The 2011 Ford Explorer uses a single engine option: a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT that produces 290 horsepower.
In detail, Ford offered only one engine for the 2011 Explorer: the 3.5L Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT, paired with a six-speed automatic and available with either front-wheel drive or Intelligent AWD. There was no EcoBoost or V8 option in that model year.
Engine specifications
The following specifications describe the engine that powered the 2011 Explorer.
- Displacement: 3.5 liters
- Engine family: Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing)
- Horsepower: 290 hp (at around 6,500 rpm)
- Torque: 255 lb-ft (at around 4,000 rpm)
- Valvetrain: Dual overhead cam (DOHC) with Ti-VCT
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive (standard) or available all-wheel drive
The 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT was designed to balance power with daily drivability, using variable valve timing to optimize performance across a range of speeds.
Performance and drivetrain
Transmission and drive options
Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine powered Explorers equipped with either front-wheel drive or Intelligent AWD, depending on trim and options. This setup aimed to deliver sufficient towing capacity and-on-road manners for a midsize crossover SUV of that era.
In sum, the 2011 Explorer’s motor was the 3.5L Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT—the sole engine choice for that year—paired with a 6-speed automatic and available AWD.
Summary
The 2011 Ford Explorer is powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 with Ti-VCT delivering 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive. No EcoBoost or V8 options were offered that year.