Ford Explorer Sport Video Road Test & Review

The Ford Explorer Sport represents the friskiest version of the Blue Oval's seven-passenger people mover.  The Ford Explorer Sport rides on a stiffer suspension system than the standard version of the crossover, and it also comes with a performance-look body kit as well as interior trim details.  Safety equipment provided with the Explorer Sport includes dual forward airbags, side airbags for front seat passengers, side curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the front passenger.  Electronic stability control, Curve Control, trailer sway control, and traction control are also provided with the SUV.

The Ford Explorer Sport is the only model in the Explorer range to feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine.  This unit is tuned to provide a healthy 365 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, fed to a four-wheel drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission.  Fuel mileage for the crossover is listed at 16-mpg around town and 22-mpg on the highway.

The Ford Explorer Sport (MSRP $40,720) might be the priciest trim in the Ford lineup, but it doesn't come with as many premium features as the slightly more affordable Limited.  Special 20-inch rims and sport seats help to set the Sport apart from other Explorers, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and the Ford Sync system are also included.  The optional 402A package includes a navigation system, a power tailgate, a blind spot monitoring system, ventilated leather seats, inflatable seatbelts, and power adjustments for the two front seats.