2019 Ford Explorer XLT

never be called on for any serious offroading. Ditto and more so for large utes. Explorer is certainly capable of light off-roading if called upon, but of greater relevance, four wheel traction is always a plus in a northeast winter.

While it’s three years removed from its last refresh, Explorer’s interior design holds up with a clean looking cabin. Its eye appeal is improved by the Desert Copper Package ($1,840) which includes, among other things, black leathertrimmed seats in rows one and two, with copper inserts. Controls are straight forward. Rear quarter visibility is limited, and blind spot monitoring is therefore highly recommended. Previously, this had been part of Ford’s Safe and Smart package, but as of 2019, BLIS with cross traffic alert is standard on Limited, Sport and Platinum trims.

On my XLT tester, it was optional as part of Equipment Group 202A. This $6,230 bundle also includes a power lift gate, remote start system, dual zone climate controls, eight-way power passenger seat, forward sensing system, heated steering wheel, 8-inch touchscreen and SYNC3 with Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.

Ford includes blind spot monitoring as part of its standard Co-pilot 360 package of safety technology on some other models, hopefully, will standardize this practice across the lineup.

Staying with visibility, a 180-degree camera (standard on Platinum, optional on Sport, not available elsewhere) gives you a wide angle front view that’s useful when exiting a parking spot (or, say, a parking garage in midtown Manhattan). Particularly on large vehicles like this, a

The accent is on the “Utility” in Sport Utility Vehicle. Explorer XLT rides comfortably and handles respectably.