It’s going to be a fun ride to Chicago! We’re test driving a 2013 @FordCanada Explorer! #3GirlsInAFord http://t.co/VC4ihoEjW7
— Wendy [mapsgirl] (@mapsgirl) July 24, 2013

I have driven several Ford vehicles now and have found all of them great to drive.  However after driving the 2013 Ford Explorer to Chicago and back, I have come to appreciate a lot of the amazing technology. Driving in the city is fun, but a long drive really gives you a chance to get to know the vehicle.  There were many features that made the 8 hour drive so much easier.

Driver Seat Memory

Christy and I shared the driving, so the Driver Seat Memory came in very handy.  Each of us was able to set the seat in the position that was comfortable for us and program the button.  When we switched drivers, with the quick push of the button, the seat was back the way we wanted it.

Adaptive Cruise Control

My favourite feature, that really blew my mind, is the adaptive cruise control. I was able to drive for several hours on the highway without touching the gas or the brake pedals.

How the Adaptive Cruise Control works:

• you set the cruise on the speed that you liked to travel
• you set the distance that you’d like between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
• you drive
• if you approach a vehicle that is going slower than you are, your vehicle will slow down and only be as close as the gap that you set
• once you change lanes, your vehicle will speed back up to the speed that you set

It’s really amazing!

Collision Warning

The sensors at the front of the vehicle are also used for the approach warning.  If you approach a vehicle too quickly, an alarm sounds and lights flash up on the windshield.  The vehicle will precharge your brakes so they react faster when you finally press the brake.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

It really is bliss!  There are sensors on the sides of the vehicle which warn you if someone is in your blind spot by turning on a light on the side mirror.  The sensors on the back of the vehicle alert you if anyone is behind you when you’re backing up.  Read more about BLIS on Ford.ca