much of their time to improving the overall refinement of the family SUV's powertrain and chassis. While most Explorer drivers—save your local sheriff—won't care about this SUV's outright performance numbers, they're nevertheless impressive for the class. Bearing in mind that a quicker Explorer ST with the same powertrain exists (stay tuned for that test), the Explorer Platinum accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds and clears the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds at 95.4 mph. That's quicker than just about anything in the class, save for EVs like the Kia EV9 and hot rods such as its Explorer ST sibling and Durango Hellcat. Its closest competitor would be the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, which matches the Explorer's 0–60-mph time but trails it in the quarter mile, needing 14.7 seconds at 93.5 mph. The Explorer Platinum brakes and handles well for the class, too. It stops from 60 mph in 126 feet, and it lapped our figure-eight handling course in a respectable 26.7 seconds at 0.68 g average. This V-6-powered Explorer also posts respectable fuel economy figures, netting an EPA-estimated 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined. That trails the range-topping Grand Highlander Hybrid Max's 20/26/22 mpg score by a hair while also matching or besting many of the competitors in the segment, including the Chevrolet Traverse and Kia Telluride. There's nothing outright exciting about the Explorer Platinum, but driving it on the same roads where the pre-refresh version finished dead last in a comparison test with the rest of the class really highlights the improvements to the 2025 model. The throttle response from the V-6 is smooth, with a glut of low-end torque that makes the Ford leap forward off the line or past slower traffic effortlessly. The transmission tuning is likewise much improved, with the 10-speed automatic working nearly imperceptivity in the background. There are no paddle shifters to be found in this version of the Explorer, but we could goad the Ford into downshifts by switching into Sport mode or shifting the transmission into low on long descending grades. The Explorer also excels as a family vehicle thanks to its overall ride quality. Given its relatively long wheelbase, pitch, roll, and dive are minimized while accelerating, cornering, or braking, and the suspension itself does a great job of smoothing out harsher impacts and secondary shaking over rough pavement. The only negative we experienced was the Explorer Platinum's stylish 21-inch footwear, which sometimes exacerbated issues over speed bumps and potholes. From a driver assistance standpoint, although it's not as humanlike in its operation as GM's Super Cruise, the Ford BlueCruise hands-free system is a solid setup that helps ease the monotony of heavy stop-and-go highway traffic and routine interstate travel. There were a couple of small downsides, however. We found that in more complicated urban highway environments BlueCruise tended to be overly cautious, leading to slower automatic lane changes and sometimes being cut off by more decisive traffic. The Explorer is already among the roomier three-row SUVs in its class, and that doesn't change here. The second-row seats are spacious and comfortable for adults, with beefy armrests, and further benefit from overhead HVAC vents, power ports, and cupholders. The third row, which requires occupants to climb over a small driveshaft hump, is shallow and flat, with low, child-sized armrests and a hard cushion. Adults won't be happy back here, but elementary-school-aged children will fit just fine. On the plus side, parents will appreciate the easy ingress and egress to the third row, and the easily cleanable hard plastic sides. Up front, the loaded Explorer Platinum's comfortable and supportive quilted leather seats are the nicest in the house, with heating, cooling, and massage functions. The redesigned dashboard looks and feels upscale, too, with a creative mix of cloth, metallic, wood, plastic, and leather accents that lend the cabin a premium feel. The new infotainment system is snappy and responsive, and (for an internal combustion-engine-powered vehicle, at least) it features novel apps like YouTube. We're particularly fond of the metallic lip beneath the screen to rest your hand on for ease of operation, as well as the massive wireless phone charging shelf directly below the infotainment display. With average new car prices approaching $50,000, the $61,740 Explorer Platinum comes off as something of a value proposition. It undercuts rivals like the GMC Acadia Denali by a few thousand dollars, and it offers more advanced infotainment and driver assist systems than slightly cheaper models such as the Honda Pilot Elite or Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. More than anything, the 2025 Explorer finally stands out not for what it doesn't do, but for what it does. Now where's that Most Improved trophy?
