New Explorer Driving Impression

[il66pony]

I currently have a 2008 Mountaineer with a V8. Yesterday, I drove a new 2018 Explorer with the non-turbo V6. Nice car but..
1) The first thing I noticed is that the 6 cylinder is pretty noisy upon initial acceleration. Sounds like an over-revving sewing machine.
2) Felt like I was driving my wife's Murano. Seems as though everything is much lower than my current Mountaineer. Just felt like a crossover or mini-van.

Does anyone also feel the same way about the current generation versus the prior generation? If I go with a 2019 or 2018, will I get used to it? I like the Explorer as it still looks like an SUV and not a crossover. Anyone have feedback on the Honda Pilot or Toyota 4 Runner?

Any insights or driving impressions are welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[613GT500]

I currently have a 2008 Mountaineer with a V8. Yesterday, I drove a new 2018 Explorer with the non-turbo V6. Nice car but..
1) The first thing I noticed is that the 6 cylinder is pretty noisy upon initial acceleration. Sounds like an over-revving sewing machine.
2) Felt like I was driving my wife's Murano. Seems as though everything is much lower than my current Mountaineer. Just felt like a crossover or mini-van.

Does anyone also feel the same way about the current generation versus the prior generation? If I go with a 2019 or 2018, will I get used to it? I like the Explorer as it still looks like an SUV and not a crossover. Anyone have feedback on the Honda Pilot or Toyota 4 Runner?

Any insights or driving impressions are welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

Get the Sport with the 3.5EB, or wait for the 2020 redesign ST model.
Never drove a Mountaineer before, but I doubt it drives better or have newer tech than modern vehicles.

 

[gmcv893]

I had a 2005 with a V8 similar to your 2008, but now have a 2015 with the 3.5EB. Do yourself a favor, and give a Sport a try. You will regret it if you don't. As far as a 3.5 N/A my wife has an Edge with the 3.5 N/A, and every time I drive that thing I dread it. That being said prior to owning my 2015 Sport, and driving her Edge I thought the thing did pretty well.

Bottom line test drive the Sport.

 

[il66pony]

I had a 2005 with a V8 similar to your 2008, but now have a 2015 with the 3.5EB. Do yourself a favor, and give a Sport a try. You will regret it if you don't. As far as a 3.5 N/A my wife has an Edge with the 3.5 N/A, and every time I drive that thing I dread it. That being said prior to owning my 2015 Sport, and driving her Edge I thought the thing did pretty well.

Bottom line test drive the Sport.

Will do. Thanks.

 

[DMG632]

I have a 2026 Sport, when I get a loaner car from the dealer (service work) I hate it with the smaller 6. Just not the same power I'm use to. I came from a Honda Pilot, the Sport is 3 times better; more power, less road noise and creature comfort is all better than the Honda Pilot.

 

[suzook]

Well try coming out of a 2016 460hp Camaro, then tell me how slow my xlt is. Lol.

 

[jhu8]

The 2.3L EB has plenty of acceleration to me. Especially around town. Plus its slightly lighter. I did test drive the sport as well. I think you would adjust to the ride real quick. My explorer seemed hugeeee compared to my cx5 but now its completely normal.

 

[peterk9]

When recommending the 3.5L Ecoboost, why is it always the Sport that is recommended? The Platinum has the same engine and has a few more features. I think a prospective buyer should be given both options.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2026 Sport, when I get a loaner car from the dealer (service work) I hate it with the smaller 6. Just not the same power I'm use to. I came from a Honda Pilot, the Sport is 3 times better; more power, less road noise and creature comfort is all better than the Honda Pilot.

Wow, you have a 2026 Sport??

 

[VCFP153]

When recommending the 3.5L Ecoboost, why is it always the Sport that is recommended? The Platinum has the same engine and has a few more features. I think a prospective buyer should be given both options.

Peter

It's too Platinum-y and not sufficiently Sporty.

 

[gmcv893]

Wow, you have a 2026 Sport??

LOL! I thought the same thing...

 

[DMG632]

Wow, you have a 2026 Sport??

LOL! I thought the same thing...

YES I do...……. don't hate me because I'm forward thinking, ahead of my time and can't type worth a damn. Well maybe I have a 2016 Sport, I'll go out to the driveway and look and report back on just what I have, maybe it's a 2036 Ford Sport.

 

[il66pony]

If I were to move up to a sport or a platinum from an XLT, it would cost a lot more as you all know. To get a universal garage door opener on the sport, I would have to add a $3,875 package (401A) of mostly stupid stuff.

Here is the list: 180-Degree Split View Front Camera w/Washer, Universal Home Remote Garage Door Opener, Ambient Lighting, O/S Mirrors & Driver's Seat Memory, Dual Heated Power Mirrors w/Power Fold & LED Turn Signals, 110V Power Outlet, (2) Second Row Smart Charging USB Ports, 500-Watt Amplifier, Premium Sony w/Clear Phase & Live Acoustics, Safe & Smart Pkg, Inflatable Second Row Seat Belts, Cooled Front Seats, Heated Center Row Seats, Leather-Wrapped Power Tilt & Telescoping Steering Wheel & Power Windows w/Front One-Touch Up/Down & Remote Control.

At that price point, I would start looking at other SUVs

 

[613GT500]

If I were to move up to a sport or a platinum from an XLT, it would cost a lot more as you all know. To get a universal garage door opener on the sport, I would have to add a $3,875 package (401A) of mostly stupid stuff.

Here is the list: 180-Degree Split View Front Camera w/Washer, Universal Home Remote Garage Door Opener, Ambient Lighting, O/S Mirrors & Driver's Seat Memory, Dual Heated Power Mirrors w/Power Fold & LED Turn Signals, 110V Power Outlet, (2) Second Row Smart Charging USB Ports, 500-Watt Amplifier, Premium Sony w/Clear Phase & Live Acoustics, Safe & Smart Pkg, Inflatable Second Row Seat Belts, Cooled Front Seats, Heated Center Row Seats, Leather-Wrapped Power Tilt & Telescoping Steering Wheel & Power Windows w/Front One-Touch Up/Down & Remote Control.

At that price point, I would start looking at other SUVs

Sure, but none will come close to the hp/tq of the Sport/Platinum.

 

[il66pony]

I don't need a lot of HP/TQ. Will never tow a trailer and where I live in Illinois, the biggest hill is about 10 feet high LOL. I just do not want a car that sounds like a sewing machine or a Japanese econobox.

 

[suzook]

I don't need a lot of HP/TQ. Will never tow a trailer and where I live in Illinois, the biggest hill is about 10 feet high LOL. I just do not want a car that sounds like a sewing machine or a Japanese econobox.

Well, the v6 does sound like a sewing machine. Maybe look into a v8 Durango. Great motor, and really great build quality. I'm 2nd guessing my choice with my 18 xlt.

 

[613GT500]

Well, the v6 does sound like a sewing machine. Maybe look into a v8 Durango. Great motor, and really great build quality. I'm 2nd guessing my choice with my 18 xlt.

The 3.5EB isn't pleasant either.

 

[il66pony]

Will check out the Durango. Thank God someone still has some common sense in putting V8 in these SUVs. If Ford can stuff a V8 in a Mustang, it ought to be a no brainer for an Explorer.

 

[RedXLTlove]

Well, the v6 does sound like a sewing machine. Maybe look into a v8 Durango. Great motor, and really great build quality. I'm 2nd guessing my choice with my 18 xlt.

I too like the Durango, but the wifey likes the look of the Explorer.

 

[peterk9]

Will check out the Durango. Thank God someone still has some common sense in putting V8 in these SUVs. If Ford can stuff a V8 in a Mustang, it ought to be a no brainer for an Explorer.

I think V8 engines may soon be joining the Unicorns. There are 2.0L Ecoboost engines that are capable of putting out as much and more power than a NA V8.

Peter