The Explorer and Escape Get a New Appearance Packages for 2017

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

Over the past quarter-decade, the Ford Explorer has been the world’s bestselling SUV, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the Explorer is arguably more badass than ever in its latest generation. Adding to the awesomeness that includes the 365-horsepower turbocharged Sport and Platinum trims comes a new XLT Sport Appearance package to spruce up the ol’ people hauler.

As its name implies, this Sport Appearance Package comes as an option for the midrange XLT trim level, which starts the model out with some upscale features like a 3.5-liter V-6, push-button start a 10-way power driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and Sync 3. Inside the cabin, this package tosses in Dark Earth Gray leather seats with Dark Earth Gray Miko suede upper seatbacks and center inserts, Umber-colored door-trim inserts and contrast stitching, and “Explorer” logo floor mats.

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

While the interior additions that this new package adds are great, the exterior is pretty snazzy in its own right. Here, you’ll find a Magnetic Gray hue coating the 20-inch wheels, the mirror caps and the rear applique while the body cladding is slathered in a deep Ebony Black. Up top is a black roof rack and the hood has an exclusive “Explorer” badge.

Joining the Explorer with this package is its little bro, the Escape. The compact crossover’s Sport Appearance Package is available on the SE and Titanium trims, and it adds in 19-inch Ebony Black wheels, a high-gloss upper grille, black beltline molding ad front fenders, partial-leather sport seats with contrast stitching, and more.

2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package

The Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package will hit dealers in a few months while the Escape’s package should come sometime in the spring of 2016. Neither package has an MSRP yet, but I would assume they will run at least $1,000 each.

We’ll bring you additional details as they become available.