Editing Ford Explorer (section)

==Fifth generation (U502; 2010)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Fifth generation
| image = 2011 Ford Explorer Limited -- 02-07-2011.jpg
| model_code = U502
| aka = <!-- Ford Explorer Classic (Chile) -->
| production = December 2010 – March 2019<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2019/07/01/ford-chicago-plant-billion-dollar-upgrade/39638307/ |title=Ford's Chicago plant gets a $1 billion upgrade |work=Detroit News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nwitimes.com/business/lake-newsletter/chicago-assembly-plant-will-shut-down-for-entire-month-of/article_9e7981cf-e3df-564b-b349-88454f2ac2da.html |title=Chicago Assembly Plant will shut down for entire month of March as it switches to new Explorer model |first=Joseph S.|last=Pete|website=nwitimes.com|date=February 9, 2019 }}</ref>
| model_years = 2011–2019
| body_style = 5-door [[Crossover (automobile)|crossover]]<ref name="11-19_cars.com" />
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[front-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
| platform = [[Ford D3 platform#D4|Ford D4 platform]]
| engine = '''Gasoline:'''<br/>2.0 L ''[[Ford EcoBoost engine#2.0 L (2010–2015)|EcoBoost]]'' turbocharged [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (front-wheel drive only)<br />2.3 L ''[[Ford EcoBoost engine#2.3 litre|EcoBoost]]'' turbocharged [[Inline-four engine|I4]]<br />3.5 L [[Ford Cyclone engine#3.5 L|Duratec]] Ti-VCT [[V6 engine|V6]]<br />3.5 L ''[[Ford EcoBoost engine#3.5 L|EcoBoost]]'' twin-turbocharged V6 (all-wheel drive only)<br />3.7 L [[Ford Cyclone engine#3.7 L|Cyclone]] Ti-VCT [[Flexible-fuel vehicle|FFV]] V6 (Police Interceptor Utility, all-wheel drive only)<ref name="motortrend.com">{{cite web|first=Scott |last=Evans |url= http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1205_ford_police_interceptor_utility_is_california_highway_patrols_next_cruiser/ |title=Ford Police Interceptor Utility is California Highway Patrol's Next Cruiser |work=Motor Trend Magazine |publisher=Motor Trend |date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>
| transmission = 6-speed [[GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission|Ford 6F]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] w/ overdrive (EcoBoost I4 model)<br />6-speed 6F ''SelectShift'' automatic (3.5L/3.7L)<br />6-speed 6F ''SelectShift'' automatic with paddle shifters (Sport model)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/|title=2016 Ford Explorer SUV – Specifications |website=ford.com |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160209042630/http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/|archive-date=February 9, 2016}}</ref>
| assembly = United States: [[Chicago, Illinois]] ([[Chicago Assembly]])<br />Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] ([[Valencia Assembly]])<br />Russia: [[Yelabuga]], [[Tatarstan]]<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id%3D35373 |title=Ford Sollers Joint Venture Starts Work Today in Russia; Announces Ford Explorer SUV to be Built in Tatarstan |website=media.ford.com |access-date=January 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121208005121/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35373 |archive-date=December 8, 2012 }}</ref>
| wheelbase = {{cvt|112.6|in|mm}}<ref name="fordvehicles.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/exterior/ |title=2011 Ford Explorer, View Exterior Specifications |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130110213147/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/exterior/ |archive-date=January 10, 2013 }}</ref>
| length = {{cvt|197.1|in|mm|0}}
| width = {{cvt|78.9|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{cvt|70.4|in|mm|0}}
| weight = {{cvt|4385|–|4901|lb|kg|0}}
| related = [[Ford Flex]]<br />[[Lincoln MKT]] <br /> [[Ford Taurus]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://jalopnik.com/5596161/2011-ford-explorer-this-is-not-an-suv |title=2011 Ford Explorer: This Is Not An SUV |first=Ray |last=Wert|date=July 26, 2010 }}</ref>
| designer = Brian Izard, George Bucher (2008)<br />Mike Arbaugh (facelift: 2013)<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autonews.com/article/20150515/BLOG06/150519903/why-fords-blue-oval-is-missing-from-the-2016-explorer |title=Why Ford's Blue Oval is missing from the 2016 Explorer|first=Nick |last=Bunkley |work=Automotive News |date=May 15, 2015}}</ref>
}}
{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width =
| image1 = Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 AWD Limited (V) – Heckansicht, 10. September 2011, Düsseldorf.jpg
| caption1 = Pre-facelift Ford Explorer
| image2 = Steering Wheel of 2011 Ford Explorer (6615647825).jpg
| caption2 = Interior
}}

The fifth generation 2011 Explorer features a unibody structure based on the [[Ford D3 platform#D4|D4 platform]] shared with the [[Ford Flex]] and [[Lincoln MKT]] &mdash; a modified version of the D3 platform.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/future_cars_2010_and_beyond/2011_ford_explorer_car_news |title=2011 Ford Explorer – Car News |last=Quiroga |first=Tony |work=Car & Driver |date=May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090511162051/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/future_cars_2010_and_beyond/2011_ford_explorer_car_news |archive-date=May 11, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/2011-ford-explorer-reportedly-to-be-built-in-chicago-on-taurus-x/ |title=2011 Ford Explorer reportedly to be built in Chicago on Taurus X platform |work=Autoblog |date=March 31, 2009 |last=Shunk |first=Chris}}</ref> 

The fifth generation Explorer features blacked-out A, B, and D-pillars, sculpted body work, stepped style headlamps and tail lamps, and a variant of the corporate three-bar design with upper and lower perforated mesh work.

Chief engineer Jim Holland led the development of the fifth generation Explorer from February 2008 to October 2010, during a period when Ford's [[Premier Automotive Group]] also owned [[Land Rover]] &mdash; for which Holland was also a chief engineer, heading development of the Land Rover [[Range Rover#Third generation (2001)|Range Rover]] (L322) 2005 facelift from December 2001 to December 2004. Holland also worked on the Ford Expedition (U324) during its initial development.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32661 |title=Jim Holland: Bringing Luxury Levels Of Content, Craftsmanship To Reinvigorated Ford Explorer, Ford Motor Company Newsroom |website=Media.ford.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100524001259/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32661 |archive-date=May 24, 2010 }}</ref>

Ford presented the fifth generation Explorer on July 26, 2010, via Facebook.<ref>{{cite news |last=Van Grove |first=Jennifer |url=https://mashable.com/archive/ford-explorer-web-reveal |title=Ford to Unveil 2011 Explorer on Facebook |date=July 21, 2010 |work=[[Mashable]] |access-date=October 12, 2023}}</ref> Assembly of the fifth-generation Explorer moved to Ford's [[Chicago Assembly]] plant commencing December 1, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-news101202-2011-ford-explorer-production/ |title=All-new 2011 Ford Explorer Begins Production in Chicago |date=December 2, 2010 |work=Truck Trend}}</ref> where it was manufactured alongside the [[Ford Taurus]] and [[Lincoln MKS]]. The Louisville plant, where the previous generation was manufactured, was converted to produce cars based on Ford's global [[Ford C1 platform|C platform]] (potentially including the [[Ford Focus (international)|Ford Focus]], [[Ford C-Max]], and [[Ford Kuga]]).<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31941 |publisher=Ford Motor Company |date=January 26, 2010 |title=Ford to bring next-generation Ford Explorer, 1,200 jobs to Chicago manufacturing facilities |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130728215959/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31941 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 }}</ref> Like the Escape, the Explorer continued to be marketed as an "SUV" rather than a "crossover SUV". It went on sale in December 2010, after pre-launch sales had by the end of November 2010 totaled around 15,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Report: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations|url= http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/28/report-ford-explorer-orders-nearly-double-expectations/ |website=Autoblog.com |date=November 28, 2010|access-date=November 28, 2010}}</ref> The EPA rated fuel economy of 20/28 mpg city/highway for the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine option.

===Features===
Available features on the fifth generation Explorer included intelligent access with push button start, remote engine start, power liftgate, power adjustable pedals with memory, premium leather trimmed seating, heated and cooled front seats, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, [[adaptive cruise control]], [[active park assist]], [[Sirius XM|SIRIUS Travel Link]], [[MyFord Touch]], [[Ford SYNC]] by [[Microsoft]], [[Sony]] audio system with [[HD radio]] and [[Apple iTunes]] tagging, in-dash advanced [[GPS navigation device|navigation system]], SoundScreen laminated [[Acoustics|acoustic]] and solar tinted [[windshield]] with [[rain-sensing]] wipers, 20-inch polished V-spoke aluminium wheels, and [[High-intensity discharge headlamp]]s (HID) and [[LED]] tail lamps.

Unlike the Explorer America concept vehicle which only seats five occupants, the production Explorer holds two rows of seating with available ''PowerFold'' fold-flat third-row seating (like the previous generation) and accommodates up to seven occupants.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature2 |title=Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183135/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature2 |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref>

===Capability===
The Explorer was available in either [[front-wheel drive]] or full-time [[all-wheel drive]]. At first only one engine was available: the {{cvt|290|hp|kW|0}} ({{cvt|255|lbft}} of torque) 3.5&nbsp;L TiVCT (Twin independent [[Variable Camshaft Timing]]) V6 with either the 6-speed 6F automatic or 6-speed 6F ''SelectShift'' automatic.

Soon thereafter, Ford offered the {{cvt|240|hp|kW|0}} and ({{cvt|270|lbft|0}} of torque) 2&nbsp;L ''EcoBoost'' [[turbocharged]], [[Gasoline direct injection|direct-injected]] I-4 mated to the 6-speed 6F automatic. The I-4 engine was not available with the optional 6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic, and was only available in front-wheel drive.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature10 |title=Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183135/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature10 |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/engine/ |title=2011 Ford Explorer, View Full Engine Specifications |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930195728/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/engine/ |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref>

The Explorer was available with an automatic intelligent [[all-wheel drive]] system inspired by [[Land Rover]], featuring a variable center [[Electromagnetic clutch#Multiple disk clutches|multi-disc differential]] with computer controlled lock.<ref name="Neil-2010">{{cite news|url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703727804576017951373275340 |title=The Pioneering SUV Isn't One Anymore |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=December 18, 2010 |access-date=September 20, 2012|last1=Neil |first1=Dan }}</ref> Conventional front and rear [[Differential (mechanical device)|differentials]] are used with 3.39:1 gearing. The center multi-disc differential controls the front-to-rear [[torque]] split, biasing as much as 100 percent of torque to either the front or rear wheels.<ref name="canada.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.canada.com/sports/football/edmonton-eskimos/Road+test+2011+Ford+Explorer/4920809/story.html |title=Road test: 2011 Ford Explorer |website=canada.com |access-date=September 20, 2012}}</ref> Depending on the Terrain Management mode selected, the center multi-disc differential's intelligent lock will allow for a 50:50 torque split in off-road conditions.<ref name="canada.com"/> The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) includes a heavy-duty dedicated cooling system to allow the four-wheel drive system to supply continuous non-stop torque delivery to all four wheels indefinitely, without overheating.<ref name="motortrend1">{{cite web|url= http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1008_2011_ford_explorer_ride_with_video/powertrain.html |title=2011 Ford Explorer Powertrain |work=Motor Trend Magazine |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> A "4WD" badge is advertised on the rear [[liftgate]] on the all-wheel drive models.<ref>{{cite web|last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |url= http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/2011-ford-explorer-puts-four-cylinder-EcoBoost-engine-above-v6/ |title=2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order – Autoblog |website=Autoblog.com |date=July 26, 2010 |access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/ |title=Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183135/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/ |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref> Explorer's overall off-road [[crawl ratio]] is 15.19:1 with high range – no low range – gearing.

Off-road electronics include [[Hill Descent Control system|Hill Descent Control]] (HDC), [[Hill-start assist|Hill Ascent Assist]] (HAA), [[Traction control system#Use of traction control|four-wheel electronic traction control]] and Terrain Management.

Four-wheel electronic traction control (ABS braking) is employed to simulate front and rear [[Locking differential#Alternatives|differential locks]] via aggressively "brake locking" the front or rear differentials, transferring up to 100 percent of torque from side-to-side.<ref name="Neil-2010"/><ref name="motortrend1"/><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.thecarconnection.com/review/1065366_2012-ford-explorer_performance_3 |title=2012 Ford Explorer |website=thecarconnection.com |access-date=September 20, 2012}}</ref> In the right conditions, the Explorer can keep moving even if only one wheel has traction.
[[File:On Demand 4WD of 2011 Ford Explorer (6615643381).jpg|thumb|193x193px|Ford Explorer On Demand]]
Terrain Management includes four selectable modes. Each mode is selected via a rotary control dial on the center console, aft of the transmission shifter.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan=2|Terrain Management System<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature1 |title=Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183135/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature1 |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| '''Default start selection:'''
| ''[[Road|Normal Driving]]'' mode
|-
!colspan=2|Subsequent modes are selected by turning the control dial [[clockwise]].
|-
| '''Second selection:'''
| ''[[Mud]] & [[Rut (roads)|Ruts]]'' mode
|-
| '''Third selection:'''
| ''[[Sand]]'' mode
|-
| '''Fourth selection:'''
| ''Grass/[[Gravel]]/Snow'' mode
|}

Depending on the mode selected, Terrain Management will control, adjust, and fine-tune the engine, transmission, center multi-disc differential lock, throttle response, [[Traction control system#Use of traction control|four-wheel electronic traction control]] and electronic stability control (ESC) to adapt the SUV for optimal performance on the corresponding terrain.

Off-road geometry figures for approach, departure and ramp breakover angles are 21°, 21° and 16° respectively.<ref name="fordvehicles.com"/> Minimum running ground clearance is {{convert|7.6|in|mm|0}}.<ref name="fordvehicles.com"/> Standard running ground clearance is {{convert|8.2|in|mm|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2011-ford-explorer-revealed |title=2011 Ford Explorer Revealed – Kelley Blue Book |website=Kbb.com |date=July 26, 2010 |access-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> Low hanging running boards are no longer offered from the factory to help increase side obstacle clearance.

Moving to a monocoque body usually has a negative impact on towing capacity. The new Explorer will be available with an optional trailer tow package. The package includes a Class III trailer hitch, engine oil cooler, trailer electrics connector, trailer sway control (TSC), wiring harness and a rear-view camera with trailer alignment assistance to help in backing up to a trailer. If equipped with the trailer tow package the new 2011 Explorer will be able to tow up to {{cvt|5000|lb|0}} of braked trailer. That is {{cvt|1500|lb|0}} greater than the towing capacity stated for the Explorer America concept and {{cvt|2115|lb}} less than the outgoing Explorer's towing capacity, although that was only available with the 4.6 L V8 engine.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature11 |title=Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183135/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature11 |archive-date=September 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/towing/ |title=2010 Ford Explorer, View Towing Specifications |website=FordVehicles.com |access-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100117015020/http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/towing/ |archive-date=January 17, 2010 }}</ref>

=== Safety and security ===
Safety features include: Dual front adaptive SRS airbags, dual front-seat side-impact airbags, dual rear safety belt airbags (beginning first quarter, 2011), and side curtain head, torso and rollover protection airbags. Other optional safety features include BLIS [[blind spot information system]] with [[Intersection assistant|rear cross traffic alert]], [[forward collision warning with brake support]] [[precrash system]], [[Auto high-beam]], [[Roll Stability Control]] (RSC), [[Electronic stability control]] (ESC) and [[Curve Control]].

The fifth-generation Explorer was the first-ever vehicle to be equipped with dual rear [[inflatable safety belt]]s. Airbags are sewn into the inside of the seat belts, and inflate with cold air to prevent burns. Ford claims it will be released as an option and to introduce inflatable seat belts on other Ford models eventually.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 5, 2009 |title=2011 Ford Explorer Will Offer Inflatable Seatbelts to Rear Seat Passengers – Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine |url=http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6574402/news/2011-ford-explorer-will-offer-inflatable-seatbelts-to-rear-seat-passengers/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519123200/http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6574402/news/2011-ford-explorer-will-offer-inflatable-seatbelts-to-rear-seat-passengers/index.html |archive-date=May 19, 2010 |access-date=October 7, 2010 |website=Rumors.automobilemag.com}}</ref>

====NHTSA====
{| class="wikitable"	
|+[[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|NHTSA]] Ford Explorer:<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Search-Results?searchtype=model&make=FORD&model=EXPLORER&year= |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160106230219/http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles/Search-Results?searchtype=model&make=FORD&model=EXPLORER&year= |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 6, 2016 |title=2011 & Newer – Search Results: Ford Explorer – Safercar – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |work=safercar.gov }}</ref>
|-	
|Overall <small>(2013–present)</small>	
|{{rating|5|5}}	
|-	
|Overall <small>(2012)</small>	
|{{rating|4|5}}	
|-	
|Frontal Driver	
|{{rating|4|5}}
|-
|Frontal Passenger <small>(2013–present)</small>	
|{{rating|5|5}}	
|-
|Frontal Passenger <small>(2012)</small>
|{{rating|4|5}}	
|-
|Side Driver	
|{{rating|5|5}}
|-	
|Side Passenger	
|{{rating|5|5}}	
|-	
|Side Pole Driver	
|{{rating|5|5}}	
|-	
|Rollover FWD
|{{rating|4|5}} / <small>16.9%</small>	
|-	
|[[Vehicle rollover|Rollover]] AWD
|{{rating|4|5}} / <small>17.4%</small>
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Ford Explorer [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety|IIHS]] scores<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/ford/explorer|title= Ford Explorer|work= iihs.org|access-date= April 10, 2014|archive-date= April 13, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142124/http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/ford/explorer|url-status= dead}}</ref>
|-
|Moderate overlap frontal offset||Good
|-
|Small overlap frontal offset (passenger side)||Poor
|-
|Small overlap frontal offset (driver side)||Marginal*<small>(2013–2019)</small> 
|-
|Side impact||Good
|-
|Roof strength||Good
|}
<sup>*vehicle structure rated "Poor"</sup>

===Awards===
The fifth generation Ford Explorer earned the 2011 ''[[North American Car of the Year|North American Truck of the Year]]'' award.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://coalgeology.com/new-2011-ford-explorer-north-american-truck-of-the-year-nyse-f/12883/|title=New 2011 Ford Explorer: North American Truck of the Year|date=February 3, 2011 |website=Media.ford.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110208180730/http://coalgeology.com/new-2011-ford-explorer-north-american-truck-of-the-year-nyse-f/12883/|archive-date=February 8, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref> The rear inflatable seat belts won the 2011 Best New Technology Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/news/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-fords-rear-inflatable-seat-belt-34081 |title=Ford's Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Wins '2011 Best New Technology' Award|publisher=Ford Motor Company|access-date=May 23, 2011}}</ref>

===2013 Ford Explorer Sport===
{{multiple images
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 | caption1          = 2013 Ford Explorer Sport
 | image2            = 2016 Explorer.JPG
 | caption2          = 2016 Ford Explorer Sport
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}}

The Ford Explorer Sport was announced on March 28, 2012, as an option for the 2013 model year and went on sale in June 2012. The "Sport" trim level comprises blackened exterior treatments, stiffened chassis and suspension, larger brakes and the installation of the [[EcoBoost]] 3.5L twin turbo V6 rated at {{cvt|365|hp|kW|0}} and {{cvt|350|lbft|0}} of torque. It was at the time the only version to feature a combined 4WD/EcoBoost option (an FWD version is not being offered for the Sport trim; 2016+ facelifted models offered the 2.3• EcoBoost with 4WD), allowing its MPG to average between 16/city and 22/highway.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36269 |title=New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine |website=media.ford.com |date=March 28, 2012 |access-date=March 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120329114827/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36269 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref> This version was slotted above the Limited trim and competed against [[Jeep Grand Cherokee]]'s SRT trim and [[Dodge Durango]]'s R/T trims<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 Ford Explorer Sport presages running changes for entire range|url= https://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-ford-explorer-sport-presages-running-changes-for-entire-ran/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=autoblog.com|date= March 28, 2012 }}</ref> and a newly updated 2013 [[Chevrolet Traverse]], the latter of which unveiled their new look on the same day as the Explorer Sport as their response to Ford's news.<ref>{{cite web|title=2013 Chevy Traverse debuts with new face, minor tweaks|url= https://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-chevy-traverse-debuts-with-new-face-minor-tweaks/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=autoblog.com}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===2015 facelift===
[[File:2016 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD.jpg|thumb|right|2016 facelift]]
The refreshed 2016 model year Ford Explorer debuted at the [[LA Auto Show#2014|2014 Los Angeles Auto Show]], with a redesigned front fascia, hood, and lower bumper, standard LED low-beam headlights, and fog lamps that were inspired by the [[Ford F-Series thirteenth generation|thirteenth generation Ford F-150]]. The rear of the Explorer was also refreshed with restyled LED tail lamps and dual exhaust outlets. The 2016 refresh bumped the [[I4 engine]] to a 2.3&nbsp;L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from the 2015 [[Ford Mustang]]. A newly introduced ''Platinum'' trim now tops out the range, slotting above the Sport and Limited trims. Similar to the Platinum editions of the F150 and Ford Super Duty trucks, the Platinum trim features front and rear cameras, enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking, hands-free liftgate from the [[Ford Escape]], an exclusive 500-watt [[Sony]] surround sound system, and a heated steering wheel. The Platinum is paired with a 3.5&nbsp;L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with {{cvt|365|bhp|kW|}} which was previously only available with the Sport trim. The facelifted Explorer went on sale at dealerships in the middle of 2015 for the 2016 model year. The base Explorer also received standard eighteen-inch [[alloy wheels]].

===2018 and 2019 updates===
In 2018, the fifth-generation Ford Explorer received a front fascia update including new front LED fog lights (not available on the base model Explorer) and a new grille design. Also added was an optional Ford Safe and Smart Package (standard on Platinum models), which gives customers several of Ford's safety features, and the Explorer Sport and Platinum received new quad-exhaust tips.

In 2019, the Explorer received one last update before it would be completely redesigned for the sixth-generation Explorer. Explorer XLT models received an optional XLT Desert Copper Package, priced at an additional US$1,840. The package included an ebony interior with copper inserts, chrome mirror caps, and 20=inch Polished Aluminum wheels. Explorer Limited models also received an optional Limited Luxury Package, priced at an additional $1,905. The package included upgraded premium leather seats with unique stitching, premium leather wrapped steering wheel and door inserts, multi-contour with massage capability driver and passenger front seats, inflatable passenger seat belts, chrome mirror caps, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. These Explorer packages were introduced to celebrate Ford's new record SUV sales at the State Fair of Texas where two Ford Expedition packages (Expedition Stealth Edition and Texas Edition) were also revealed alongside the Explorer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=2019 Ford Explorer |url=https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/brochures/ford/2019-explorer.pdf}}</ref>

===Engines===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Type!!Model years!!Power!!Torque
|-
|{{convert|1999|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} [[EcoBoost#2.0 L (2010–2015)|EcoBoost 2.0 I4]] ||2012–2015 ||{{convert|240.|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm ||{{convert|270.|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 3000 rpm
|-
|{{convert|2261|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} [[EcoBoost#2.3 L EcoBoost I-4|EcoBoost 2.3 I4]] ||2016–2019 ||{{convert|280.|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 5600 rpm ||{{convert|310.|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 3000 rpm
|-
|{{Convert|3496|cc|cuin|abbr=unit}} [[Ford Duratec engine#Duratec 35|Duratec 3.5 V6]] ||2011–2019 ||{{convert|290.|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm ||{{convert|255|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm
|-
|{{Convert|3497|cc|cuin|abbr=unit}} [[Ford EcoBoost engine#3.5 L EcoBoost V-6|EcoBoost 3.5 TT V6]] ||2013–2019 ||{{convert|365.|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 5500 rpm ||{{convert|350.|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 3500 rpm
|-
|{{Convert|3726|cc|cuin|abbr=unit}} [[Ford Cyclone engine|3.7L V6]] ||2013–2019, Police Interceptor Utility ||{{convert|304|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm ||{{convert|279.|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm
|}