So we got a 2012 Ford Explorer
Who would’ve thought that the new Ford Explorer would be such a hot topic? But it is. The redesigned 2011 Explorer has been around for a year now, but only now has it reached the GCC. And what we have here is one of the first vehicles to land in the UAE, and we’re the first to review it. Incidentally, the first shipment is already sold out.
What’s grabbing people’s attention is the new styling, with intricate detailing on a minimalist body. We spotted numerous people taking a look at our big trucklet with interest. Of course, it being fresh is part of the appeal.
And a big trucklet this is. The 2012 Explorer hides its size very well, right until you stand next to one.
The interior is an attractive combination of upper soft-touch materials, interchangeable mood lighting, touch controls and lots of LCD screens. Some features are successful, but some aren’t. The terrain control dial signals the death of the old model’s low-range gearing, but this one isn’t really bad at all, up to a point. More on that later.
Three rows of easily-accessible seating. There is a lot of width and height, but actual legroom may be a bit tight for taller folks.
The powered third-row seating is a bit complex in the way it folds, but it does the job. Luggage space is very generous.
The all-new Explorer is now a massive crossover instead of an offroader. But that doesn’t really mean much to most of its target buyers. It still retains just enough capability to manage camping trips, while gaining a whole host of gadgetry that are “interesting” to say the least. We’re driving the Explorer for an entire week, so look forward to the full review.
Comments
Fazl
waiting for the review..its the most anticipated vehicle in UAE since few months…
A.Ali
So the Ford Explorer ISN’T A 4X4?
BJD
It’s not a ‘truck’ SUV any more as the previous generation was. It’s now, a crossover SUV designed to provide a better on-road experience than the ‘trucks’ albeit compromising off-road capabilities.
Rahul Jones
It is all wheel drive. But it does not have low range. And the guy at FORD can a car event told it is a method to reduce weight. And still it can manage well at minor off roading.
Razz
Its a 4X4 with options t drive in diff terrains.
huh?
It’s a piece of shit. I drove it yesterday, it’s a dinosaur and the interface is useless.
Rahul Jones
HUH?
marwan
was in one of these few days ago as a passenger in the top range model. It rides very well I liked it really. One thing that it is too massive I wished only that its size was similar to the older one for better everyday to day driving and parking. Other than that, great ride great finishing and great Ford Sync system!
bunkie79
Was looking at buying one. Your review will help me decide whether to go for it or not.
BJD
After looking at that picture, I just had to youtube the folding seats since I ran out of imagination trying to figure out how the seats fold. That was one crazy mechanism lol. 😀
reji
ugly american car
M.M.Ignatius
Thanks. Awaiting your full review…
royer
What about the rear visibility. I notice that the third row head rest is almost touching the roof, leaving some visible space only between centre of seats.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
headrests fold down.
marc
beautiful rear, boring front appeal..
still, this one will be a success i am pretty sure..
FEROZ
How much does it cost,
bunkie79
I just called them up for price
Base AEd 120k
Meduim AEd 135 K
Top- AED 170 K
They said they have it on display on SHK ZYD showroom
marc
do you know whether the medium version for 135k comes with navigation?
what are the other differences to the base version?
cheers, marc
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
There is no navigation in any version, so don’t worry about it.
royer
Price for medium one looks reasonable.
lucid
Anxiously waiting for the full review. Love this shape over the previous one. This can easily pass off as the cheaper 4-door version of Range Rover Evoque.
Razz
The back looks a bit like edge & the front like RANGE ROVER, especially the chrome finish grills!! But overall its a beauty & a beast..
Riyaz
It is a shame if they don’t have navigation even on the top end aed 170K version. My experience with Ford is that if you buy the topend of a new model immediately on its release, you miss many features but in the next version they add many more gadgets with a nominal price increase. The looks are very appealing and I am sure it will be a lot more practical than its pricy competition.
Abou L'walid
how much in dubi full option sam this one?
Johnathan
I purchased 2012 Ford Explorer. It has my ford touch but no navigation. I want navigation, how can I add navigation to my new ride?