Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Ford Explorer IV 4.6 V8 (292 Hp) 4x4 Automatic
Overall Rating
Ford Explorer:
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer, was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.
Currently in its sixth generation, the Explorer has featured a five-door wagon body style since its 1991 introduction. During the first two generations, the model line included a three-door wagon. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a crew-cab mid-size pickup truck derived from the second-generation Explorer. The fifth and sixth generations of the Explorer have been produced as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility....(Read more on Wikipedia)
IV Overview:
Ford Explorer (IV). With 407 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2170 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Ford Explorer IV was primarily designed for the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS in the US for its time.
4.6 V8 (292 Hp) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides significantly stronger acceleration and ample power for highway cruising and towing, making it the preferred choice for demanding tasks.
Fuel Economy
As expected, fuel economy is poor, even worse than the V6, but acceptable given the V8 power and vehicle size.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and comfortable interior with optional third-row seating
- • Strong towing capabilities, especially with the 4.6L V8 engine
- • Available 4WD system provides good all-weather and light off-road capability
- • Smooth ride quality for a body-on-frame SUV
- • Good cargo capacity with rear seats folded
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
- • Known reliability issues with the 4.0L SOHC V6 (timing chain guides)
- • Interior design can feel dated compared to competitors by end of production
- • Large turning radius makes city maneuvering challenging
- • Some V8 models had spark plug issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2003 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Explorer |
| Generation: | IV |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6 V8 (292 Hp) 4x4 Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 292 Hp @ 5750 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 407 Nm @ 3950 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4601 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Coolant: | 13.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 134.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2170 |
| Max. weight: | 2825 |
| Max load: | 655 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2370 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 385 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1588 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 18.4° |
| Length: | 4912 mm mm [99mm more] |
| Width: | 1872 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Height: | 1849 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2888 mm mm [2mm less] |
| Width with mirrors folded: | 1969 mm |
| Width including mirrors: | 2154 mm |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570 mm |
| Front overhang: | 899 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1125 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 208 mm |
| Approach angle: | 28.2° |
| Departure angle: | 23.8° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/65 R17; 235/65 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Better than its competitors? Tell us why the Ford Explorer stands out.