(By Tom Lohnes) – So, you want an of-roader from Ford and can afford the Ranger Tremor but aren’t quite up to F-150 Raptor status. What do you get? Well Ford has an answer for that and it comes in the form of an Explorer.
Meet the Explorer Timberline, a bucks-up off-road oriented version of the Explorer XLT. In comparison to the normal Explorer this gets a few upgrades but doesn’t quite pass as a full off-roader like it’s main competitor, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.
For one, Timberline doesn’t have a full low-range transfer case, but 1st gear does have a 16.9:1 crawl ratio, so that at least helps. Powering the Timberline is your basic 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making an alright 310 horsepower, but the Grand Cherokee which has low-range makes up to 357. The sole transmission is a 10-speed automatic, which will probably function as a 9-speed due to that 1st gear ratio. In addition to the burly appearance, the Timberline gets a nicer interior than an XLT, as well as some nicer wheels and tires.
This Explorer is not cheap. Starting at $47,600, the Timberline isn’t only more expensive than a Trailhawk, but pricing for this runs into the turbocharged V6-equipped Explorer ST’s cost range. Is that worth it for an Explorer that can actually Explore? The consumers will decide.
The only “off roading” this is suitable for is parking in the grass at the country club.