Ford has revealed the fuel economy figures for the new Ford Explorer – and it will be the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUV on the market.
The vehicle will deliver an EPA-certified 28mpg on the highway with an all-new 2.0litre EcoBoost engine. The engine combines petrol direct injection and turbocharging with smaller overall displacement, and delivers comparable power to a standard V6 engine with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder engine. All this, while delivering 240hp at 5,500rpm and 270lb-ft of torque.
Fuel efficiency and responsiveness is boosted by direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing. Its efficiency is further enhanced by low friction 5W-GF5 motor oil; a variable displacement air conditioning compressor; a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission; and electric power-assisted steering.
In addition, with its standard V6 it delivers up to 17mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway; and with the EcoBoost this is boosted to 20mpg city and 28mpg on the highway.
Ford will hope the efficient engine continues the Explorer’s sales momentum – its sales totalled 65,823 vehicles in the first six months of 2011; up from 60,687 for the full year in 2010.
