For the last 20 years, the Ford Explorer has been in production as a mid-size vehicle, but the automaker has moved up to a full-size crossover SUV beginning with the 2011 model year.

Outfitted with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, the Explorer comes standard with front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The SUV gets 290 hp at 6,500 rpm and 255 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. Ford also offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine as an option, which receives 237 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft torque at 1750-4000 rpm.

Currently beginning at $28,190, the Explorer is also available in XLT and Limited editions. Equipment features include SIRIUS satellite radio, remote engine start, rear view camera and a double-panel moonroof.

Customers can choose from nine exterior color options, including Red Candy, Ingot Silver, Kona Blue, Bordeaux Red and Gold Leaf.

As for safety features, the Explorer has dual front seat airbags on the front and side, and rear passengers are protected with dual safety belt airbags in XLT and Limited models, which are the first vehicles to offer this type of feature. The air bags are contained within the seat belt itself, inflating with cold air to avoid burns in the event of a collision.