Ford Explorer 2017 Sport: Review, Specs, And Performance

by Alex Braham 57 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Ford Explorer 2017 Sport review. If you're in the market for a capable and stylish SUV, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport should definitely be on your radar. This model year brings a blend of robust performance, a sporty aesthetic, and a host of features that make it a compelling choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from its powerful engine and performance capabilities to its interior comforts and tech features, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let's explore what makes the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport a standout in its class.

Performance and Engine

Let's kick things off with what's under the hood because, let's be honest, that's what makes the Sport trim truly special. The heart of the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport is its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This isn't your run-of-the-mill V6; it’s turbocharged to deliver a hefty 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean for you? It means exhilarating acceleration and plenty of power for towing, hauling, and tackling any terrain you might encounter. The EcoBoost engine provides a significant boost over the standard Explorer's base engine, making the Sport trim a true performance-oriented SUV. Whether you're merging onto the highway or climbing steep grades, the Explorer Sport responds with confidence and poise.

The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth and responsive shifts. The transmission is specifically tuned to maximize the engine’s power output, providing quick acceleration and efficient cruising. Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system comes standard on the Sport, ensuring optimal traction and control in various driving conditions. This system continuously monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution between the front and rear wheels to enhance stability and grip. Whether you're driving in rain, snow, or off-road, the 4WD system provides added confidence and capability. The Explorer Sport also features a Terrain Management System with multiple modes, including Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Snow, allowing you to tailor the vehicle’s performance to the specific environment. This system adjusts the engine, transmission, and 4WD settings to optimize traction and control in each mode, making it easy to navigate challenging conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Moving inside, the Ford Explorer 2017 Sport doesn’t skimp on comfort and technology. The interior is designed with high-quality materials and a sporty aesthetic that complements its performance-oriented character. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a pleasure. The front seats are heated and ventilated, providing added comfort in any weather. The second-row seats offer ample legroom and can be easily adjusted to accommodate passengers of all sizes. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, making the Explorer Sport a true seven-seater. The interior is thoughtfully laid out with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The dashboard features a clean and modern design with easy-to-read gauges and displays. The center console provides ample storage space and includes cupholders, a phone storage tray, and USB ports for charging devices. The interior is also well-insulated, minimizing road noise and creating a quiet and comfortable cabin.

The infotainment system is centered around Ford’s SYNC 3 system, which is responsive and easy to use. It features an 8-inch touchscreen display with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. The Explorer Sport also includes a premium Sony audio system with 12 speakers, delivering immersive sound quality throughout the cabin. The audio system includes a subwoofer for deep bass and tweeters for crisp highs, providing a concert-like listening experience. Other interior features include a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. The Explorer Sport also offers a range of optional features, such as a dual-panel sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a hands-free liftgate, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your specific needs and preferences.

Exterior and Design

On the outside, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport distinguishes itself with a more aggressive and sporty appearance compared to the standard Explorer. The Sport trim features a unique blacked-out grille, dark-finish wheels, and distinctive badging that set it apart. The overall design is modern and muscular, with a bold front fascia and sculpted lines that give it a commanding presence on the road. The black roof rack adds a touch of ruggedness and provides additional cargo-carrying capability. The Explorer Sport also includes LED headlights and taillights, enhancing visibility and adding a touch of sophistication. The headlights feature automatic high beams, which automatically switch between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic, improving safety and convenience. The taillights feature a unique design that complements the overall sporty aesthetic of the vehicle. The Explorer Sport is available in a range of exterior colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personal style. The overall design of the Explorer Sport is both functional and stylish, making it a standout in the SUV segment.

The Explorer Sport also offers practical features such as a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload cargo. The liftgate can be operated with a touch of a button or with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper, providing hands-free convenience. The Explorer Sport also includes a tow package, allowing you to tow trailers and other equipment with ease. The tow package includes a Class III hitch, trailer sway control, and a heavy-duty radiator, ensuring optimal towing performance. The Explorer Sport is designed to be both versatile and capable, making it a great choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. The exterior design of the Explorer Sport is both functional and stylish, making it a standout in the SUV segment.

Technology and Features

The 2017 Ford Explorer Sport is packed with technology features designed to enhance your driving experience. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is a standout, offering intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration. The system includes a responsive touchscreen display, voice recognition, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and navigate using your smartphone’s interface. The Explorer Sport also includes a premium Sony audio system with 12 speakers, delivering immersive sound quality throughout the cabin. The audio system includes a subwoofer for deep bass and tweeters for crisp highs, providing a concert-like listening experience. Other technology features include a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience.

The Explorer Sport also offers a range of optional technology features, such as a dual-panel sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a hands-free liftgate. The dual-panel sunroof provides an open and airy feel to the cabin, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while on the road. The rear-seat entertainment system includes dual screens mounted on the back of the front seats, allowing passengers in the rear to watch movies, play games, and listen to music. The hands-free liftgate can be operated with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper, providing added convenience when your hands are full. The Explorer Sport is designed to be both technologically advanced and user-friendly, making it a great choice for tech-savvy drivers.

Fuel Economy

Now, let's talk about fuel economy because, let's face it, nobody wants to break the bank at the gas pump. The 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, with its powerful EcoBoost engine, offers a respectable fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates are around 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. While these numbers might not be class-leading, they're reasonable considering the vehicle's size, weight, and performance capabilities. Keep in mind that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. Factors such as aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, and towing can all impact fuel consumption. However, with careful driving and regular maintenance, you can maximize your fuel efficiency and minimize your trips to the gas station.

The Explorer Sport also includes features such as Eco mode, which optimizes the engine and transmission settings to improve fuel economy. Eco mode reduces throttle response and shifts at lower RPMs, helping you save fuel without sacrificing performance. The Explorer Sport also includes a real-time fuel economy display, which provides instant feedback on your fuel consumption. This allows you to monitor your driving habits and make adjustments to improve your fuel efficiency. The Explorer Sport is designed to be both powerful and efficient, making it a great choice for drivers who want the best of both worlds.

Reliability and Safety

When it comes to reliability and safety, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport has you covered. Ford has a solid reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles, and the Explorer Sport is no exception. The vehicle is built on a robust platform and features high-quality components designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Explorer Sport also comes with a comprehensive warranty, providing added peace of mind. Ford’s warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles, providing added protection for the engine and transmission. The Explorer Sport also includes roadside assistance, providing help with towing, jump starts, and other services.

In terms of safety, the Explorer Sport is equipped with a range of features designed to protect you and your passengers. The vehicle includes advanced airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Explorer Sport also features a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The parking sensors alert you to obstacles in your path, helping you avoid collisions. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making it safer to change lanes. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety. The Explorer Sport is designed to be both safe and reliable, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport:

Pros:

  • Powerful Engine: The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers impressive performance.
  • Sporty Design: The unique styling cues set it apart from the standard Explorer.
  • Intelligent 4WD: Provides excellent traction and control in various conditions.
  • Comfortable Interior: Offers ample space and a host of features.
  • Advanced Technology: SYNC 3, premium audio, and driver-assist features enhance the driving experience.

Cons:

  • Fuel Economy: While respectable, it's not class-leading.
  • Ride Quality: Can be a bit firm on rough roads due to the sport-tuned suspension.
  • Price: The Sport trim can be more expensive than other Explorer models.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Ford Explorer 2017 Sport is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a capable, stylish, and performance-oriented SUV. Its powerful engine, sporty design, and comfortable interior make it a well-rounded package. While it may have a few drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that can handle anything you throw at it, the Explorer Sport is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive, and see for yourself what it has to offer! You won't be disappointed.