2012 Ford Explorer XLT White Platinum Clearcoat Metallic (the kind of white that says Ive got my life together mostly)
Alright this is the SUV that figured things out early.
The 2012 Ford Explorer XLT took the old-school SUV idea and said, What if we made it actually nice to drive?
And honestly, they pulled it off.
Engine: 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT (reliable, smooth not trying to be the loudest in the room)
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Select-Shift (you can shift it yourself again, nice option to have)
Drivetrain: 4WD (because weather doesn't check your schedule first)
This thing rides high like an SUV should but without feeling like youre steering a boat. Its comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly refined. You get the space you want without the driving experience you were worried about.
Inside, its got that upscale but still practical vibe. Like you could take it on a road trip or just sit in the driveway for a minute to finish a song.
Awards:
2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick
2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award
Which basically means safety experts and car people both agreed Yeah, this is a good one.
What people said about it (the professional opinions):
From Kelley Blue Book: Its got the space and ride height of a traditional SUV without the usual downsides like rough handling or bad fuel economy. Also, very well-mannered which is not something you hear about SUVs a lot.
From Edmunds: Upscale interior, lots of tech, great balance between comfort and handling, and solid engine options.
So yeah its not just us saying it.
Disclaimer (the official, slightly serious part):
Advertised price does not include tax, title, license, registration, or dealer-installed accessories. Dealer-added options or modifications may already be installed and may affect final pricing. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors in pricing, mileage, features, or availability may occur. Vehicle is subject to prior sale. Please verify all information with the dealership directly, including equipment, pricing, and availability.
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