At Kendall Ford of Wasilla, the new Ford Explorer is the SUV every family needs as a daily commuter, canyon carver, or backcountry blazer. To get a feel for what the Explorer can do, visit our Ford dealer for a test drive at 2701 E. Mountain Village Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654, where we serve the surrounding areas of Butte, Tanina, and beyond.
Built for families who want a quality third-row SUV at an accessible price point with the Co-Pilot360® Assist+ safety suite. Has a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine with either a RWD or 4WD drivetrain.
Luxury SUV with a premium interior with multi-contoured massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and advanced tech like Open on Approach. Comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine.
Sporty SUV with a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine, with interior comforts like heated and ventilated front seats.
Sporty SUV body, like the ST, but does not have the suspension, performance brakes, or V6 engine.
Rugged third-row SUV built for those who choose the unbeaten path. Comes with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 standard engine or 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 and has 8.7” minimum ground clearance, off-road drive mode, and Miko® suede/vinyl seating trim.
If you’d like to know more about any of these SUVs or their customization options, call us or contact us online.
The Ford Explorer consistently earns top awards, like the IIHS and Top Safety Pick+, because of features like trailer sway control, which works even at its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Explorers also come with standard driver-assist technology that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a blind spot information system (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist® with automatic emergency braking.
In addition to being durable and practical, the Explorer is comfortable and accessible. The redesigned interior has optional multi-contour massaging seats and customizable ambient lighting. Each SUV also has the Ford Digital Experience that connects to Alexa, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™, which gives you access to tools like traffic information and voice navigation. For even more ease, you can use the PowerFold® third-row seat for instant versatility and Ford BlueCruise for hands-free driving on over 130,000 miles of North American roads.
When you’re ready to buy your new Explorer, visit our Ford Finance Center. If you can’t make it to our dealership, use our online tools to get pre-qualified for an Alaskan car loan and find the trade-in value of your current vehicle.
For a fully remote car-buying experience, use Kendall home delivery to get your new truck dropped off at your home or office. While we’re at your place, we’ll bring you the official paperwork and pick up your old car, if you choose to sell it to us.
While the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is rated for up to 5,000 lbs, Wasilla drivers should account for the rugged terrain. When towing a boat to Big Lake or a travel trailer up toward Hatcher Pass, the V6’s extra torque is a game-changer for maintaining highway speeds on steep grades. For lighter utility trailers or a pair of snowmachines, the standard 2.3L EcoBoost manages 5,000 lbs with plenty of pep. Just remember to account for the weight of your passengers and heavy winter gear, as mountain towing can impact overall performance.
Absolutely. The intelligent 4WD system is a “set it and forget it” solution for the unpredictable winter roads on the Parks Highway. Whether you’re navigating a sudden whiteout or heading toward Talkeetna, the system constantly monitors traction to send power where it’s needed before the wheels even slip. While it isn’t a dedicated rock-crawler, the Terrain Management System™ includes a “Slippery” mode specifically engineered for the ice and packed snow common on our local streets.
The Explorer is built for the Alaskan lifestyle, seating up to seven with a second-row bench or six with comfortable captain’s chairs. For weekend adventures, the real winner is the cargo flexibility. With both rear rows folded, you get 85.8 cubic feet of space. That is plenty of room for fishing gear, camping bins, or a massive haul from the Wasilla Costco. Even with the seats up, there’s dedicated room for your roadside emergency kit, ice scrapers, and extra layers.
The latest models feature a 13.2-inch touchscreen that stays responsive even when the temperature drops well below zero during a Valley cold snap. More importantly for safety, the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite includes blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. These are essential when your windows are frosted or you are navigating the low-visibility “ice fog” common near the local lakes. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility also mean you can manage your navigation and playlists without ever taking your gloves off.
Reliability in Alaska often comes down to consistent performance in extreme weather. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder is a proven workhorse with a long track record for efficiency and durability. However, many Wasilla owners opt for the 3.0-liter V6 for the extra mechanical headroom it provides when facing steep mountain grades and highway passing. If you plan to keep your Explorer “forever,” regular fluid intervals are the key to protecting the drivetrain from the harsh Alaskan climate and the demands of mountain driving.
For all your Ford maintenance and repair needs, visit our service center at 2701 E. Mountain Village Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654, where our factory-trained technicians can help you stay on the road.
