The Ford Explorer is the original, modern SUV — here’s what the latest version was like to drive (F)

So what’s the verdict?

Matthew DeBord/BI

The Explorer isn’t cheap, but given the substantial array of features, comfortable and roomy interior, robust performance, towing and off-roading capability, and technology, it’s a solid deal. In many ways, this SUVs competes very favorably against overtly luxurious vehicles.

Fuel economy isn’t great — 16 mpg city/22 highway/18 combined —but the EcoBoost V6 mimics V8 power, and don’t forget that you can accommodate five adults and all their gear, even if the third-row passengers will be snug (smaller children won’t).

Driver-assist tech includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and an excellent set of front and rear cameras. Safety is superb, with airbags everywhere, solid crash-worthiness, and thanks to the crossover platform, a reduced risk of rollover.

The twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 serves up ample horsepower with a touch of a V8-like surge and no perceptible turbo lag. The 0-60 mph run roars by in under six seconds and the Explorer gets up to freeway velocities with alacrity — and is happy to stay there, cruising along placidly and with terrific insulation from wind and road noise. Driving this legend is nothing like piloting a sports car, but the ride never feels harsh, bumpy, or truck-like.

Reliability is pretty good and the Explorer should hold up fairly well over a long ownership haul, taking plenty of abuse and turning the sticker-price into a good investment; for well under $60,000, you get plenty of premium goodies, big-truck power, and lots of room for stuff. The power-assist features make it easy to fiddle around with the seats to max out interior-configuration options.

So not much to complain about here, and plenty to enthuse over. I have three kids ranging in age from 7 to 14 and in size from kinda small to near-adult. They were each happy in their personal space. On our 200-mile round trip jaunt, the Explorer handled everything short of fording a stream. We drove through small town and the big city, and we connected everything with a lengthy highway drive. It was all good, from start to finish.

Two decades is long time to keep it real in the SUV game. But the 2017 Explorer could justifiable be called better than ever.