Ford Explorer NBX 4-door
As a rule, the harder it is for our judges to get under a 4x4 to see how the chassis is laid out--the worse the vehicle does off-road. This year the Explorer with the NBX (No Boundaries Experience) package did its best to prove that rule wrong. Sure it barely has any ground clearance and is equipped with the Ford "wearable surface" running boards, but despite that the AdvanceTrac-equipped Explorer did much better than expected this year when the road-test road turned rough. It took us a little while to get comfortable with the new "point, punch it, and hang on for the ride" driving technique that is almost required by the ABS-derived traction control system. But once we did we found we could power up stuff that the Yukon XL and Kia had trouble with.
Under the hood is Ford's rev-happy 4.6L V-8 that few judges were initially impressed by. As the test went on we realized that to access the true potential of the drivetrain the five-speed automatic transmission has to be left in Drive to do its own shifting. If you let it, the close ratios of the 5R55E do an excellent job of keeping the engine in its high-rpm powerband.
The Explorer NBX interior uses a combination of synthetic materials for a Gore-Tex/Spandex/ carbon-fiber kind of look that we think suits this vehicle better than leather and fake wood. Most judges agreed that the Explorer had the best-executed interior of the all the Fords in the test. Points were lost only because the A/C system never seemed to be able to cool properly in the 90-degree desert sun. Even with the rear A/C on full blast, testers weren't flocking to the Explorer to watch movies on the rear DVD. Naturally, interior space is down compared to the Expedition but the third-row seat is nicer to sit in if you don't mind climbing over the second row seats to get there. Now if Ford could just keep that Yakima Load Warrior roof rack from playing Zamphir's "greatest pan flute hits" as we drive down the highway we'd be set.
General
Manufacturer: Ford
Model: Explorer NBX 4-door
Base Price: $32,620
Price as Tested: $37,390
Options as Tested: 3.73:1 gears, Trailer tow package Class III/IV, off-road package, AdvanceTrac, adjustable pedals, auxiliary climate control, third-row seat package, rear-seat entertainment with DVD player, 290-watt audio system with six-disc CD changer
Engine
Type: SOHC V-8
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 4.6/281
Bore & Stroke (inches): 3.55x3.54
Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Induction Type: Sequential, multiport fuel injection
Fuel Required (octane)/Capacity (gallons): 87/22.5
SAE Peak Horsepower: 239 @ 4,750 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 282 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission
Type: 5-speed automatic overdrive
Model: 5R55E
Ratios: First: 3.22:1; Second: 2.32:1; Third: 1.55:1; Fourth: 1.00:1; Fifth: 0.71:1; Reverse: 3.07:1
Transfer Case
Type: 2-speed full-time, electronic shift
Model: Borg-Warner 4405
Low-Range Ratio: 2.64:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS
Rear Type: IRS with Visteon 8.8-inch
Hubs: Automatic
Ratio: 3.73:1
Suspension
Front: IFS with upper and lower A-arms/coilover shocks
Rear: IRS with upper and lower A-arms/coilover shocks
Steering
Type: Power rack-and-pinion
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 3.75/19.0:1
Turning Radius (feet): 36.8
Wheels
Size (inches): 17x7
Material: Aluminum
Tires
Size: P245/65R17
Brand: BFGoodrich Rugged Trail
Brake System
Front: 12-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 11.85-inch discs with ABS
Weight (pounds)
Curb Weight: 4,434
Advertised GVWR: 5,880
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy. mpg): 14/19
As Tested (mpg): 9.28
Acceleration
Standing ¼-mile (seconds @ mph): 18.28 @ 77.83
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 151.35
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 113.5
Overall Length: 193
Overall Width: 83.75
Overall Height: 77.75
Front/Rear Track: 61/61.25
Front/Rear Overhang: 34/44.5
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 7.75
Likes
*5-speed tranny
*AdvanceTrac traction control
*Roof basket that can hold 200 pounds
Dislikes
*FWD button placement
*Not enough ground clearance
*Skidplate got torn off (for a second year)
Bottom Line
A mall wheeler that's much sportier than its big brother