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The all-new Ford Explorer moved from a traditional SUV to a crossover SUV for 2011.  It adopted all new styling, package and powertrain.  Its owners rate the Explorer highest in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, Explorer owners identify few attributes they want changed, but there are a few.  Ford consciously adopted more contemporary, more modern and aerodynamic styling for the new Explorer.  The result is that owners want better visibility and easier ingress/egress.  Available only with a 3.5L V6 for 2011, about 25% of Explorer owners want more power.  Explorer owners most like its seat comfort, ride, size and handling.  The Explorer outpoints the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and wins by a nose.

Premium Mid-Size XSUV

Right-sized two and three row vehicles make up this segment which includes vehicles like the Ford Edge and the Honda Pilot.  These vehicles are primarily used for hauling people.  Towing capability is often limited due to the car-like structure of the vehicle but these XSUVs are comfortable to drive and provide a very sedan-like driving experience.

Ideal Vehicle Award

Each year AutoPacific surveys new car and light truck buyers via mail and Internet about their new vehicle in order to learn more about their purchase experience, attribute importance and satisfaction, lifestyle, preferences, vehicle use, personal characteristics, desired features and more. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2010.  The questionnaire was administered in January and March 2011. The 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on scores developed using results from a part of this survey that focuses on the consumers’ desire to change their vehicle if given the opportunity.  Respondents rate 15 attributes indicating whether they want them to be changed (larger, smaller, more or less) or not changed (stay the same) after having driven their vehicle for 90 days. Those vehicles wanting the LEAST CHANGE win the IVA for their class.  A total of 72,917 respondents provided input for these awards.