5 speed auto always in the perfect gear. Previous truck was a four speed and fourth was too high in the mountains, third was too low.
Other than a minivan, the explorer had much more room in the third row than other vehicles of comparable size.
IRS allows it to corner better than previous generation Explorer. Quiet on the freeway compared to other SUV competitors.
Was a good value with Moonroof, 3rd row seating, AWD, and power everything.