#PRODUCTWATCH: 2017 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION

We have had the pleasure of driving several vehicles in the Ford Canada family over the years, but none ever have given us the level of confidence we felt at the wheel of the 2017 Ford Explorer Limited Edition.

Coloured like the blue jeans we wear so comfortably, the vehicle we drove in ways was metaphoric of how at home we felt in this spacious ride. In fact, it can seat up to seven with an optional back row of seats.

Not to be forgotten is its sizy trunk with Foot-Activated, Hands-Free Power Liftgate. Hands full of pre-holiday shopping bags and groceries like us? Simply kick its bumper to load and unload cargo from its trunk. We love easy access and loathe fumbling for keys. That keyless ignition and lock are a dream. Just stand beside the door with the remote key in your pocket and the door unlocks.

The car undeniably is a bit if a ‘gas guzzler’ with fuel economy of 14.4 l/100 km city and 10.5 l/100 km highway. In fact, we ran through a tank of gas in less than 2.5 days with a trek to the countryside to see our dear Princess, the 2017 Ford Explorer Limited Edition and downtown from the suburbs. On that same token though, the Explorer gave us nothing but pure power on the road with its 2.3L EcoBoost® engine, producing 280 horsepower and providing 310 lb.-ft. of torque.

We are a bit obsessed with staying connected and charged at all times and the car hit all the marks with mulitple USB charge ports, even for our passengers who could control their climate too. Its SYNC® 390 is ahead of the curve with its voice-activated technology. The touch screen console displays climate control options, audio, navigation and even gives an audio transcription of text messages while we’re focussed on driving. Although we’re not an Apple® user, Siri® Eyes Free is available and ready to connect to your iPhone®.

That rear-view camera gives you that added piece of mind when reversing and parallel parking (yes it has parking assist too!) in the City.

While our Holiday gear-up playlist alternated from Mariah Carey’s first Christmas album, the Grease Soundtrack (we were invited to a sold-out weekend performance at Winter Garden Theatre!) and the new Taylor Swift album, we marveled at several details in the music which we never heard before on our headphones through the car’s premium 12-speaker Sony® audio system.

Everything about the 2017 Ford Explorer Limited Edition is a perfect balance of purpose and luxury from its gorgeous perforated leather seats to its trimmming and pleasing ambient lighting. Seating not only is heatable, but also coolable and that heated stearing wheel will come in handy this v. chilly Toronto winter. The moonroof which is concealable with a retracting cover, gives the experience that added touch of elegance.

While we never once had a doubt about how secure we felt driving this vehicle, additional saftey features like Post-Crash Alert, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Belt-Minder® and a Front Passenger Knee Airbag are designed to keep us and our loved ones out of harm’s way and we appreciate this.

The 2017 Ford Explorer Limited Edition starts at $47,399 CAN and is crammed with value.

More here.

Snaps from our Explorer Weekend! Hover cursor left and right to navigate albums:

The weather might be miserable, but driving the 2017 #FordExplorer has been nothing short of a remarkable experience. Power, style and purpose highlight this luxurious ride. Have been able to catch-up with loved ones and get Holiday-ready with flare! Swipe left for more.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🎅 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 18, 2017 at 8:53pm PST

Loved spending the day with these lovely ladies who show so much love and support always. There’s always time for Kelly’s! ❤

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🎅 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 18, 2017 at 9:01pm PST

Surround yourself with love. ❤

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🎅 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 18, 2017 at 5:39pm PST

(Swipe left!) Had way too much fun at #GreaseToronto tonight! With most weekend shows sold-out, you will be happy to know that it has been held-over till January 2018! I admit it is impossible not to make comparisons to the original Film. I can’t help it. While the forehead mics on the actors and change in song sequence take a bit of getting used to, this take on #Grease preserves the spirit of the original and we love the diversity in casting. Great performances from this young cast including its leads #JanelParrish and #DylanWallach. Outstanding work from #KatieFindlay (Rizzo) and #JessicaGallant (Marty). You will love what they’ve done with Greased Lightnin’, Beauty School Dropout and Born to Hand Jive!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🎅 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 18, 2017 at 8:44pm PST

5 PM ET.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🎅 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 19, 2017 at 8:51pm PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)