Crossover used to be only a few steps away from minivans a while back, but there actually kinda Bad A** these days.. This video reminded me of that, there's a small clip of an explorer drifting through the sand kicking up some big roaster tails !



I wonder if its more capable then a new Cherokee offroad?

 

It is a great vehicle for what it was designed for, but "off road" is not what it does best.
I would think the Jeep would win easily.

 

Yea that's what i was thinking too, off-road is like jeeps "thing" but Ive got a feeling you'd have to take it through some serious stuff before the jeep really starts to show an advantage

 

The main advantage the Jeep would have is ground clearance. Approach and departure angles too.

If a lift with larger tires could be added to the Explorer, then it would even the playing field. LOL!! But...then that could be said with the Jeep, therefore negating the advantage.

IMHO...the 2016 Explorer is going to be the one to watch!!


biz

 

The only problem I have with loaded-up new crossovers is the $50k price tag for what I think would be a good $30k vehicle. But it's all about adding "content" which increases profit.

And Korean Hankook Optimo tires as seen in the slow drama shot don't impress me...I'd much prefer Michelins.

That said, I'd sure like one

George

 

My 30K XLT has Michelins (but probably made in N Korea)!!

 

I think Michelins are mostly made in the US and Canada (with some made in France)...tires are not that big a deal and 30K is the right price level for a new Explorer. I'd still like one...

 

I checked their website....they make them in 17 countries including China, India, and Brazil.

 

Interesting, but I bet the Asian manufactured tires are for the Asian market...I have never seen any Michelins made other than in the US and Canada and have probably bought 7 or 8 sets of them in the last 15 years... The LTX MS2's on my van (3rd set of LTX tires on that vehicle) are all made in the US, as were the Primacy MXV4's on my wife's car. (I do look at country of manufacture when I buy tires.)

Michelin is definitely a big company and sells in many markets. Ford, Chrysler, and GM build cars in China too but we don't get them here...

But we're definitely off the track of the Explorer. I still want one

Take care,
George

 

Just to put this thread back on track, we have around 1200 kms on our new Explorer now, and it is growing on us quite nicely. My wife loves the 4wd, handling, stability, and confidence inspiring way it gets around. That's understandable seeing that she is moving up from a Fusion FWD. I love the ride quality of the Ex, the seats are one of the nicest I've been in. My only complaint about it is the wiper controls are on the right side of the column. I usually drive with my left hand at the 10 o'clock position, and on the other vehicles I've had it was nice and easy to hit the wiper controls without having to change position. I know I'm really stretching here to find a fault , but hey... I was against getting an Explorer until I drove one...

 

That's a bother for me too when I drive her Explorer sport...

whenever we are together I drive (mostly because that dang smartphone is stuck to her face !!!! )

with both my F350 and her sport being 2013's you'd think that ford would make them similar - but NNNNNNOOOOOOOO

Just enough things are different that I'm usually turning the wipers on when I want to bump the cruise,etc... -