Though I wrote the Ford Explorer first drive evaluation, I’ve by no means truly examined one at dwelling and due to this fact carried out a baggage check. That adjustments at the moment with this Ford Explorer Timberline. With all due respect to the ST, this might be the best Explorer obtainable for no different cause that it seems (and is) able to precise exploration. I might’ve most well-liked the Cast Inexperienced Metallic that John Snyder’s Timberline was painted, however I will accept this outdoorsy trim stage’s normal Deep Cypress (inexperienced) pleather combined with grey heather cloth. It is implausible.
Because it seems, so is the Timberline’s cargo performance courtesy the usual Cargo Space Administration System package deal that is an possibility on all different Explorers apart from the fleet-darling Base. I will discuss a lot about that package deal ultimately, however for now, let’s discuss the primary parameters of this check: how a lot baggage suits behind the third row?
On paper, that is answered by “18.2 cubic-feet.” Ford doesn’t point out whether or not that is measured with or with out the numerous underfloor storage space included, however judging by my eventual outcome in addition to others within the phase, I am leaning towards it together with that underfloor storage space. Finally, although, that is actually why I do that check: to transcend the numbers and evaluate utilizing the identical number of luggage.
Right here is the house with the ground in place. That is one cause why that 18.6 quantity consists of the underfloor space: It seems smaller again right here with the ground in place than rival SUVs with much less on-paper cargo quantity.
Frankly, although, that does not actually matter, as a result of the one cause you are utilizing the taller peak is to create a totally flat cargo flooring when the third row is lowered. Like this!
As such …
Growth, it actually seems like this.
Higher nonetheless, the ground piece is saved contained in the Explorer, sitting atop the ground beneath. There is no have to retailer it elsewhere, neither is it a hinged panel that robs you of room.
Now, looking back, I may’ve examined with and with out the panel down there, however given the outcome, I critically doubt the added inch-ish would’ve been a game-changer for this check.
These items are the little partitions on the outboard parts of the underfloor space. To maximise house, it’s good to pop them out and retailer them wherever contained in the automotive. No biggy. They will come into play later, BTW.
OK, now with all the things in place and/or eliminated, let’s get to the luggage. As with each Baggage Take a look at, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that might must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 huge, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
That is each bag however one of many two largest luggage. This places the Explorer in fourth place on the present Baggage Take a look at three-row crossover chief board behind the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot (with the VW Atlas doubtless in that group, however that was a earlier rendition of the bags check).
This is the distinction.
The Explorer does not have as a lot size behind its third row as these others. Meaning I could not match my largest luggage on their bellies, whereas additionally hampering standing them up and staying away from the liftgate closing. Width is just like the Honda Pilot, although.
Being barely smaller additionally ends in a extra artistic Tetris formation.
If I made a decision to depart the flowery bag at dwelling or stuff it someplace within the cabin, I might get this a lot cleaner formation. That is all that the Subaru Ascent may handle, by the way in which.
OK, now let’s flip to the Cargo Space Administration system.
That is what the cargo space seems like with the Cargo Space Administration System that, once more, is included within the Timberline and obtainable on all trim ranges above the bottom. You need to undoubtedly go for it.
For $165, you get the next.
Rubber cargo flooring mat.
Double-sided cargo flooring piece, with one facet carpet and the opposite grippy rubber.
This hammock-like cargo internet doubles as a cargo cowl. It is zippered with an expandable elastic high. I’ve by no means seen something like this earlier than; it looks like an amazing helpful function. It may be simply stashed away wherever, too.
Now, again to these detachable partitions. These are in each Explorer, it appears, and might be moved between inboard and outboard positions. If this was a Grocery Take a look at, I am saying proper now that the Explorer could be proper on the high of the three-row pack. The compartmentalized nature of this setup makes is straightforward to stow grocery luggage with out them transferring round and emptying their contents all through your cargo space.
Additionally they allow you to do that. The ensuing space, on either side, is sufficient to maintain 4 bottles of wine every. I flipped the partitions so the carpeted facet confronted the bottles, and whereas I would not precisely try a rutted filth highway whereas so-loaded, the Explorer nonetheless makes for a mighty-fine booze runner. Put that on a billboard, Ford.
