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: stability control, traction control, roll stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, adaptive-venting frontal airbags, side-impact airbags; adaptive load-limited seatbelt retractors, tire-pressure monitor

Optional Safety Equipment: roof curtain airbags for second and third row; reverse sensing system

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

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

Model Tested: Ford Explorer XLT 4WD ($27,595)

Standard Equipment: cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest recline; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input jack; power windows with one-touch-down driver window; remote entry key fobs; cargo management system; center console with floor shifter; two 12-volt power points; load-floor tie-down hooks; two-line message center with outside-temperature readout; privacy glass; one-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window; fold-away electric remote exterior mirrors; black roof side rails; 16-inch, painted aluminum wheels with P235/70R16 all-season tires; fog lamps

Options as Tested: V8 engine ($1,200); third-row seat ($845); rear air conditioning ($675)

Destination Charge: 695

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 292 @ 5750

Torque: 300 @ 3950

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 14/20

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 193.4/73.5/72.8 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: 4777 pounds

Towing Capacity: 7050 pounds

Tires: P245/65R17

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

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 Gallons