The Explorer was a decent but flawed vehicle in 2005, not without strong points but also laden with a low-quality interior, a mediocre engine, and uncomfortable seats. A 2006 freshening attempts to improve the situation, and can be called a great success, especially considering that the improvements came along with a price cut. Engine power and refinement improved, the front seats were upgraded, and the interior was redesigned to incorporate a new instrument layout and improved interior materials. The Explorer still rides well but doesn’t handle as well as most competitors, did well in crash testing, and is now very well-priced. And unlike its car-based competitors, it is actually suitable for uses such as towing, particularly with the available V8. It’s not the best vehicle in its class, but particularly among truck-based SUVs, it’s a worthwhile choice.

The Explorer has a comfortable, absorbent, and reasonably stable ride that is still prone to occasional floatiness. It doesn’t handle like it’s anything but a truck, but it’s still no more clumsy than most truck-based competitors. Body roll is excessive, however. The steering responds quickly enough, but is too light and doesn’t return feedback. The standard 4.0-liter V6 could benefit greatly from an upgrade, it is adequate for most driving, but it could still use more passing power. The available 4.6-liter V8, freshly enlivened with additional horsepower and a new transmission, never feels overworked, but still lacks the thrust found even in many V6 models here, delivering no more than adequate power by this group’s standards. The 2006 update brought additional sound-deadening material, but the sounds are merely muted, not refined, problematic for the rough-sounding V6, less so for the V8. The two engines return similarly unimpressive gas mileage.

Inside, the Explorer’s front seats were redesigned and are now much better shaped. Additional lateral support could still help however, and the seats are a bit too soft for ideal long-term comfort. The second-row seat is roomy enough, but low and flat. And while the third row is actually usable for adults, its hardness and low placement prevent it from being considered comfortable. The upgraded interior is a discernable improvement, but panel fit still lags behind the best vehicles in this group. The gauges are clear, but the new instrument layout leaves the climate controls too low and the stereo controls too high, a confounding step backwards from the previous version. Drivers sit high and very comfortably. Rearward visibility is obstructed somewhat by thick roof pillars, but the particularly well-designed folding rear-seat head restraints improve matters over most competitors. Entry/exit would be easier with a lower ride height, but the large door openings and wide footwells help matters somewhat. More third-row legroom than most competitors simplifies access to the rearmost seat, but it remains somewhat complex. There is sufficient cargo room for groceries behind the third row seat, and folding it opens up an ample and well-shaped cargo hold.

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA have tested the Explorer since its 2006 updates. The 2002-2005 version did very well in its crash-testing.

The V6 version of the Explorer reviewed here came in very well-equipped at $29,615 with heated power leather seats, side-curtain airbags that protect all three rows of seats, traction and stability control, a 6-disc CD changer, and a reverse sensing system. The V8 version came in at $30,092, minus the leather and its related accessories. Both versions also came with such convenience features as power-adjustable pedals and a unique-to-Ford keypad keyless entry system.

Overall, the Explorer is a capable, reasonably well-rounded truck-based SUV. It rides comfortably and fairly quietly, has a roomy interior, and is priced competitively. Considering the vehicle’s mediocre traits, such as its somewhat sloppy handling and lack of V6 power, the Explorer may not sound like a particularly good vehicle. But its good traits are surprisingly hard to find in this group. The V6 version comes out ahead for its value, and the V8 fails to distinguish itself in its acceleration performance anyway. The Explorer is not as well-rounded as the better car-based vehicles in this group, but it’s worth a look for its amount of room and comfort for the money.