The 2011 Ford Explorer has been revealed. The Explorer has been completely redesigned as a crossover SUV, with handling and ride characteristics closer to a car than a truck. The newly redesigned Explorer also features inflatable seat belt airbags, a choice between turbocharged engines and Ford’s SYNC interactive media controller.

The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned to suit the SUV buyer’s changing needs and wants. Most buyers of mid-size and large SUVs don’t need the towing capacity or off-road capabilities of a truck. So why should they deal with the poor road handling, bumpy ride and bad gas mileage of a truck when all they’re looking for is a better view of traffic and enough room to hold a big screen TV or a bureau in the back?

The new Explorer also features a more rounded, crossover-like look. Unlike the brawny outgoing Explorer that looked ready for off-road adventures, the new model looks basically like a larger version of the Edge.  With this move, Ford might be giving up a lot of male buyers to the newly redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and the recently revealed 2012 Dodge Durango.

Inflatable seat belt airbags will make their debut on the 2011 Explorer. Ford announced the development of seat belt airbags several months ago, and will install them on all 2011 Explorers. The rear seat belt airbag is designed to reduce bruising and injuries caused by seat belts during a crash by dissipating the force across a wider range of the passenger’s body.

The 2011 Ford Explorer will use Ecoboost turbocharged engines for maximum power and fuel economy. Ford says that the V6 Ecoboost-equipped Explorer will get 20% better fuel economy than last year’s V6-powered Explorer. The new Explorer will also be available with a four-cylinder engine for the first time ever. Ford says that with the new four-cylinder Ecoboost, the Explorer will have fuel economy ratings comparable to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

Image via the Ford Explorer Facebook page.