2011 Ford Explorer

One might question the sanity of buying a full-size SUV in an age of crossovers and ever-higher gas prices, but for those that really need the... utility, the 2011 Ford Explorer ($28,200 and up) looks mighty nice. Powered by either a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine good for 237hp or a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine with 290hp, the new Explorer offers impressive fuel economy, as well as a six-speed automatic transmissions, intelligent four-wheel drive electric power-assisted steering, the MyFord Touch and SYNC systems, and a new weight saving design. Not included is a shield to deflect all the eco-hate being thrown your way for driving around in such a conspicuously large vehicle.