Hey guys! Let's talk about the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 and, more specifically, what it's like on the inside. This SUV has been a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, and the XLT trim offers a sweet spot of features and affordability. So, let's buckle up and explore the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior! We'll cover everything from the design and materials to the tech and comfort features. This deep dive will give you a solid understanding of what to expect if you're considering buying a used one or just curious about this model.

Design and Materials of the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 Interior

Right off the bat, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior welcomes you with a practical and user-friendly design. It's not a luxury car, but it's not trying to be. Instead, it offers a well-laid-out cabin that's designed for everyday usability. The dashboard features a clean design, with easy-to-reach controls and a focus on functionality. Ford used a mix of materials in the XLT trim, balancing cost with a decent level of quality. You'll find a combination of hard plastics, soft-touch materials, and cloth upholstery. While some may wish for more premium materials, the choices are generally durable and hold up well over time. The build quality feels solid, and everything is put together nicely. You won't find any glaring gaps or flimsy parts rattling around. The overall aesthetic is functional and modern, with a focus on providing a comfortable and practical space for the driver and passengers. The color schemes are usually neutral, with options like black, gray, and beige, which contribute to a versatile and timeless look. The use of silver accents throughout the interior adds a touch of visual interest, preventing the cabin from feeling too plain. The seats are well-bolstered, providing good support for both short commutes and longer road trips. The driver's seat often comes with power adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The visibility is also quite good, thanks to the large windows and a well-positioned driving position. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, with all the essential information displayed in a straightforward manner. The center console is well-organized, with ample storage space for your phone, keys, and other essentials. Overall, the design of the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior is all about providing a practical, comfortable, and user-friendly experience for everyone. It's a space that's designed to make your daily drives and weekend adventures enjoyable.

Now, let's talk about the materials a bit more. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior uses a mix of materials to keep the cost down while still offering a decent level of quality. You'll find hard plastics on the dashboard, door panels, and center console. These plastics are durable and easy to clean, which is essential for a family-friendly SUV. However, Ford also strategically placed some soft-touch materials in key areas, such as the upper door panels and the areas where your elbows rest. These soft-touch materials add a touch of luxury and make the interior feel more inviting. The seats are typically upholstered in cloth, which is a practical choice for everyday use. Cloth seats are generally more breathable than leather, which can be a plus in warmer climates. They are also less prone to cracking and wear and tear. The XLT trim may have upgraded cloth options that feel more premium. The color schemes often include black, gray, or beige, creating a neutral and versatile interior. The silver accents on the dashboard, center console, and door panels add a touch of visual interest and break up the monotony. The floor mats are usually made of carpet, and Ford often includes all-weather floor mats as an option, which is a great feature for protecting the interior from dirt, spills, and snow. The overall mix of materials strikes a good balance between cost, durability, and comfort, making the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior a practical and enjoyable place to spend time.

Tech and Infotainment Features in the Ford Explorer XLT 2017

Alright, let's dive into the tech side of things in the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior. This SUV packs some pretty cool features, especially for its time. At the heart of it all, you'll find the SYNC 3 infotainment system. SYNC 3 is a major step up from previous versions, offering a much more responsive and user-friendly experience. The system is controlled via a touchscreen display on the center console, and it's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone to access your favorite apps, navigation, music, and more. Navigation is usually available as an optional feature, and it's a great addition if you frequently travel to new places. The touchscreen display is generally easy to see and use, with a clear and intuitive interface. You can easily control the audio system, climate control, and other vehicle settings. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior also includes a decent audio system. The standard setup provides a good sound quality, but you can often upgrade to a premium audio system for even better audio fidelity. The audio system includes features like AM/FM radio, CD player, and a USB port for connecting your devices. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream music from your smartphone. The instrument cluster includes a multi-information display that shows various vehicle information, such as fuel economy, trip data, and warning messages. The steering wheel includes controls for audio, phone calls, and cruise control, making it easy to stay connected and in control while driving. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior also includes a variety of driver-assist features, such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to enhance safety and make driving easier. Overall, the tech and infotainment features in the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior are well-integrated and user-friendly, providing a convenient and enjoyable driving experience.

Let's break down some of the key tech features a bit more. The SYNC 3 system is the star of the show. It's a significant improvement over the older SYNC systems, with a faster processor and a more intuitive interface. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics are clear and modern. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are game-changers, allowing you to use your smartphone's navigation, music, and other apps directly on the car's display. This integration is seamless and greatly enhances the user experience. The audio system is another essential feature. The standard system is decent, but upgrading to a premium audio system significantly enhances the sound quality. The premium system often includes more speakers and a subwoofer, providing a richer and more immersive listening experience. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, allowing you to easily pair your smartphone for hands-free calling and music streaming. The USB ports are also a handy feature, allowing you to charge your devices and play music from a flash drive. The multi-information display in the instrument cluster provides essential vehicle information, such as fuel economy, trip data, and warning messages. The steering wheel-mounted controls make it easy to access audio, phone calls, and cruise control without taking your hands off the wheel. The driver-assist features, such as the rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, are essential safety features that enhance driving safety and convenience. The rearview camera makes it easier to back up and park, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert help to prevent accidents. These features provide peace of mind and make the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior a safe and enjoyable place to be.

Comfort and Convenience Features in the Ford Explorer XLT 2017

Alright, let's talk comfort and convenience! The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior is designed to make your ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The seating is a key factor here. The XLT trim typically offers cloth upholstery, which is comfortable and durable. The front seats are supportive and offer good adjustability, ensuring a comfortable driving position for various body types. The second-row seats are also spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The third-row seats, while perhaps best suited for kids, provide an extra seating option that can be a lifesaver. You can also fold down the second and third rows to create a massive cargo space, perfect for hauling luggage, groceries, or whatever you need to carry. Climate control is another important aspect of comfort. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior comes with automatic climate control, which allows you to set your desired temperature, and the system automatically adjusts the airflow to maintain that temperature. This feature is great for maintaining a comfortable cabin environment, regardless of the weather outside. The Explorer XLT also offers a variety of convenience features that make everyday life easier. These features can include power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a power liftgate. The power liftgate is a particularly convenient feature, allowing you to open and close the rear liftgate with the touch of a button. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior also provides ample storage space throughout the cabin. You'll find plenty of cupholders, storage bins, and a center console that's perfect for stowing away your essentials. The door pockets are also spacious, providing additional storage space for bottles, maps, or other items. Overall, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior offers a comfortable and convenient experience for both the driver and passengers. It's a space that's well-designed for everyday use, with a focus on providing a pleasant and enjoyable driving experience.

Let's delve deeper into some of the comfort and convenience features. The seating is designed to provide good support and comfort, even on long drives. The cloth upholstery is breathable and comfortable, and the front seats offer a good range of adjustability, so you can find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are also spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they do offer an extra seating option when needed. The ability to fold down the second and third rows is a huge convenience, creating a massive cargo area for hauling gear or groceries. The automatic climate control is a fantastic feature, automatically adjusting the temperature and airflow to maintain a comfortable cabin environment. This feature is especially useful in extreme weather conditions. The power windows and door locks are standard features that add to the convenience factor. Remote keyless entry makes it easy to unlock and lock the doors, and the power liftgate makes it easy to open and close the rear liftgate with the touch of a button. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior also provides plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, with cupholders, storage bins, and a center console that's perfect for stowing away essentials. The door pockets are also spacious, providing additional storage space for bottles, maps, or other items. All these features work together to create a comfortable, convenient, and user-friendly experience in the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior.

Overall Impression of the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 Interior

So, what's the final verdict on the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior? It's a solid package that prioritizes practicality and comfort. It's not a luxury car, but it doesn't try to be. Instead, it offers a well-designed and functional space that caters to families and those who need a versatile SUV. The materials are durable, the tech features are user-friendly, and the comfort features make for a pleasant driving experience. If you're looking for a reliable and capable SUV with a comfortable and practical interior, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for those who need space, versatility, and a good balance of features and affordability. The Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior is a testament to Ford's commitment to building practical and user-friendly vehicles. It's a space where you can comfortably spend time, whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a family road trip. The XLT trim strikes a good balance between features and affordability, making it a popular choice for many. Overall, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior is a winning combination of functionality, comfort, and user-friendliness.

To sum it up, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior delivers a practical and comfortable experience. Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Spacious and Versatile: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
• User-Friendly Design: Intuitive controls and a well-laid-out cabin.
• SYNC 3 Infotainment: Responsive touchscreen and smartphone integration.
• Comfortable Seating: Supportive seats for both front and rear passengers.
• Practical Features: Automatic climate control, power liftgate, etc.

Cons:

• Materials: While durable, some plastics feel a bit basic.
• Optional Features: Some desirable features may be optional.

Ultimately, the Ford Explorer XLT 2017 interior provides a well-rounded package that's hard to beat in its class. It's a great choice if you're looking for a practical, comfortable, and versatile SUV. Happy driving, guys!