Engine: 4.6-liter sohc 24-valve V8

Engine Options: 210-hp 4.0-liter SOHC 12-valve V6; 292-hp 4.6-liter SOHC 24-valve V8

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front airbags; seat-mounted, torso-protecting side-impact air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags with a rollover sensor; antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution; traction control; tire-pressure monitor; AdvanceTrac antiskid control with roll stability control

Optional Safety Equipment: rear obstacle detection

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri

Model Tested: Ford Explorer XLT 4WD ($28,050)

Standard Equipment: cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest recline; power windows with one-touch-down driver window; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input jack; cargo management system; two 12-volt power points; trip computer with two-line message center; one-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window; fold-away power exterior mirrors; black roof side rails; fog lamps; painted aluminum wheels on P235/70R16 all-season tires

Options as Tested: V8 engine ($1,295); third-row seat ($875); rear air conditioning ($695)

Destination Charge: 735

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 292 @ 5750

Torque: 300 @ 3950

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 13/19

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 193.4/73.7/72.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.9/61.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 7 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.8/55.4/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: 38.7/55.5/36.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.4/45.3/34.9 inches

Trunk Volume: 83.7 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, double A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches

Curb Weight: 4790 pounds

Towing Capacity: 7040 pounds

Tires: P245/65R17

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons