The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport transported surfboards easily while looking stylish inside and out. It was useful to have a voice-activated GPS navigation system, rear-view camera assistance and Blind Spot Information System sensor for its size. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine with 350 hp and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System was responsive and proved to be solid for the terrain we encountered in Dundee, Oregon.

We enjoyed the car’s handling and conveniences for our long drive with its cruise control, dual climate control temperature for the front and back, the moonroof, as well as multi-command power recline and lumbar controls and the Sony entertainment system. It was exceptionally safe because it detected when I got too close to a car in front of me with its front collision sensor alert that lights up on the driver side.

I struggled with the voice-activated GPS navigation system with its somewhat limited commands but I was able to use it without fail in the conventional manner with its touchpad screen. I also couldn’t hook up my iPhone 4 without an Aux jack but we found we could play our podcasts with the built-in Bluetooth technology. Overall, the car felt very safe and comfortable.