Now in its 20th year and its fourth generation,the Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that?s one of Ford?s most recognized models. Ford says the Explorer has a quiet ride,easy handling,and a comfortable interior,along with a truck-based body-on-frame design that gives it added stability off-road.

For 2010,the Explorer is offered in XLT (base) trim,Eddie Bauer,or Limited editions. The Explorer is a five-seat vehicle,with an optional third row available for two additional passengers. The XLT has 16-inch wheels and basic features,but a Sport Package adds 20-inch alloy wheels,black exterior accents,and white-faced instruments.

The Eddie Bauer Edition starts with 17-inch wheels and has a two-tone exterior,leather upholstery,heated front seats,power driver seat,a Sync interface,and satellite radio. The Limited Edition eliminates the two-tone exterior,but has 18-inch wheels,dual-zone automatic climate control,various power and safety extras,and an upgraded sound system. Power running boards are optional,as are second-row captain chairs,voice-activated navigation,a sunroof,20-inch wheels,and a towing package.

Explorers have rear-wheel drive as standard,and optional part-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is available. The basic engine is a 210-hp,4.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the Eddie Bauer Edition and the Limited Edition is a 292-hp,4.6-liter V8 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Either engine,with all-wheel drive,delivers 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg in the highway,according to the EPA. Maximum towing capacity,with the proper equipment,is 7,300 lbs.

NHTSA gave the Explorer five stars in frontal- and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a ?Good? rating for frontal-offset tests,and ""Acceptable"" for side-impact tests.

The 2010 Ford Explorer starts at $29,280.