When the Ford Explorer was first introduced in the early 1990s, it was a mid-size SUV. Over the years it has grown in size to accommodate a third row.
The modern-day Explorer is now a car-based large crossover. As this popular Ford nameplate evolved over time, what happened to its cabin space?
When my short body feels cramped sitting in the driver seat, how do our taller editors feel when driving the Explorer?
Once positioned and belted in I feel like I have no room to move my knees. Even the six-way power adjustable seat doesn't help me make myself any more comfortable.
I much prefer the Ford Flex for its interesting looks and cavernous front row. Even though both vehicles have similar front legroom specs, there is a vast difference in feel.
Any of you have this generation Explorer? How does the driving position feel to you?
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor @ 8,319 miles
greenpony says:
11:44 AM, 01/16/12
The last Explorer I drove was a '90s vintage with a broken driver seat fore/aft adjustment. It was set for someone six inches shorter than I. Is the '12 Explorer like that?
stovt001 says:
12:05 PM, 01/16/12
I feel the same way with the new Taurus which the new Explorer shares a platform with.
lucien4 says:
12:10 PM, 01/16/12
I'm not familiar with the current gen but the older one already felt smaller to me than other midsize SUV's especially in the back.
wjtinatl says:
01:28 PM, 01/16/12
I've never found my parents 2011 Explorer cramped, but agree it does not feel as big as you'd think given it's exterior dimensions. The Flex is a superior package to the Explorer in almost every way, except standard engine and flash. Ford fixes the engine issue with the 2013 Flex.
smrtypants44 says:
02:29 PM, 01/16/12
I felt the same way in the new focus.
emajor says:
04:11 PM, 01/16/12
Sat in one at a recent auto show. This thing is packaged horribly. I like small cars so the driving position was fine, but it feels like it has the room of a midsize sedan, rather than the bloated pig that it is. The site lines are horrible, the C pillars are enormous. High beltline. Same with the Taurus; I'd happily drive an airy used Ford Five Hundred before buying that sarcophagus.
The Focus and Fiesta were also really snug and confining compared to their competition. Drove the Fiesta and loved it, but the backseat makes our Yaris feel like a stretch limo.
explorerx4 says:
04:14 PM, 01/16/12
It took me a long time to find a seating position that was comfortable for my legs.
Surprisingly, I had to raise the seat.
I find the Flex front seats too wide and flat compared to the Explorer front seats.
The driver's seat is 10 way adjustable, so maybe there are several other combinations that haven't been tried, yet.
explorerx4 says:
04:35 PM, 01/16/12
bump
explorerx4 says:
05:02 PM, 01/16/12
Hopefully not a double post.
It took me a while to find a comfortable driving position, especially for my left leg.
I ended up raising the seat, which I have pretty much never done before.
The Flex seats are too wide and flat for me compared to the Explorer.
The Explorer has a 10 way adjustable driver's seat.
bradyholt says:
06:19 AM, 01/17/12
To people suggesting the Flex is better packaged: It's just bigger. An inch wider, nearly five inches longer.
titancrew says:
12:52 PM, 01/17/12
The Flex is longer but not wider. The Explorer is 3 inches wider than the Flex and just as wide as an Expedition.
zcalvert says:
01:47 PM, 01/17/12
i've not been in one of these, but i agree with those mentioning the taurus. those things feel remarkably small in the front seats. the lack of visibility from the tiny little windows doesn't help.
billt9 says:
03:21 PM, 01/18/12
Buy a Durango!!!!
Give your money to the right people!