In light of the increasing popularity of car-based crossover Sport Utility Vehicles,which was highlighted by the introduction of the Ford Freestyle for 2005,the new Ford Explorer takes the opportunity to get more acquainted with its truck-based roots for 2006. The new grilles,for instance,clearly evoke those on Ford's F-150 pickup,as does the more angular,more geometric interior. Also,the reworked V8 is the SUV's most powerful yet. At the same time,however,the latest Explorer is also the most comfortable and practical model to bear that badge. Smooth,stable and notably quiet on the highway,the new Explorer gains in toughness,and it gains doubly in finesse.