{"id":33087,"date":"2024-07-26T08:24:32","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T12:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=33087"},"modified":"2024-07-26T08:24:32","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T12:24:32","slug":"payne-ford-explorer-ups-game-with-interior-remake-bluecruise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/payne-ford-explorer-ups-game-with-interior-remake-bluecruise","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Ford Explorer ups game with interior remake, BlueCruise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Dexter \u2014<\/em>\u00a0Like America\u2019s No. 1 movie, Ford has gone \u201cInside Out\u201d to sell tickets.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The handsome Explorer exterior now has interior toys to match. On course to load up on cider \u2018n\u2019 doughnuts at Jenny\u2019s Farm Stand and Cider Mill in Dexter, I poked the BlueCruise button on my $50K 2025 tester\u2019s steering wheel and the midsize ute drove itself down I-94.\u00a0<em>Look kids, no hands!<\/em>\u00a0No one does driver assistance better than Ford\u2019s BlueCruise and GM\u2019s Super Cruise \u2014 not even luxury leaders like Tesla, Mercedes and BMW.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Jenny\u2019s has lots to see, but if one of your tots gets tired, the Explorer\u2019s tablet screen interface is as familiar as a smartphone. Tap the left margin\u2019s square icon and the touchscreen reveals familiar avatars for Spotify, Google Maps and so on. Want a game to play? Search in the Google Play Store.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507718007-ford-explorer-fr-34.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"538\" height=\"303\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The sixth generation Ford Explorer, introduced in 2020, gets a mid-cycle update for the 2025 model year. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So ferocious is the midsize SUV piranha tank that segment pioneer Ford is throwing all its weapons into the fight. Ford has surrounded the luxury-class Blue Cruise with a premium interior incorporating elements of the Lincoln Navigator. Gone is the uninspired, plastic, did-this-come-out-of-a-2010-Fusion? interior. Gorgeous, hoodless 12.3-inch digital instrument and 13.2-inch infotainment displays complement a nicely trimmed dash. The displays pop with Unreal Engine-based computer graphics from gaming developer Epic Games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">That should impress gamers who have grown out of their wee Fiesta ST hatchbacks, tied the knot and now need room for kiddies. But they don\u2019t have to leave ST behind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Like BMW bringing its famed M performance badge into its midsize $68K X5 SUV with X5 M performance and M Sport style trims, the Explorer offers sporty ST and ST Line badges. ST fondly recalls the playful Focus ST and Fiesta ST hatchbacks that Michigan motorheads still bring to weekend autocross courses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507725007-ford-explorer-hellrr-34.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"497\" height=\"280\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2025 Ford Explorer hits Hell's twisty roads - but the 4,600-pound ute won't wow for its handling capabilities.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The 2025 Ford Explorer hits Hell&#8217;s twisty roads &#8211; but the 4,600-pound ute won&#8217;t wow for its handling capabilities. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So coveted is the ST experience that 20% of sixth-generation Explorer sales since 2020 have gone to the ferocious 400-horespower, V6-powered ST model despite its pricey sticker. For thousands less, let me recommend the new ST Line for 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Starting at $46K \u2014 the next step up from a base $41K ACTIV model \u2014 ST Line brings all the style of the ST, but substitutes the big, longitudinal V-6 with a sippier, still potent, 2.3-liter turbo-4 cylinder. So potent that you might not notice you don\u2019t have a six under the hood.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 2.3-liter, after all, is the same 300 horsepower\/310 torque beast that powers the saucy Mustang coupe. I buried my size 15 foot through Hell\u2019s twisties and the engine growled like a cornered badger. The Explorer\u2019s handling is no match for a Mazda CX-90, but most buyers will be content with the three-row family SUV\u2019s authoritative voice and strong interstate merge.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507720007-ford-explorer-bluecruisemassage.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"513\" height=\"289\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"While hands-free on BlueCruise in the 2025 Ford Explorer, you can dial up massage seats with the Premium Package in the $50k ST Line model.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>While hands-free on BlueCruise in the 2025 Ford Explorer, you can dial up massage seats with the Premium Package in the $50k ST Line model. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">More significantly for a family mule, Ford has taken a page from Asian rivals and loaded ST Line (and all models) with standard connectivity and safety features, including wireless Apple Car Play\/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot assist, heated seats and USB ports in all three rows.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\">\n<p><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">One of the things I love about mainstream vehicles versus their luxury betters is their ergonomics. While luxe brands (looking at you, Merc) try to wow with clean, button-free displays, Explorer gives you nice, raised steering wheel buttons so that you can easily adjust speed and volume without taking your eyes of the road. That said, the Explorer&#8217;s rotary shifter is clunky \u2014 with PARK just another point on the dial, rather then making it an easy push button in the middle. Sigh, beware situations where you have to do quick REVERSE\/FORWARD maneuvers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Chevy Traverse also has good ergonomics (and a better steering wheel-mounted shifter) and standard features. The Motown rivals are two of the most compelling affordable vehicles in the segment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507739007-ford-explorer-side.jpg?width=990&amp;height=536&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"516\" height=\"279\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The rear-wheel-drive-based, 2025 Ford Explorer has a sporty stance for a big ute.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The rear-wheel-drive-based, 2025 Ford Explorer has a sporty stance for a big ute. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">GM pioneered Super Cruise on the Cadillac CT6 six years ago and now offers it on a mainstream ute. GM has been at this game longer and Traverse will go hands-free (like Tesla) on designated secondary roads as well as divided highways. But it\u2019ll set you back an extra $3,280.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford practically gives BlueCruise away on the ST Line trim (and above) for $700 and a one-year trial. I\u2019m betting most SUV owners will find non-highway hands-free driving as useful as a bicycle for a fish, and will only use BlueCruise on, say, interstate drives up north. Rather than plunk down $3,280, they\u2019ll prefer Ford\u2019s one-month $80 subscription plans, like my Tesla-owning friend Chris, who pays the monthly fee whenever he plans a long trip.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I dialed up SPORT mode and the hoodless instrument display lit up with rich, red graphics. To my right, I downloaded Webex on the infotainment screen. The video conferencing application can be played with full video when the car is stationary \u2014 or you can hold an audio-only conference call when driving. Ford uses Webex internally and says similar Zoom and Microsoft Teams should follow as well as a variety of games and other apps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">That\u2019s because Explorer\u2019s tablet is run by the same Android operating system you\u2019ll find on a smartphone. Tap the left margin\u2019s square icon and the touchscreen reveals familiar avatars for Spotify, Google Maps and so on. Want more? Search in the Play Store like your phone.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507731007-ford-explorer-console.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"276\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_mo_cap gnt_em_mo_cc__swd\"><em>The console of the 2025 Ford Explorer has two shelves to maximize storage space for phones and other objects. Wireless charging is available on the top shelf with the Premium Package. <\/em><em>Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The console of the 2025 Ford Explorer has two shelves to maximize storage space for phones and other objects. Wireless charging is available on the top shelf with the Premium Package.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Attention to detail is everywhere in the cabin, from the double-pull hood release (so you don\u2019t have to fish for the release under the hood) to dash graphics for the skylines of Detroit and Chicago (where Explorer is assembled) to the two-shelf storage console (so you don\u2019t need cupholders for storage).<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">SUV pioneers Ford and Jeep have a natural customer base given their segment longevity, but they can no longer afford to be unaffordable. Standard features and premium interiors are the norm. Explorer has evolved from a truck based-ute to one of the sportiest high-tech utes in segment.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507742007-ford-explorer-strr.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507742007-ford-explorer-strr.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/07\/23\/PDTN\/74507742007-ford-explorer-strr.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"You'll know the top-trim, V6-powered, 2025 Ford Explorer by its quad tailpipes.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"You'll know the top-trim, V6-powered, 2025 Ford Explorer by its quad tailpipes.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">It\u2019s a segment with enormous variety. Toyota complements its two-row Highlander with a three-row Grand Highlander. Chevy hit a home run with Traverse. Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder and VW Atlas have jumped into the three-row ring with notable models. Even sporty Mazda has gone big with a three-row CX-90 that can give a BMW X-5 a run through the twisties.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">If you\u2019ve read this far, you might ask if I\u2019ve left something out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Payne, is there a hybrid or off-road Explorer on offer?<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Yes and no. Hybrids are trendy, but Explorer found little demand. Its hybrid version is now made exclusively for police forces who value its long range. As for the off-road Timberline model, it was axed (along with Limited, King Ranch and XLT) as Explorer simplified its lineup for \u201825 \u2014 a curious choice given the popularity of rugged badges from competitors like Traverse Z71, Pilot Trailsport, Telluride X-Pro and so on. Expect Timberline to make a comeback.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Loaded with all-wheel drive and other goodies to $50,350, my ST Line tester is one of the most competitive SUVs in segment. And with 483 miles of gas range, three rows, BlueCruise and an exhaust note like a Mustang, it\u2019s an engaging trip companion.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2025 Ford Explorer<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear- and all-wheel-drive, six- or seven-passenger SUVPrice: $41,350 base, including $1,595 destination fee ($50,350 ST Line as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.3-liter, turbocharged inline-4 cylinder; 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: 10-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 300 horsepower, 310 pound-feet torque (turbo-4); 400 horsepower, 415 pound-feet torque (V-6)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 6.0 seconds (Car and Driver, turbo-4); towing capacity: 5,000 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 4,565 pounds (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA est. 20 city\/27 highway\/23 combined (turbo-4 AWD); 18 city\/25 highway\/21 combined (V-6 AWD)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Pleasing interior upgrades; stout turbo-4<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Clunky rotary shifter; no head-up display<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dexter \u2014\u00a0Like America\u2019s No. 1 movie, Ford has gone \u201cInside Out\u201d to sell tickets. The handsome Explorer exterior now has interior toys to match. On course to load up on cider \u2018n\u2019 doughnuts at Jenny\u2019s Farm Stand and Cider Mill in Dexter, I poked the BlueCruise button on my $50K 2025 tester\u2019s steering wheel and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33087"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33087"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33087\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33089,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33087\/revisions\/33089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}