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For 2014, the Ford Explorer has included standard automatic headlights on all trim levels. Owners of the 2014 Ford Explorer Limited will also benefit from standard second-row heated. Ford was one fo the first manufacturers to bring SUV's to market in 1991. Since then, every manufacturer has entered the SUV landscape. The 2014 Ford Explorer continues to outsell most other SUV's due to its combination of power, fuel economy and interior refinement. The Ford is also pretty upscale inside, with seating for up to seven passengers and a comprehensive list of convenience and safety features. The latter includes advanced options you won't find on many other similarly priced crossover SUVs, such as second-row seatbelt airbags as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.

The 2014 Ford Explorer is still one of the larger SUV's available today. For 2014, the Ford Explorer offers a base and three optional trim levels. Each upgrade offers several features over the other starting with the 2014 Ford Explorer XLT, 2014 Ford Explorer Limited and the 2014 Ford Explorer Sport.

Standard equipment on the 2014 Ford Explorer base includes a V6 engine, 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass, integrated blind-spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a 50/50-split third-row seat, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. A great mix of features at about $30,000 after destination and delivery charges.

There are several option packages available with the XLT trim model. Ford offers the Equipment Group 201A package that includes a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker sound system and the Driver Connect package, provides an auto-dimming rearview mirror, MyFord Touch electronics controls and upgraded Sync functionality. The 202A package includes all of the 201A equipment, and adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar.

The 2014 Ford Explorer Limited provides all of the above items and the additional features include 20-inch wheels, heated outboard second-row seats, remote engine start, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. Optional for the Limited is the 301A package, which includes a power liftgate, a power-folding operation for the third-row seat, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a navigation system. To this, the 302A package adds xenon headlamps, automatic high beams, an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot warning system and inflatable seatbelts for second-row outboard passengers.

The 2014 Ford Explorer Sport is equipped similarly to the Explorer Limited, sans the leather interior (leather may not hold up for those who are involved in a more "active" lifestyle, 110-volt outlet and power-adjustable pedals. It also comes with different 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, front sport seats (with extra lateral bolstering) and unique interior and exterior trim details. The Sport's 401A package adds the power liftgate, navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, inflatable seatbelts, power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, driver seat memory, power front passenger seat and 110-volt outlet. The navigation system and adaptive cruise control can also be purchased as stand-alone options.

All 2014 Ford Explorers, except for the Ford Explorer Sport, are equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 pound-feet of torque along with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this engine, you have your choice of front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models have Ford's Terrain Management System, a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction electronically for different conditions. Hill descent control and hill start assist are also included as a standard feature.

Optional on all front-wheel-drive Ford Explorers is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It also uses the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 Ford Explorer Sport is 4WD only, and it comes with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and the six-speed automatic. The turbo V6 is rated at 365 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

Properly equipped, any 2014 Ford Explorer with either of the V6 engines can tow 5,000 pounds.