Ford EcoBoost?
 

Thinking about trading the Infiniti Sedan dd in for something that can pull a boat/car, etc. Seems the new Explorer is available as "Explorer Sport" with the V6 EcoBoost twin-turbo engine. 365HP/350TQ.

I know they put that engine in their full size trucks and hear it does a nice job vs the bigger V8's. In the smaller Explorer, it might be a hoot. I believe it's the same engine as the Taurus SHO.

Anyone have any experience with the new turbo-charged Fords?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1356040086.jpg

It's only rated to tow 5k#s, that's pretty marginal

Jeep Grand Cherokee goes to ~7.2K#
VW Touareg goes to 7.7k#
etc

Yes, but I really prefer Ford over Chrysler (Fiat) or VW. I only tow occasionally and 5k would be adequate.

Hi Mike,

We just bought a black/black Explorer Sport last month. Only have ~700mi on it so far, but it does scoot. Ride is quiet, seats are really comfy, overall the interior is a big improvement over previous generations of both Explorers/Tahoes and the like. They are still new to the market and as such can be a bit hard to find with the exact options you want/don't want, so be prepared for that, or just order exactly what you want.

Go test drive one back to back with a limited Explorer to get an idea what the eco-boost gains you in performance.

Will be taking it up to the snow in the next few days, will have a better idea how it works in the white stuff after the new year :D

Great feedback. Thanks.

EgoBoost?

Seriously Webb, do you need to crap in every thread in OT/PARF? I suppose you go out of your way to purchase cars that are under powered? Forget I asked... back on ignore you go.

Doug...just curious, did you drive a Limited? Assume the performance improvement of the twin-turbo was significant enough to capture your wallet? Or was it something else?

Thanks again,

Mike, yes, drove them back to back. The Limited is not a total dog (~280hp), but the Sport was significantly quicker, and a bit sharper in the handling department. Apparently the Sport receives chassis improvements, and a change to the transmission.

As far as cost, I found that of the few dealers that had the Sport, most had ordered them with fewer options than the Limited models, which struck me as odd. So, cost wise we paid a few grand less than what most Limiteds were selling for. Our Sport does not have the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, power fold third row seats etc., which is fine by me. However, I will say the one option I wish they had made standard on the Sport is the xenon lights, silly really that they didn't, and its really the only option we did not get that I would have liked.

Hope this helps!

A coworker of mine just bought one a few weeks ago and loves it, though he did blow off an intake hose under boost at 14 miles.

I have a 2012 Explorer XLT AWD that just turned over 8,000 miles. It has been trouble free & a pleasure to drive. It is only rated to tow 2000 lbs. but I have no need for towing.

Sister in law has been in the new Explorer for about a year now. They love it. It's actually her second one. First one was totaled with less that 500 miles on the odometer. She was taking her kids to school when a moron pulled out in front of her. Two lane highway. She was going at least 55 when she T-boned a full size pick-up. Hit the truck right behind the front wheel. Both front rails destroyed, engine into the firewall, wrinkles in the roof and quarters. Every bag blown, spun into a bridge abutment. Nasty wreck. No intrusion in the passenger compartment. Her, her 4 year old and her 12 year old walk away with no injuries other than bumps and bruises. The unibody did what it's supposed to do and that's absorb the energy and pass it around the occupants.

She has the Eco-Boost four. My Dad, however, has the Eco-Boost six in a new F-150 Supercrew. He's had it about 6 months already has over 10k miles on it. Loves it. Pulls better than his old 5.4 F-150. He's not getting advertised mileage but that's sort of to be expected. He's getting 15 in mixed driving. He regularly pulls a 16 trailer with an expanded metal rear gate loaded with ATV's. Not heavy but catches a ton of wind. He also has a 16ft tandem axle enclosed trailer loaded with tools and other gear. Again, he says it pulls better than the old truck. He flip-flopped a bit between the Eco-Boost and the 5.0.

-J