An overhead-cam V6 engine is now standard on all models, boosting the Explorer's power considerably. A new overhead-cam V8 ($695) is optional on all models. All trim levels offer a choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models.

XLS ($24,020) comes with cloth upholstery, a high level of standard equipment, and a five-speed manual transmission. Ford's new five-speed automatic transmission ($1095) is optional. Four-wheel drive adds $1800. XLS does not offer some of the high-zoot options available on the other models, including the V8.

XLT ($27,780) gets nicer sport cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver's seat, body-colored exterior trim, a CD stereo instead of cassette, and more interior features, such as a temperature gauge and compass, map lights and dome lights, outside approach lighting, extra power outlets, illuminated keypad for keyless entry. The new five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and aluminum alloy wheels replace steel wheels. Four-wheel drive adds $1965. Leather upholstery with a six-way power driver's seat is available for $655.

Limited and Eddie Bauer models (both $34,055) come with leather seating surfaces, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 290-watt six-CD stereo with six speakers, adjustable power pedals, fog lights, and wider tires. Six-way adjustable heated power seats with dual manual lumbar supports are used in front, and the driver's seat has a three-position memory feature. Four-wheel drive adds $1965.

The top two Explorer models differ only in their distinctive trim: Eddie Bauer comes with Arizona beige bumpers, moldings, lower bodyside cladding, and satin-nickel wheels and grille. Limited uses monochromatic bumpers, moldings and cladding with a silver grille and special wheels; there's also a white pearl coat Limited that uses frost accents.

Third-row seating ($670), auxiliary air conditioning ($610), running boards ($395), Reverse Sensing System ($255), and power moonroof ($800) are options available on all models. A Trailer Towing Prep Package ($395) replaces the Class II hitch (standard) with a Class III hitch, and adds a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle and other hardware.

Front side-impact (side curtain) airbags ($495) are optional, which are designed to protect front and second-row occupants. Dual front airbags are standard. Anti-lock brakes are standard. Seatbelts use retractors and pretensioners designed to reduce injuries in a hard crash. The second-row center seat offers only a lap belt rather than the preferred shoulder harness, however.

Significant safety improvements will be added as a running change to the 2002 model shortly before the beginning of calendar year 2002. The headliner is a new safety canopy (that replaces the side curtain airbags) designed to protect occupants during a rollover in addition to protecting them from a side impact by staying inflated for a much longer period of time. Smarter airbags, Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability program, power-adjustable pedals, and a telescoping steering wheel will also be added near the end of 2001. There's no obvious way to tell whether an Explorer has this new set of features, so you'll need to check with the dealership regarding their availability.