The 2011 Ford Explorer is now the segment fuel economy leader with an EPA-certified 25 mpg highway rating - a 25 percent fuel economy gain over the outgoing V6 model. The Explorer also has an EPA-certified rating of 17 mpg city.

"The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy," said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. "An efficient six-speed transmission mated to this efficient V6 helps Explorer deliver 25 percent better fuel efficiency. This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment."

Explorer's fuel efficiency improvement is the cumulative result of multiple individual technologies, innovations and advancements.

Efficient and powerful new V6

The advanced Explorer V6 features a low-tension drive belt, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with highly polished buckets to reduce internal friction. Each of these measures contributes to Explorer V6 fuel economy.

When powered by the standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, the Explorer can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds. At 290 horsepower, the all-new Explorer V6 exceeds the 2010 Explorer V6 by 80 horsepower. In addition, the 2011 Explorer V6's power compares favorably to that of the 2010 Explorer V8, rated at 292 horsepower.

Explorer will soon offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, estimated to deliver a 30 percent increase in fuel economy. This option is ideally suited to SUV buyers placing a top priority on fuel economy.

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 is on sale now.

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