Next week we will finally get to see the 2011 Ford Explorer. Ford's been on a roll for the last year or so, and my gut tells me this will be no different. Its going to have all the gizmos, safety, and fuel efficiency that the buying public demands from crossovers these days.
Except, of course, for off-road ability. Let's face it: Americans love SUVs, but ground clearance, fording depths, and breakover angles aren't exactly the stats they compare when car shopping. Which is why automakers came up with the crossover: keep the height, roof racks and big tires, but throw away the transfer cases, box frames and towing ability.
It is for this reason that I find the teaser photos for the new Explorer rather amusing. You'd think that the Explorer is most at home in the wilds of Alaska, boating, kayaking, hiking, etc. Anything but making a run to Walmart.
Ford's really pushing the off-road thing, despite the fact that the new crossover architecture has wiped out what little off-road ability the vehicle had to begin with. They're even offering a Land Rover-esque off road system, but, really, is anyone going to use it?
Advertising campaigns tend to stretch reality from time to time. Just look at the TV spots for the new Grand Cherokee: Designed in AMERICA. Built in AMERICA. For AMERICANS. They seem to be leaving out the little tidbit that the chassis is sourced from a Mercedes.
The bottom line is that the Explorer has never been about off-roading, so why start painting that picture now? In a way, the Explorer was the first crossover: a truck not meant be used as a truck, but a stylish, capable alternative to station wagons and minivans. And with a lighter, more car-like chassis, the 2011 Explorer is going to fulfill the original idea of Explorer better than ever, even if that's the last thing Ford wants you to think.
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