Driving impressions of new 2011 explorer limited

[russell bruesch]

I recently took delivery of a 2011 ford explorer limited. I have 450 miles on it so far driving mostly on dry roads around town but mostly highway driving (350 mile trip). I have 2004 ford explorer Eddie Bauer also that i purchased new. Both are 4 wheel drive.

I live in southwest michigan and we recently shared the blizzard that chicago had. I had a chance to see how the traction was with the new EX in snow and slippery hard packed snow roads. My new Ex has the 20 inch rims with the standard highway tread tires that come with it. I can tell you that these tires are not very good in ice or snow. Very poor traction when accelerating from a stop even when you have the traction controll set to snow position.

My driveway leading up to my garage is on a slight incline leading up to my garage. It was plowed after the snowstorm. I came home from running an errand and could not get the explorer in the garage on the first attempt. It got half way up the drive and the tires started spinning i had to back down the street and try again. It was in the awd snow mode. These tires are worthless on ice or hard pack. I will get a set of winter tires for it for sure next winter.

The good news is that driving on dry roads is a dream compared to my 2004 explorer. Quietness of the ride is just amazing,handling and creature comforts are outstanding. I got 20.8 mpg on my 350 mile trip cruising at 75 mph. I doubt i will ever see the 23 mph highway estimate ford is saying though. Maybe after the engine gets broken in?

Im keeping my 2004 Ex for days i want to venture off road or need to get out on those severe weather snow days. I have goodyear wrangler tire on it and it has outstanding traction on anything mother nature wants to dish out.

I have the Sd card navigation system on the new EX and it works beautifully. One gripe is that the 8 inch display washes out badly in bright sunlight, If you have sunglasses on you cannot see the display hardly at all.
I am 6ft 1nch and i noticed a few people complaining on this forum about the door being to high or not being able to over the hood of the car. When i first test drove the explorer i noticed the same thing untill i found out the power seat was at its lowest setting. The seat probably raises up 2 inches which totally changes everything and makes it feel similar to the driving position of my 2004 EX

My wife and i are thrilled about the new vehicle its so much more comfortable for traveling.. So far everything is working great. My ford touch,sync and sirius radio add alot of enjoyment to your driving.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Welcome Russell! :wavey:

Great review. As far as the mileage, keep in mind that the mileage should also go up once we're not running winter bland gas here in the Mitten, and the air temp rises a bit.

Sorry to hear about those tires though, that kind of stinks. Maybe a better all weather tire swap?

Post a pic of your new Ex in the Michigan snow!

 

[peterk9]

Thanks very much for that review Russell. I'm still waiting for my Limited to be built. If yours has the Hankook H426 tires then you have also confirmed the very negative reviews on this tire that users of it have posted on tirerack.com. It seems to be virtually useless (dangerous) on anything but dry pavement. I was thinking of replacing them upon delivery but 20" tires are not cheap. I will be using 17" wheels and Winter tires on it as I have always done with my Highlanders. Since I'm leasing, I may decide to put up with the OEM tires for Spring and Summer driving. As for your MPG's, remember that once you exceed 55-60 mph, your gas consumption increases greatly. Thanks again and welcome to the forum. :wavey:

 

[russell bruesch]

They are the hankook h426 tires, looks like a dry pavement highway tread for sure.

 

[JDraper]

It amazes me that they put those tires on a vehicle sold in any state that gets snow...I think I'd be pressuring the dealer to swap them for a different tire.

 

[aggie76]

Test drove the Limited overnight here in northern MN and I can absolutely confirm how terrible those tires are. Told my wife that we will negotiate the order/purchase with the removel of those Hankook's as a contingent condition. We will also buy 17 or 18" winter tire/wheel package since we have six months of snow/ice each year.

Otherwise, very impressed. Deciding between a Flex and Explorer and pretty sure after our drive that the Explorer has won. Like the idea of AWD, Ecoboost engine and 2nd row accessability/space for elderly parents with the Flex but ground clearance and updated technology in the Explorer are swaying the decision.

Has anyone else evaluated these two vehicles side-by-side? Would enjoy hearing your point of view on these two.

Question - the test Ex had bench seat in 2nd row; anyone here with captain's chair - do they slide back/forth like in the Flex?

 

[russell bruesch]

One thing i am disapointed in is the Sony 12 speaker sound system . This system is not as good as the high end JBL stock system in my Eddie Bauer 2004 explorer. I have played around with all the audio controlls and have not been able to get the system to sound as well as i want it. The bass lacks tightness and kick and is very muddy to my ears. The midrange and treble are ok but the bass really makes the system sound muffled and muddy.

 

[JDraper]

Surprising on the sound system. I have the Premium Plus system (6 speaker system) and it's got good quality sound.

 

[NomadTom]

Looks like a Limited would come with better tires will have to ck the ones on my xlt when it arrives will try to get them changed before I leave the dealer

 

[uniquename]

Thanks for the review.

This and other reviews make me happy I didn't spring for 20s. I figure I can get a set of aftermarket 20s and tires for a little more than the upgrade would have been. Then I have two sets

 

[JDraper]

Looks like a Limited would come with better tires will have to ck the ones on my xlt when it arrives will try to get them changed before I leave the dealer

XLT tires are fine. Michelin's and they perform well.