Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.
Pros Smooth and controlled ride, cargo friendly interior design, comfortable front seats.
Cons Third row space is tight, plasticky interior bits, most desirable models are pricey.
The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Good looks Great active safety tech Available hybrid Quiet interio
Cons Hybrid isn’t refined Not a great value Cramped third row Clunky second row
New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.
Pros Strong engines for quick acceleration Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Roomy cargo area
Cons Too much wind noise at highway speeds The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Lackluster interior material quality
Blending sport and utility like almost no other SUV, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is impressive in any configuration. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is offered in a quintet of models: SE, HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and SVR. Though its third-row seats are cramped and its prices are, as you might expect, as tall as its heritage, the Range Rover Sport rates an excellent 8.2 out of 10 overall.
Pros Serene and stately... ... but can perform when called upon, both on and off road Gorgeous interior "5+2" seating offers expanded utility
Cons Price climbs very, very fast "+2" seating is only for kids, only for very short trips We'll miss the HST
The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport ranks 11 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport features five potent engine choices and phenomenal off-road chops, as well as sumptuous leather seats and an ostentatious interior. But it also suffers from a dreadful predicted reliability score and one of the smallest cargo areas in the class.
Pros Lavish interior with high-quality materials Five powerful engines to pick from Optional fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine Superb off-road abilities
Cons Some infotainment functions can be slow and frustrating to use Poor predicted reliability rating Limited cargo space for the class
For 2017, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport gets a handful of useful new features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen control for its electronics. A host of safety features are now standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.
Pros Stylish appearance Composed handling Powerful supercharged V8 Fuel-efficient diesel option Available seven-passenger seating True off-road capability.
Cons Third-row seat just for kids Unimpressive fuel economy with gasoline engines Modest cargo capacity.
