The 4.6L V8 and 6 speed automatic are outstanding. This truck does everything most buyers need. It accelerates to 60 in arond 7 seconds, so there is no fear of pulling out in traffic, and the AWD computer control works excellent in snow and wet roads
I put a full size sofa in the back (with straps). It holds more volume than my 6ft Ranger box, and payload is 1400lbs. It will tow 7,000lbs and has built into frame hitch/plug. The backseat folds down, great for my dog, bedextender, bins for straps good
Independent rear suspension paired with long wheelbase make this the best riding truck I have ever driven. It eats potholes for lunch, and maintains control and comfort on gravel washboard roads. It is simply amazing how well it drives for what it can do
The seats are much improved over older explorers. You can ride for 4 hours and not feel tired when you get out of the truck. I have heated leather, which I recommend. The heat is in the lumbar, as well as seat bottom. Very nice seats.