Model Mix Variety is the spice of life, and Ford offers as many as 16 different versions of the 2006 Explorer to satisfy just about any customer. Choose between two or four driven wheels, powered by either a V6 or a V8 engine, in one of four trim levels.

Variety is the spice of life, and Ford offers as many as 16 different versions of the 2006 Explorer to satisfy just about any customer. Choose between two or four driven wheels, powered by either a V6 or a V8 engine. Trim levels include base XLS, popular XLT, rugged Eddie Bauer, and luxurious Limited. Ford says pricing will start, on average, $1,700 lower than the 2005 model.

Selected standard equipment on the XLS model includes power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows with driver express-down feature, power mirrors, cruise control, and a CD/MP3 player. Featured safety gear includes AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control (RSC), front seat side-impact airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additional features are air conditioning, privacy glass, a Class II trailer hitch, and roof rails.

Ford expects the Explorer XLT to be the most popular model, thanks in part to added standard items such as upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an overhead storage console. You can identify the XLT model by its machine-finish alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome-trimmed grille, gray bodyside cladding and wheel lip moldings, and security approach lamps.

Eddie Bauer versions get two-tone exterior trim, body-color door handles, larger 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, silver roof rails, and a unique grille designed to mimic the appearance of the F-150 pickup truck. Inside, leather covers the seats, fake wood covers the dashboard, the driver gets 10-way power adjustment, and an electrochromic rearview mirror automatically dims while automatic headlights guide the way at night.

Luxed-up Limited models add a monochromatic exterior paint job and chrome wheels for a sophisticated appearance. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a 290-watt Audiophile premium sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a six-way power front passenger’s seat, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a steering wheel with stereo and climate controls coddle occupants.

Key options for the 2006 Ford Explorer include a Safety Canopy system of side-curtain airbags with rollover protection for the first two rows of seats, a power sunroof, a navigation system with touch-screen control, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system. A power folding third-row seat option is a segment first, and the Explorer can also be equipped with power adjustable pedals, a reverse sensing system, rear climate control, and larger 18-inch wheels. Preferred Suede leather upholstery is offered for Eddie Bauer buyers, upper trim levels can be purchased with second-row bucket seats divided by a storage console, and a Trailer Tow package equips an Explorer V8 to handle up to 7,300 pounds. Later in the year, Sirius satellite radio will be available.

Our 2006 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD V8 was loaded with features, as its $45,275 sticker price attests. Base price for the XLS 2WD V6 is $27,175 including a $645 destination charge, while a Limited 2WD V6 costs $33,160.