2006 Ford Explorer

From chassis upgrades and a new driveline to an interior makeover with fresh amenities, if refinement is what you've been wishing for in an Explorer, it's been granted. It's quieter (impressively so), smoother, safer, and better equipped. In fact, the 2006 Explorer was poised to dominate this year's competition. So why didn't it take home the Calipers? Why didn't it even wrinkle the envelope it could've punched through? Sure, the V-8 sourced from the Mustang GT is admirable and so is the new six-speed automatic.

To Ford's credit, the new engine/trans combo is far more refined, returns better fuel economy, and can pull a (slightly) heavier trailer. The interior is tasteful and quieter than before, too. But all goes awry with the Explorer's bizarre ergonomics. The driving position is awkward; it's difficult to resolve the seat-to-pedal-to-wheel conundrum despite adjusting each device to its respective limit. And those nifty new armrests may improve comfort, safety, and access to the door release, but they'll also contribute to parking-lot door dings. Further, the rubbery armrest lacks a handhold of its own, so, once the door swings open, the separate grab handle becomes difficult to locate.

The four-wheel independent suspension earned mixed reviews, too. In the mountainous portion of our drive, it went from feeling confident in one corner to spooky in the next. Staffers complained the Roll Stability Control system initiates too aggressively, too late, and could alarm those it's intended to protect--novice drivers. Broken pavement on our drive loop did, however, give the Explorer one standout moment. Our topline Eddie Bauer Explorer offered the best and most satisfying control when competitors were bucking and vibrating like paint shakers. Off-road, our 4WD tester was limited by ground clearance and departure angles from true hard-core rough stuff, despite its low-range transfer case. But at least it was a comfortable ride.