Chicdriven test-drive (SUV series): the 2015 Ford Explorer

THE FORD Explorer is loaded with a lot of goodies.

“You had me at air-conditioned bum.”

This is my version of the iconic line: “You had me at hello” by Renée Zellweger to Tom Cruise during the climactic “need to get you back” scene that led to a thousand fantasies and “meme-worthy” variations during the late ’90s.

Yup, when I was test-driving the Ford Explorer, that was the clincher. Hot leather seats have always been a big issue for me when I am driving, maybe because of my superstitious or very Pinoy upbringing that if you sit on a very hot chair, you will have “kabag,” or colic, and subsequently, an unpleasant day.

The Ford Explorer is loaded with a lot of goodies. If you think the product planner was extra generous on the Ford Escape, he was probably on a happy pill the day he designed the Explorer.

I was impressed with the PowerFold third-row seat. The seats can either be stowed, which hides the chairs and gives you a flat load floor; folded, for additional space; and normal, when you need to seat more passengers.

The seven-seater, 3.5-liter Ti-VCT also has the impressive Ford Sync, which in my experience is one of the best sync systems in the market.

THE SEVEN-SEATER, 3.5-liter Ti-VCT has the impressive Ford Sync, which is one of the best sync systems in the market at the moment.

Better looking

In terms of looks, it is really one of the better-looking siblings in the Ford family. It has strong lines and an impressive face and chin. It is macho enough for men to drive, but not too much that it alienates female buyers.

It has 20-inch big wheels (I consider anything above 17 inches big), and a power panoramic roof.

In terms of comfort and drivability, it is very versatile. On days when your manong drives you around, the back seat experience is “Doña-approved.”

Seats can be reclined so sleeping comfortably is very possible. On days you have to drive yourself, it also does not present a problem. I only wish there was an arm rest to make the drive easier and less tiring, especially in traffic-pestered Metro Manila.

The size is also quite manageable. It’s not like you are driving a boat.

COOLED bum for driver and passenger

Ford has always put a priority on safety, so expect all the bells and whistles in this high-end model as well—and literally whistles, as it has inside the annoying but always correct voice, giving you warning, as well as the beeping sound to tell you something is close by.

It has parking assist and all sorts of driving aids, perfect for multitasking moms. We need to be reprimanded sometimes to take our minds out of thinking which lovable character in “Game of Thrones” would get killed next or what would happen next in our favorite telenovela.

The Explorer is gasoline-powered and features Ford’s EcoBoost Technology. In our experience, the EcoBoost works really well on long drives, but somewhat falls behind in city driving. But it does come a long way from Ford’s gas-guzzling days.

EXTRA storage or extra seating options

The downside, without doubt, is the high fuel consumption, although everything else is well thought of: comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics.

It even has an option to warm your bum.

The Ford Explorer, which comes in three variants, starts at P2.445 million.

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