I'm torn over the new Ford Explorer Sport, announced earlier today. I don't particularly like the new Explorer, but if you've got to get a three-row crossover for some terrible reason a 350-hp, twin-turbo V6 one with decent handling and sporty looks is probably the one to get.
Just like the Ford Taurus SHO the new Explorer shares a platform with, power comes from an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 putting out 350-hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It's AWD. This sounds like something I should like.
Overall, power is down about 10 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque compared to the HEMI-powered Dodge Durango R/T, but it puts out a slightly better 16/22 mpg (city/highway) fuel economy.
Oh, and it weighs 4,859 pounds. Base. Maybe that's why I'm so unenthused. That means even with all the proper towing equipment it can barely pull another Ford Explorer Sport.
To blatantly steal/paraphrase a quote from another autojourno: What's the point of the Explorer Sport if it's just going to compete with other Ford performance SUVs like the Taurus SHO?