Best gas mileage ever: Ford Explorer is completely redesigned for 2006

Right off the bat, when I pulled the door shut on this week's test vehicle I was irritated by the goofy location of the door pull. "Why," I thought, "would Ford equip the best-selling SUV with such an awkward door pull?" But my irritation disappeared when I cranked the handsome steering wheel all the way to the lock and pulled away from the tight dealership parking space. "This thing turns tighter than a lot of cars!" I said to myself. Then I maneuvered the truck-based mid-size vehicle onto the highway and waited for the accepted SUV bumpy ride and noise. But they never materialized. The Explorer remained serene, even at interstate speed.

It wasn't until I began my research that I discovered the reason for the unusual door pull on the totally redesigned Explorer -- safety! This is the safest Explorer ever, with more standard safety enhancements in the class -- ten, according to the Ford website, and seven of them are new to the segment. A four-inch-thick foam block between the inner and outer door panels manages crash forces, and new armrests and door trim cushion the body during a side impact.

Ford's literature says the Explorer is designed to meet all known government frontal and side-impact requirements through the 2010 model year. Carried over from '05 are AdvanceTrac stability control with first-in-class Roll Stability Control and available Safety Canopy System with side air curtains and rollover sensor. With a five-level front passenger sensing system, standard front side airbags, adaptive airbag venting, and an adaptive steering column, this vehicle made me feel very secure. The high tech sensors can identify whether a passenger is present in the front seat and even determine his/her approximate weight! As far as I know, the Explorer doesn't display that weight on the message center, but you never can tell.

The redesigned message center on my Limited 4x4 did have a lot of useful information, though, with four lines of type located in the central gauge cluster for easy reference. Another significant improvement was the climate control system that operates 30 percent quieter than the old model. And, I don't know which felt better in my hands -- the substantial leather-wrapped steering wheel or the sporty new floor shifter controlling the advanced six-speed automatic transmission.

Since we spend so much time inside our vehicles we expect great seats. Ford doesn't disappoint in the front, middle or new third row seating arrangement. There are now three available seating configurations, including reclining bucket seats in the second row. It's now feasible to carry two adults in the third-row 50/50 split seats, with or without the class-exclusive power folding seat option. But seven-passenger Explorers max out at 81.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while five-passenger versions offer a more competitive 85.8 cubic feet. Explorer's standard 5-passenger seating setup includes a second row 60/40-split seat.

Explorer has a new rear liftgate that can be closed with one hand. A flip-open rear window makes loading small stuff easy.

In the power department the Explorer is exceptional -- it is the most powerful, fuel efficient, cleanest- running Explorer ever. A new 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 292 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque and is coupled to a first-in-class 6-speed automatic transmission. A properly equipped Explorer with this engine can tow 7,300-pounds. The standard 4-liter V-6 is matched with a 5-speed automatic to pump out a substantial 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. My V-6 equipped model was rated for 15-mpg/city and 20-mpg/highway.

That power is pumped to a new, boxed chassis that is 63 percent stiffer than previous models thanks to crossmembers that pass through and are welded to the siderails -- just like on the beefy F-150 pickup. The Explorer is now more than 31% quieter on rough roads and over 26% quieter on coarse surfaces, according to Ford.

The Explorer is available in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. The XLS comes with air conditioning, cruise control, an MP3-compatible CD player, keyless entry, and power windows, mirrors and locks. Our Limited 4x4 test vehicle came with chrome wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power front-passenger seat, heated mirrors and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash CD changer and steering wheel controls. It had about $5,000 in options, including the power folding third row seat, power adjustable driver's pedals, rear climate control, and an MSRP of $40,170. With a simple push-button four-wheel-drive system providing true low-range off-road capability, completely revised suspension and steering systems, and a surprisingly quiet, smooth ride, the Explorer is one of the most enjoyable SUVs on the market.

This test vehicle provided through the courtesy of Ford Groves of Cape Girardeau.

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at SteveR@cablerocket.com