2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost Review

From power to luxury, we break down the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited with the new EcoBoost engine in our review.

Ford continues the trend of offering fuel-efficient, responsive powered vehicles with the introduction of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited with EcoBoost—the market’s most fuel-efficient 7-passenger SUV. Seeing as more than half of last year’s 2011 Ford Explorer, early buyers cited fuel efficiency as their primary purchase motivator, coupled with Ford’s goal to fit 90 percent of their products with the award-winning engine, the EcoBoost-Explorer marriage was an inevitable one.

Not that Ford has had any trouble selling the iconic SUV, with sales of the new Explorer having tripled compared to the same time last year. Now, the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited with EcoBoost will undoubtedly lift the automaker’s sales into the upper echelon of SUV success.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited Review
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

Last year, I also tested the 2011 Ford Explorer Limited. This year, I was again in the Explorer Limited but now fitted with the EcoBoost option, new for 2012.

The 2012 Explorer gains an EcoBoost engine for the first time

Engine2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower240 horsepower
Torque270 lb-ft of torque
Transmission6-speed automatic transmission
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive (FWD)
0-60 mph AccelerationApproximately 8.0 seconds
Maximum Towing Capacity2,000 lbs (when properly equipped)
Fuel Efficiency (City/Highway)20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost side view parked outside by field
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

EcoBoost engine technology offers customers incredible fuel efficiency without compromising power—essentially, enjoying V8 power at the V6 fuel level, the engine combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection on smaller engines. And, the engine in the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited with EcoBoost is certainly small, powered by a 2.0-litre, inline-four, making 240 hp at 5500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3000 rpm.

Granted, fuel economy is incredible, and only an additional $1000 for the EcoBoost engine option, the upgrade is a no-brainer, but the FWD-only limitation may turn off some, coupled with the lack of power via the smaller engine moving such a large SUV. Mainly, those who plan to tow their boats to the lake may find this lack of power an issue.

…fuel economy is incredible, and only an additional $1000 for the EcoBoost engine option, the upgrade is a no-brainer, but the FWD-only limitation may turn off some…

On the plus, the Explorer EcoBoost offers 40 mpg on the highway. That’s beating out the pack, including the Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and the Toyota Highlander.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost side mirror close up
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

On another plus, Ford recently announced the introduction of the upcoming 2013 Ford Explorer Sport—still with EcoBoost but with a bigger engine at 3.5-litre (not 2.0) and over 100-hp more at 350 hp. Plus, sportier design and the MyTouch will be reworked for 2013.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost interior front cabin
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

2012 Ford Explorer Interior

Interior dimension specs

Front Head Room41.4 inches
Second Row Head Room40.5 inches
Third Row Head Room37.8 inches
Front Hip Room55.4 inches
Second Row Hip Room55.2 inches
Third Row Hip Room40.7 inches
Front Leg Room40.6 inches
Second Row Leg Room39.8 inches
Third Row Leg Room33.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room61.3 inches
Second Row Shoulder Room61 inches
Third Row Shoulder Room50.8 inches
Passenger Capacity7

The 2012 Ford Explorer Limited boasts an interior designed for both comfort and convenience. With features like leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited model also comes with a dual-panel moonroof that fills the cabin with natural light and provides passengers with views of the sky above.

Ford’s SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system is a highlight, offering voice-activated controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a large touchscreen display. The interior also offers plenty of cargo space, making it versatile for various needs, whether it’s hauling groceries or packing for a weekend getaway.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost interior centre stack
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

Power liftgate makes life a bit easier

For added convenience, the 2012 Explorer Limited includes a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze. I thought this would be a gimmicky feature, but I found it surprisingly handy. The spacious cabin comfortably seats up to seven passengers, with ample legroom in the second row. The power-folding third-row seats provide flexibility, allowing for more cargo space when needed. Overall, the 2012 Explorer’s cabin is thoughtfully designed.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost rear logo with sun flare
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

The Explorer Limited’s styling updates separating it from the lineup

The Limited is a higher trim in the 2012 Explorer lineup, receiving some extra styling updates. These include:

  1. Chrome Accents: The Limited trim had additional chrome accents on the exterior, such as the door handles, front grille, and side mirrors, giving it a more luxurious look.
  2. 20-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels: It came standard with larger 20-inch polished aluminum wheels that added to its sophisticated appearance.
  3. High-Gloss Black Exterior Details: The Limited trim had high-gloss black exterior details, such as the B-pillar appliqués and roof rack side rails, providing a distinctive contrast to the chrome accents.
  4. Body-Colour Door Handles: The Limited featured body-colour door handles, which contributed to its sleek and unified appearance.
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost side mirror close up
2012 Ford Explorer Limited EcoBoost. Photo: Amee Reehal

2012 Ford Explorer Trims

United States:

  1. Base
  2. XLT
  3. XLT with Rear Inflatable Seat Belts
  4. Limited
  5. Limited with Rear Inflatable Seat Belts
  6. XLT Sport

Canada:

  1. Base
  2. XLT
  3. Limited

The 2012 Ford Explorer Limited starts at US$38,100 or C$41,199. Add $1000 for the EcoBoost engine. My tester also came with the dual panel moonroof ($1750), navigation system (700), bigger 20-inch rims (600), all-weather floor mats (100), and a $2800 packaging adding a group of goodies, including luxury seating package, powerfold third-row seats, blind spot monitoring system, and rain-sensing wipers, to name a few. Thus, with $7050 in options, this 2012 Ford Explorer Limited with EcoBoost rings in at $48,149 (before taxes/fees).

The redesigned Ford Explorer just came to market, yet it’s getting better with each passing year. EcoBoost included.

Pros

  • Fuel economy
  • $1000 for EcoBoost
  • 2013 Explorer Sport is coming

Cons

  • Underpowered with 2.0L engine (EcoBoost)
  • FWD (EcoBoost)
  • 2013 Explorer Sport not here yet!
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.