Ford Explorer starts selling in the Philippines for P2,350,000

Posted on October 7th, 2011. Written by Rico.

Yesterday Ford Philippines launched the 2011 Explorer for the local market. Only one variant will be available for Filipino buyers: a four-door four-wheel drive crossover SUV, powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine.

What we saw looked promising. Juan dela Cruz may not afford this vehicle, but those with the means may find their money well spent. All seats—including those in the third row—are covered in leather. Drivers can enter the Explorer without removing the wireless key from their pocket, and can start the engine by pushing a button to the right of the steering column.

The central dashboard looks more at home on a spaceship than in a road vehicle; the display on top and audio controls below it are all driven by touch. The driver and passengers can also link their gadgets to the vehicle via Bluetooth, a system that provides some degree of control through voice commands.

Both front seats have electronic adjustment controls, while second row passengers have full control over their area’s A/C and their own charger port courtesy of a mini-dashboard in the middle. The power 3rd row seats can be individually pulled up, folded forward, or tucked into the floor through a series of switches on the left side of the trunk space.

You won’t even have to strain a muscle to open the boot: a button tucked into the outside handle and one beside the lock open and close the tail gate respectively.

Powering the Explorer is a 3.5 liter V6 that generates 290 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 255 net torque at 4000. Ford Philippines claims that the vehicle when “properly equipped” will be able to tow 5000 pounds. The company also said that the combination of a 6-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode and proprietary engine technology should produce good mileage for a vehicle of its size.

Whether or not that’s true (stay tuned for our review!), it’s clear that the Ford Explorer has features that even more expensive vehicles don’t have. In the meantime, check out our gallery. Click on a thumbnail to view the full-sized image.

The 2011 Ford Explorer should be available for sale by the time you read this, at all local official Ford Philippines dealerships. Price: ₱2,350,000.