The 2012 Ford Explorer EcoBoost models to yield 20/28mpg

The 2012 Ford Explorer – when equipped with the 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine will offer a very impressive 20 miles per gallon around town and 28 on the open road with a combined number of 23mpg. These numbers make the EcoBoost’d Explorer one of the most efficient models in its class and the highway figures of 28mpg make the 4-cylinder Ford sport ute the best in class based on current figures (things could change once the competition unveils their 2012 model figures). Even more impressively, Ford has been able to use their EcoBoost technology to reach these impressive fuel economy numbers without compromising power – with the 2012 EcoBoost Explorer packing 240 horsepower and 270lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the current Ford Explorer with the 3.5L TiVCT V6 offers 283 horsepower and 252lb-ft of torque while achieving just 17mpg around town, 25 on the highway and 20 combined – so not only does the EcoBoost Explorer offer better fuel economy but it also makes more torque than the current V6 engine.

Like everything in life, nothing is perfect and the 2012 Ford Explorer with the 4-cylinder EcoBoost does come with some sacrifices. First of all, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine option will only be mated to a front wheel drive configuration and an automatic transmission where the V6 package offers a more-capable 4WD system. Also, even though the EcoBoost Explorer makes more torque than the naturally aspirated V6, the towing capacity drops significantly – from 5,000 for the V6 models to just 2,000 for the new 4-cylinder option. While the drop in towing capacity won’t be much of an issue for most buyers considering a 4-cylinder Explorer, the fact that the EcoBoost isn’t available with 4WD could send some buyers to the less efficient V6 option – or to other automakers who offer their fuel friendly models with all wheel drive.

The 2012 Ford Explorer fitted with the EcoBoost 4-cylinder is listed as the premium engine package and that comes with a price of $995 over the standard V6 engine. However, since each of the three current Explorer trimlines are offered in both front wheel drive and four wheel drive, 2012 Explorer buyers should be able to chose any of the three trimlines with the least expensive option being the standard Explorer. Using the current pricing and adding the $995 for the EcoBoost option, consumers could get into a 2012 Explorer with the 28mpg 4-cylinder for around $29,185 and these models are expected to hit showrooms sometime in August.

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