With the same power output as the Ford Taurus SHO, the Explorer Sport unleashes 365 horsepower at 5500 rpm. While the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine with 350 pounds-feet of torque at 3500 rpm gives this 4WD SUV prime bragging rights, the fuel economy (22 mpg on the highway) is a welcome companion. This SUV’s personality emphasizes athleticism with its sport-tuned electric power-assisted steering and 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. The 112.6-inch wheelbase Explorer accents its athletic features with practical appointments, including 50/50 fold-flat third row seating and a terrain management system with snow, sand, mud and hill descent settings.

The Explorer Sport’s comfort, convenience and safety list features a slew of standard and optional equipment, including front passenger knee airbag, an SOS post-crash alert system, a rearview camera system, trailer sway control, illuminated scuff plates, and a Sony 390-watt/12- speaker audio system with HD radio. Special design cues on the Sport model include 20-inch painted/machined wheels, side mirrors with skull caps, and gray-mesh grille with high-gloss bars. The SUV demonstrated rock-solid driving dynamics on smooth pavement as well as bumpy, rutted roadways during a one-week test drive. Explorer Sport tallies estimated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway and carries a MSRP of $40,720.