Ford has unveiled the new 2011 Ford Explorer, and it’s more low key than I think anyone could have ever imagined. In the SUV world, new models are always bigger and better than their predecessors, or at least that used to be the case. With this latest incarnation of the Explorer from Ford, one begins to see a less extreme vision for the SUV of the 21st century. Given the current trend towards green machines and renewable energy, global warming, etc., this was probably the wisest choice Ford could make. CrunchGear seems to think it’s more of a cross-over than it is a an authentic Sports Utility Vehicle. They might just be right. Let’s take a quick look at what this machine is made of.

First up, gone is the big V8 engine option. That’s right, gas guzzlers beware! So what are the motor options for this mild-mannered cousin of the former SUV realm? 3.5-liter T-VCT V6 or a 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost are the only options available. Yes, that’s right. Hard to imagine an inline four cylinder motor inside an SUV? Wait until you hear what’s being used for the chassis. This new Explorer is built on the same front-wheel drive unibody platform that is used on the Taurus and Flex vehicles. Say what?! Well, now you can understand why it’s not quite as big and why the cost is coming down and safety ratings will be going up. This ain’t your father’s SUV, that’s for sure. Below is a video from the Facebook reveal promoted by the Ford Explorer website on this latest marvel of engineering. I have to give them one thing…they are still coming up with innovation and advances in their vehicles, despite not taking any of the Government bailout money. Ford is still an American icon, even if this SUV sucks.