2017 Ford Explorer Sport: Dive into the Specs!

Hey everyone! If you're eyeing the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, you're in for a treat. This isn't just any SUV, guys; it's a blend of rugged capability and everyday comfort, packed with some seriously impressive specs. We're going to break down exactly what makes this model tick, from its powerhouse engine to its nifty interior features. So, buckle up as we explore the nitty-gritty details of the 2017 Explorer Sport!

Engine and Performance: What's Under the Hood?

Let's kick things off with the heart of the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport: its engine. This trim level comes standard with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Now, when Ford says EcoBoost, they mean business. This isn't your average V6; it's turbocharged and direct-injected, delivering a fantastic 365 horsepower and a hefty 350 lb-ft of torque. That's some serious grunt, folks! This power means you've got plenty of oomph for merging onto the highway, towing, or just enjoying a spirited drive. The engine is paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which, while not the latest and greatest by today's standards, still gets the job done smoothly. It offers a manual mode if you feel like taking a bit more control, which is pretty cool. One of the standout features for the Sport trim is its standard 4WD system. This isn't an optional add-on; it's there from the get-go, enhancing traction and confidence in a variety of driving conditions, whether you're dealing with slick roads, gravel paths, or just want that extra peace of mind. The 4WD system here is pretty advanced, with Terrain Management System. You can actually select different modes like Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Grass/Gravel, tailoring the vehicle's response to the surface you're on. This really ups its off-road potential and overall versatility. Fuel economy, as you might expect with a powerful V6, isn't going to set any records, but for its class and performance, it's respectable. You're looking at an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Now, if you're doing a lot of city driving or hauling, you'll feel that at the pump, but on the highway, it's not too bad. The towing capacity is also a strong suit for the Explorer Sport. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a capable partner for weekend adventures, whether that's pulling a small boat, a camper, or a utility trailer. The suspension is tuned for a more engaging driving experience compared to other Explorer trims, offering a good balance between comfort and handling. It feels more planted and less floaty, which many enthusiasts appreciate. So, in a nutshell, the 2017 Explorer Sport is all about delivering strong performance, capable all-wheel-drive, and a solid towing foundation. It's built for those who want a bit more thrill and capability from their family SUV.

Exterior Styling: Looking Sharp!

When it comes to the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, the exterior is where it really starts to distinguish itself. Ford wanted this trim to look and feel more athletic and commanding, and they absolutely nailed it. The first thing you'll notice is the unique grille, which sports a darker, more aggressive finish compared to the other Explorer models. This, along with the dark-finished exterior trim – think mirror caps, door handles, and roof rails – gives the Sport a much more menacing and sophisticated presence. It’s subtle, but it makes a huge difference. The Sport moniker badging is also present, letting everyone know you're rolling in the top-tier model. You also get unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with painted pockets as standard. These wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely and just add to the overall muscular look of the SUV. The front and rear fascias are also slightly tweaked for a sportier appearance, and you often find dual bright exhaust tips integrated into the rear bumper, which not only looks cool but hints at the powerful engine underneath. The headlights and taillights often feature a darker housing, further contributing to the Sport's distinct visual identity. Beyond the specific Sport elements, the 2017 Explorer itself has a handsome, chiseled design. It's got a strong shoulder line, a commanding grille, and a generally well-proportioned stance. The Sport trim just takes that good design and dials up the aggression and premium feel. Standard exterior features also include things like LED daytime running lights, which are both stylish and functional, enhancing visibility. Automatic halogen projector-beam headlamps ensure you have proper illumination at night, and fog lamps are typically included to cut through murky conditions. The rear spoiler isn't just for looks; it helps with aerodynamics. Power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals are also a common feature, adding convenience and safety. The overall impression of the 2017 Explorer Sport's exterior is one of understated power and refinement. It doesn't scream for attention with outrageous styling, but its darker accents, larger wheels, and sport-specific details clearly mark it as the more performance-oriented option in the lineup. It’s a look that appeals to those who want their vehicle to convey strength and capability without being over the top. It’s a great-looking SUV that holds its own even today.

Interior Comfort and Tech: Inside the Cabin

Stepping inside the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, you're greeted with an environment that blends comfort, technology, and a touch of sportiness. Ford knew that even with the Sport designation, this is still a family vehicle, so they focused on creating a premium and functional cabin. The seats are a major highlight. The leather-trimmed front bucket seats are not only comfortable for long journeys but also come with heating and cooling functions as standard on the Sport trim. This is a huge win, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. The driver's seat typically offers 10-way power adjustability, including lumbar support, making it easy to find that perfect driving position. The second-row captain's chairs offer good legroom and a comfortable perch for passengers, although some might prefer the flexibility of a bench seat if maximizing passenger count is a priority. The third-row seating is adequate for children or occasional adult use, as is typical for this class of SUV. When you need more cargo space, the third row can be folded flat with the standard PowerFold® feature, which is incredibly convenient. The dashboard layout is well-organized and driver-focused. You'll find a good mix of physical buttons and touchscreen controls. The centerpiece is the 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system. This was a significant upgrade for 2017, offering a much-improved user interface compared to earlier SYNC versions. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. This is a massive convenience for staying connected on the go. Other tech features often include dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium sound system (often a Sony system with 12 speakers on the Sport trim), keyless entry with push-button start, and remote start. For added convenience, you'll often find multiple USB ports scattered throughout the cabin, a 110V power outlet, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in hand and includes controls for the audio system, cruise control, and the information display in the instrument cluster. The Sport trim also usually gets some unique interior accents, like sport-tuned floor mats and unique interior trim pieces, to differentiate it from other models. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Explorer Sport is designed to be both a comfortable cruiser and a tech-savvy companion. It provides a premium feel with practical features that enhance the driving and riding experience for everyone.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When it comes to family vehicles, safety is paramount, and the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport doesn't disappoint. Ford equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and assist the driver. Starting with the fundamentals, the Explorer is built on a strong unibody construction with a high-strength steel frame, providing a solid foundation for crash protection. You get six standard airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin, including front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, and front-seat knee airbags. Anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) are standard, ensuring you can maintain steering control during hard braking situations. Traction control and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard, working together to help prevent skids and maintain stability, especially on slippery surfaces. The 4WD system itself plays a crucial role in active safety by enhancing grip and control. Beyond the basics, the 2017 Explorer Sport offers a host of advanced driver-assistance systems, many of which were becoming more common around this time. Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is a sophisticated system that helps mitigate rollovers and maintains stability during sudden maneuvers. For parking and low-speed maneuvers, front and rear parking sensors are typically included, providing audible alerts to help you avoid obstacles. A rearview camera is also standard, giving you a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up. Depending on the specific options and packages equipped, you might also find more advanced features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spots and approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking spot. Lane Keeping Assist could also be an option, subtly steering the vehicle back into its lane if it detects unintentional drifting. Adaptive Cruise Control is another possibility, allowing the vehicle to maintain a set speed and distance from the car ahead, automatically slowing down and speeding up as needed. Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support can alert you to a potential collision and even pre-charge the brakes to reduce stopping distance. These advanced systems contribute significantly to reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing driver awareness. The 2017 Explorer, including the Sport trim, generally received good ratings in crash tests from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety. So, whether you're navigating busy city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the 2017 Explorer Sport provides a reassuring level of safety technology.

Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

When you're looking at a 2017 Ford Explorer Sport, it's important to see how it fits into the competitive landscape of mid-size SUVs from that year. The Explorer Sport, with its standard V6, 4WD, and sportier styling, often positioned itself as a more performance-oriented option. Its primary rivals would include vehicles that offered similar power and capability, often with a premium feel. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a natural competitor, particularly in its more powerful trims. The Grand Cherokee often appeals to buyers looking for off-road prowess and a rugged image, though the Explorer Sport leans more towards on-road performance and family utility. The Grand Cherokee offered potent V6 and V8 engine options, and its available 4WD systems are legendary. The Dodge Durango is another strong contender. The Durango, especially in R/T trim, offered a powerful V8 HEMI engine and a more muscular, truck-like feel, while still providing three rows of seating. It often competed on towing capacity and sheer power. The Toyota Highlander is a different kind of competitor. While the Highlander might not have offered the same raw horsepower as the Explorer Sport's V6 EcoBoost, it was renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency (especially the hybrid version), and a comfortable, well-built interior. Its available V6 engine was capable, but generally less powerful than the Explorer's. The Highlander often appealed to buyers prioritizing practicality and long-term value. The Honda Pilot is another key rival. The redesigned 2016-2017 Pilot offered a more refined driving experience, a spacious and family-friendly interior, and Honda's typical strong reputation for reliability. It came standard with a V6 engine and often featured advanced safety tech, though like the Highlander, it was generally less focused on outright performance than the Explorer Sport. The Chevrolet Traverse also competed in this space, often offering a very large interior and a comfortable ride. Its V6 engine was competent, but again, the Explorer Sport's EcoBoost offered a distinct performance advantage. The key differentiator for the 2017 Explorer Sport was its standard V6 EcoBoost engine, standard 4WD, and the sport-focused styling cues. While other SUVs might offer more outright luxury, better fuel economy, or superior off-road capability (like the Grand Cherokee), the Explorer Sport aimed to hit a sweet spot for buyers who wanted a capable, stylish, and powerful family hauler with a bit of an edge. It was a compelling choice for those who felt other mid-size SUVs were a bit too vanilla.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 Explorer Sport Right for You?

So, after diving deep into the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport specs, what's the verdict, guys? This trim is a compelling package for anyone looking for a blend of performance, capability, and a touch of rugged style in their SUV. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine provides ample power for nearly any situation, and the standard 4WD system with Terrain Management gives you confidence in diverse conditions. Its exterior, with its darker accents and sportier wheels, looks sharp and more aggressive than lower trims. Inside, you get a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin, highlighted by features like heated and cooled leather seats and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Safety is also a strong point, with a solid array of standard and available features to keep you and your passengers protected. However, it's not for everyone. The fuel economy isn't stellar, and if you need cavernous cargo space or prioritize absolute off-road dominance, other vehicles might be a better fit. But if you're looking for a capable, well-equipped, and good-looking mid-size SUV that offers a more engaging driving experience and a robust powertrain, the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport is definitely worth considering. It strikes a great balance for families who still want a bit of excitement in their daily drive.