The 2014 Ford Explorer Sport high-performance full-size SUV delivers outstanding power and fuel efficiency through its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The performance feel is heightened by paddle shifters that precisely control the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The Terrain Management System adjusts on the fly to various road, surface or weather conditions. A second-row console is now available.
Key features include:
- Performance tuning includes a stiffer chassis, sport-tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), larger brakes and paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission
- Terrain Management System offers settings for sand, snow, rutted mud and hill descent
- Latest-generation SYNC system with MyFord Touch features Wi-Fi capability, text-to-voice, HD Radio™ with iTunes Tagging and voice-activated navigation
- Two-toned leather-trimmed seats deliver unique Sport interior design elements
- Ford’s leading safety and security features, including:
- AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control)
- Safety Canopy System, a side air curtain technology offering protection for the first and second seating rows
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- MyKey programmable vehicle key allows parental controls on driving speed
- Hill Start Assist for more confidence on uphill grades
- Curve Control, which can slow the vehicle by up to 10 mph if it senses a curve is being taken too fast
- MSRP: Starting at $40,780 plus $895 destination and delivery charges
- Manufacturing location:Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago
New High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport, a Fully Capable SUV Certified to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy
The Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV is certified at 365 horsepower, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway mpg
Explorer Sport features an interior inspired by designer fashion accessories, sporty exterior cues, and 20-inch high-performance tires and wheels
Ford’s new Explorer Sport will stand in a class of one when it goes on sale next month with an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating, the only seven-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to do so.
New for the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport arrives, packing a 365 horsepower EcoBoost® engine, high-fashion interior design and class-leading fuel economy.
“Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. “The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions.”
Explorer Sport mixes high-performance SUV power with fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. This is 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.
Explorer Sport scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the supercharged Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better highway fuel efficiency.
Ford engineers also added chassis tunnel reinforcements and a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved pedal feel and response for drivers, both on-road and off.
This model comes standard with larger brakes for improved pedal feel, stronger resistance to fade and better performance while towing.
Explorer Sport also has received special Terrain Management System settings for optimizing increased power and torque in on-road touring and under sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent conditions. These changes enable a luxurious ride for driving enthusiasts, without the harshness or thirst for fuel of performance-intended competitors.
Development engineers validated snow settings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and returned to Borrego Springs, Calif. to fine-tune sand settings.
Sport-specific calibration optimizes increased EcoBoost power and consistent torque to specific conditions such as deep sand or snow, at the setting of a console-mounted knob.
Design elements
The 2013 Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.
Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.
The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars.
The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement.
Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.
The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.
Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.
Comfort, convenience, connectivity
As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:
- Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC)
- 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
- Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
- First-row heated seats
- Compass and exterior temperature display
- Rearview camera system
- SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
- Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers
Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options:
- Adaptive cruise control
- BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
- Cooled seats
- Inflatable rear seat belts
- 110-volt outlet
- PowerFold mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
- Remote Start
- Power tilt and telescoping steering column
- Adjustable pedals with memory
- Dual-panel moonroof
- Power liftgate
- Class III trailer-towing package
