An overhead-cam V6 engine is standard on all models. An overhead-cam V8 ($800) is an option for all models except the XLS. All Explorers come with a five-speed automatic transmission. All offer a choice of two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

XLS 2WD ($26,845) and 4WD ($29,310) come with all the usual power accessories, plus anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control, 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD stereo, tilt steering, speed control, remote keyless entry, a center console with a storage bin and cup holders, and a cargo management system for the rear luggage bay. XLS Sport 2WD ($28,260) and 4WD ($30,490) add the tire-pressure monitoring system, 16-inch aluminum wheels, black step bars and wheel-lip moldings, an upgraded center console and floor mats.

XLT 2WD ($29,650) and 4WD ($31,875) get approach lamps in the side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power driver's seat, lumbar adjustment for both driver and passenger, an overhead console with outside-temperature indicator and compass, and warm steel accents for the center stack. Outside, a monochromatic treatment with chrome grille and fog lamps sets XLT apart. XLT Sport 2WD ($31,005) and 4WD ($33,230) add 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, self-dimming interior mirror, a keyless-entry keypad, automatic headlamps, and platinum gloss side cladding, step bars and wheel-lip moldings.

Upgrade to Eddie Bauer 2WD ($33,705) and 4WD ($35,930) and you get two-tone leather upholstery, perforated and heated front seats with eight-way power for the driver and six-way power for the passenger, driver-seat memory, power adjustable pedals with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 290-watt stereo with a six-disc CD changer, audio and climate controls on the steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, message center, with unique pecan wood trim inside and Pueblo Gold accents outside. The Limited 2WD ($34,580) and 4WD ($36,805) come with all the Eddie Bauer goodies, but a somewhat different look, thanks to chromed wheels and roof rails outside and higher-grade single-tone leather inside, with Madarin Teak accents.

All but XLS can be ordered with third-row seating ($745), auxiliary rear-compartment air conditioning ($650), reverse-sensing system ($255), power moonroof ($850), and a DVD entertainment system ($1,295). A Trailer Towing Prep Package ($150) replaces the standard Class II hitch with a Class III/IV hitch and adds a 3.73 (rather than 3.55) limited-slip rear axle and seven-wire trailer harness.

Second-row bucket seats with an extended floor console are available ($795) on Eddie Bauer and Limited. XLT buyers can choose power front seats with leather ($695) and adjustable pedals ($120). An off-road package ($385) for XLS and XLT consists of skid plates, tow hooks, off-road suspension and all-terrain tires.

The optional Safety Canopy Air Curtain System ($560) is designed to help protect first- and second-row outboard occupants during side-impacts or rollovers, and is designed to improve rollover protection by staying inflated for a longer period. Ford has done a great deal of research on this technology and we strongly recommend this option.