2007 Ford Explorer Overview Change Vehicle

This 2007 Ford Explorer overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2007 Ford Explorer, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the 2007 Ford Explorer.

Ford simplifies the 2007 Explorer lineup by culling the XLS model, making the popular XLT the least expensive model. Standard equipment lists are longer this year, thanks to an auxiliary audio input jack that comes standard on all Explorers, the addition of the Safety Canopy side curtain airbags system on the Eddie Bauer and Limited models, and more equipment on the Limited including rear climate control, a reverse sensing system, and machined finish 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other news includes the XLT Ironman edition, painted exclusively in Orange Frost Metallic, to celebrate Ford’s sponsorship of the Ironman World Championship, a larger display screen for the rear seat entertainment system, optional power running boards on Eddie Bauer and Limited models, and expanded availability of a heated windshield and navigation to all 2007 Explorers. New colors include Carbon Metallic and White Sand Pearlcoat.

Dropping the XLS trim level for 2007 simplifies the Explorer lineup. Now considered the entry-level model, the XLT includes air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio input jack, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a 6-way power driver’s seat, and a message center with outside temperature and a compass. Dark tinted rear glass is standard, along with a Class II trailer hitch, fog lights, running boards, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac stability and traction control with Roll Stability Control, and a tire pressure monitoring system are also included in the base price. A new Ironman edition of the Explorer XLT adds Orange Frost Metallic paint, 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, and a unique exterior trim treatment.

Eddie Bauer models add Safety Canopy side curtain airbags as standard equipment for 2007. Other standard features include two-tone paint, color-matched running boards, 17-inch painted alloys, and a unique grille. Leather upholstery, fake wood trim, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, and Ford’s famous (or infamous) touchpad keyless entry system are also standard on the Eddie Bauer model.

The luxurious Explorer Limited receives a monochrome paint job and machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin is equipped with special dark fake wood trim, a 6-way power front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear seat climate control, a premium Audiophile sound system with a CD changer, redundant stereo controls on the steering wheel, and a reverse sensing system.

The 2007 Ford Explorer can, depending on trim level, also be equipped with a power sunroof, power adjustable pedals, a telescopic steering wheel, a DVD navigation system, rear climate control, a rear seat entertainment system, and Preferred Suede upholstery.

The 2007 Explorer’s standard 4.0-liter V6 makes 210 horsepower and 254 ft.-lbs. of torque peaking at 3,700 rpm. A 5-speed automatic transmission drives the rear or all four wheels, and this engine meets the same ultra-low emission vehicle standards as the Ford Escape Hybrid. The V6 returns 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with 2WD, and with 4WD, fuel economy is rated 15 city and 20 highway.

A 4.6-liter V8 with 292 horsepower and 300 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,950 rpm is optional on all Explorer models. Driving the rear or all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, the V8 returns 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway regardless of drivetrain selection. The maximum tow rating with the V8 is 7,300 pounds, when properly equipped.

The 2007 Ford Explorer comes standard with dual-stage front airbags; front seat side-impact airbags; four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist; AdvanceTrac stability and traction control with Roll Stability Control; and a tire pressure monitoring system. Eddie Bauer and Limited models have Ford’s Safety Canopy side curtain airbags standard; they are optional on the XLT. Additionally, several onboard technologies are able to tailor frontal impact protection based on crash severity, occupant size, and seatbelt usage.

According to the NHTSA, the 2007 Explorer receives 5-star ratings for frontal and side impact crashworthiness. The Explorer’s propensity for rollover is rated 3 stars for both 2WD and 4WD models. Crash-test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not as favorable. The IIHS gives the Explorer a Good rating in the offset frontal impact test, an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test (with side curtain airbags), and a Poor rating for the rear impact protection assessment.

In terms of reliability, the 2007 Explorer makes huge gains after a dismal 2006. Consumer Reports gives the 2007 Explorer a rating of average, up from well below average last year. JDPower.com indicates that the 2007 Explorer’s dependability is nearly among the best in the midsize SUV class.

Though we’re not big fans of the 2007 Ford Explorer’s styling, there’s no denying that this is a roomy, comfortable, safe, utilitarian, and dependable midsize SUV that’s able to tackle more than a dirt parking lot at a local farmer’s market. By simplifying the lineup and making the well-equipped XLT model the point of entry, adding standard Safety Canopy side curtain airbags to the Eddie Bauer and Limited models, and increasing the Limited’s standard features list, the Explorer is a more compelling choice than ever. Add impressive crash-test results from the NHTSA and favorable reliability ratings, and Vehix can confidently recommend the 2007 Ford Explorer.

By Christian Wardlaw