Hey guys! Ever wondered what made the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited a popular choice back in the day? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the specs, features, and everything else that made this SUV a standout. This article will provide a comprehensive overview, helping you understand why this particular model continues to be a topic of interest for many. From its robust engine options to its luxurious interior, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a potential buyer, a car enthusiast, or just curious, this is your go-to guide for all things 2012 Ford Explorer Limited. Let's get started, shall we?

Engine and Performance Specifications

When we talk about the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited specs, the engine is where we should start, right? The 2012 Explorer Limited came with a couple of engine options, each offering a unique driving experience. The base engine was a 3.5-liter V6, which delivered a solid balance of power and efficiency. This engine was rated at around 290 horsepower, which provided enough oomph for daily driving, highway cruising, and even light off-roading. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which helped in optimizing fuel economy. For those seeking even more power, there was an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine was a marvel of modern engineering, delivering a surprising amount of power (around 240 horsepower) while also boasting impressive fuel efficiency. It was a great choice for those who wanted to balance performance and economy. The EcoBoost engine was also paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive shifts. The Explorer Limited was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. The 4WD system was a popular option, especially for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions or those who enjoyed occasional off-road adventures. The 4WD system provided enhanced traction and stability, making the Explorer a capable vehicle in various conditions. The performance specs of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited were pretty impressive for its time, with 0-60 mph times ranging from around 7 to 8 seconds, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. This made the Explorer feel peppy and responsive, perfect for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, but the V6 engine typically achieved around 17-18 mpg in the city and 23-25 mpg on the highway, while the EcoBoost engine could achieve slightly better fuel economy, especially on the highway. Overall, the engine and performance specifications of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited made it a versatile and capable SUV, well-suited for a variety of driving needs and preferences. So, whether you needed power, efficiency, or all-weather capability, the Explorer Limited had an option to suit your needs. The driving experience was smooth and comfortable, with a well-tuned suspension that absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road. The handling was responsive, and the steering was precise, making the Explorer feel confident and composed on the road. The 4WD system added an extra layer of security, especially in adverse conditions. The 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was a great choice for families and individuals alike, offering a blend of performance, practicality, and comfort.

Detailed Engine Specifications:

• 3.5L V6 Engine:

  • Horsepower: 290 hp
  • Torque: 255 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 17/23 mpg (FWD), 17/23 mpg (4WD)

• 2.0L EcoBoost I4 Engine:

  • Horsepower: 240 hp
  • Torque: 270 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 20/28 mpg (FWD), 20/27 mpg (4WD)

Interior Features and Comfort

Alright, let's talk about the inside! The 2012 Ford Explorer Limited interior was all about providing a comfortable and luxurious experience for both the driver and passengers. Stepping inside, you were greeted with a well-designed cabin that felt spacious and inviting. The materials used were of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and premium finishes throughout. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, especially the front seats, which offered ample support and were often equipped with leather upholstery, power adjustability, and heating and cooling functions. The second-row seats were also comfortable, providing plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The third-row seats, while more suitable for children, were still a welcome addition, making the Explorer Limited a true seven-passenger SUV. The dashboard was well-laid out, with an intuitive design that made it easy to access all the controls and features. The center console housed a large touchscreen display that controlled the infotainment system, including navigation, audio, and climate control. The Explorer Limited was packed with technology features, including a premium sound system, a rearview camera, and a variety of safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The cabin was well-insulated from road noise, providing a quiet and serene environment for passengers. The climate control system was effective in maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the cabin, even in extreme weather conditions. The overall ambiance of the interior was one of luxury and sophistication, making the Explorer Limited a pleasure to drive and ride in. The interior design was modern and stylish, with a focus on functionality and comfort. The seats were designed to provide optimal support, even on long drives. The infotainment system was easy to use and provided access to a wide range of features and applications. The safety features helped to enhance the driving experience and provide peace of mind. The 2012 Ford Explorer Limited's interior was a standout feature, making it a great choice for families and individuals who valued comfort, style, and technology. It was a place where you could relax and enjoy the ride. The interior of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was designed to offer a premium experience, combining comfort, convenience, and technology to create a pleasant and enjoyable driving environment. It's safe to say that Ford put a lot of thought into the interior design and features.

Key Interior Features:

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Premium sound system
• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Navigation system
• Rearview camera
• Sunroof (optional)

Exterior Design and Styling

Now, let's step outside and check out the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited exterior! The exterior design of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was a significant departure from previous generations, adopting a more modern and aerodynamic look. The design was sleek and stylish, with clean lines and a bold front grille that gave the Explorer a commanding presence on the road. The overall shape of the vehicle was more streamlined, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. The front of the Explorer featured a distinctive grille design, with chrome accents that added a touch of elegance. The headlights were sleek and modern, and the fog lights were integrated into the front bumper. The side profile of the Explorer was characterized by a sloping roofline and a well-defined character line that ran along the side of the vehicle. The door handles were integrated into the design, creating a smooth and seamless appearance. The rear of the Explorer featured a stylish tailgate with integrated taillights. The taillights were designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a distinctive LED lighting signature. The wheels were available in various sizes and designs, ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch, depending on the trim level and options selected. The wheels added to the overall appearance of the vehicle, giving it a sporty and sophisticated look. The exterior design of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was well-received by critics and consumers alike, with many praising its modern and stylish appearance. The design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making the Explorer a standout in its class. The exterior design was also designed to improve aerodynamics, contributing to better fuel efficiency. The use of high-quality materials and finishes enhanced the overall appearance of the vehicle, making it look and feel more premium. The exterior design was a key factor in the Explorer's success, making it a popular choice for those looking for a stylish and capable SUV. The exterior design of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was a perfect blend of style, functionality, and modernity. It was a vehicle that looked good on the road and offered a great driving experience. Overall, Ford did an excellent job of updating the Explorer's design to make it more appealing and competitive in the market.

Exterior Highlights:

• Sleek, modern design
• Chrome accents
• Stylish front grille
• Integrated taillights
• Available in various wheel sizes and designs

Safety and Technology Features

Safety was a top priority for Ford in the 2012 Explorer Limited. The vehicle was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These features worked together to provide a high level of protection in various driving scenarios. The Explorer Limited also came with a variety of advanced safety technologies, such as a rearview camera, which made it easier to see what was behind the vehicle when backing up. The available blind-spot monitoring system alerted the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent lane-change accidents. Adaptive cruise control, another available feature, helped to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, reducing the risk of collisions. The Explorer Limited earned high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further demonstrating its commitment to safety. The technology features in the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited were designed to enhance the driving experience and provide convenience and connectivity. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen display, allowed drivers to easily access navigation, audio, and climate control functions. The available SYNC system provided hands-free calling and music streaming via Bluetooth, as well as voice-activated controls. The Explorer Limited also offered a premium sound system, providing a high-quality audio experience for passengers. Overall, the safety and technology features of the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited made it a safe, convenient, and enjoyable SUV to drive. Ford clearly put a lot of effort into making the Explorer a secure and technologically advanced vehicle.

Key Safety and Tech Features:

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain)
• Rearview camera
• Blind-spot monitoring (optional)
• Adaptive cruise control (optional)
• Touchscreen infotainment system
• SYNC system with Bluetooth
• Premium sound system

Trim Levels and Options

For the 2012 model year, the Ford Explorer Limited was offered as the top-of-the-line trim, boasting a host of premium features and options. However, there were other trim levels available, each offering a different set of features and price points. The base model was the Explorer, which offered a good level of standard features at an affordable price. The XLT trim added a few more features and upgrades, such as alloy wheels and a more upscale interior. The Limited trim was the most luxurious of the lineup, featuring leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a host of advanced technology features. Optional packages and upgrades were available across all trim levels, allowing buyers to customize their Explorer to their specific needs and preferences. These options could include features such as a sunroof, a navigation system, and various safety and technology upgrades. The 4WD system was also an optional upgrade, providing enhanced traction and stability for those who needed it. The wide range of trim levels and options ensured that there was a 2012 Ford Explorer for everyone, whether they were looking for a basic SUV or a fully-loaded luxury vehicle. Ford provided the flexibility to tailor the Explorer to fit individual budgets and preferences. The trim levels and options allowed buyers to create a vehicle that perfectly suited their lifestyle and needs. The 2012 Ford Explorer lineup offered a diverse range of choices, allowing consumers to find the perfect blend of features, performance, and value. The options were carefully curated to provide a comprehensive and satisfying driving experience.

Available Trim Levels:

• Explorer (base model)
• XLT
• Limited (premium trim)

Popular Options:

• Sunroof
• Navigation system
• 4WD system
• Various technology and safety upgrades

Conclusion: Is the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited Right for You?

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited specs, what's the verdict? Well, if you're looking for a mid-size SUV that offers a great combination of comfort, performance, and features, then the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited is definitely worth considering. Its blend of a powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology made it a popular choice. The available 4WD system provided enhanced capability, making it a great choice for those who needed extra traction and stability. However, like any vehicle, the Explorer Limited has its pros and cons. Some potential downsides to consider might include fuel economy, which could be a concern for some drivers, and the potential for higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages. But on the whole, the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited was a well-rounded SUV that offered a lot to like. Whether you're looking for a family hauler, a daily commuter, or an adventure-ready vehicle, the Explorer Limited had something to offer. It's a testament to Ford's design and engineering that this vehicle remains appealing even years after its release. Overall, if you are in the market for a used SUV and you come across a 2012 Ford Explorer Limited in good condition, it's definitely worth checking out! It's a vehicle that can provide years of reliable service and enjoyment. Always remember to do your research, inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and take it for a test drive before making a purchase. Happy driving!