The Ford Explorer has been the world’s top-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV) for 15 years. For 2006, Ford has made a bold bid to keep the streak going with more power, better gas mileage, quieter interior, new safety systems, better ride comfort and lowered tailpipe emissions that now rival a hybrid. About the only thing Ford didn’t change was the models - still a base XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and the top-of-the-line LTD.

Our 5-seater (7 is an option) Eddie Bauer badged test drive added nearly $6,000 worth of options, chief of which was a navigation system. However, standard items were 18-inch chromed wheels, dual front climate controls, a reserve sensing system, adjustable gas/brake pedals, tow package and a safety canopy that deploys in side-impact collisions or roll-overs to protect front and second row occupants next to the window.

Ford’s improvements are designed to maintain the Explorer’s popularity. Even if SUV sales droop due to high gas prices, this new Explorer will get its share of buyers. Eddie Bauer models have a unique three-bar chrome-finished grille, 17-inch tires, badging on the leather seating surfaces, a two-tone exterior (the LTD is monochromatic outside), silver roof rails, running boards, tasteful woodgrain interior trim, keyless entry keypad on the driver’s door and 10-way power driver’s seat.

The 4.6-liter engine - the same one used by the Mustang GT and some F-150 pick up trucks - now generates 292 horsepower, an increase of 53 horsepower. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, a first for the Explorer, the engine spends more time in peak power range, helping acceleration and improving fuel economy for an extra mile per gallon on the highway. Towing capacity reaches 7,300 lbs., and emissions are good enough to meet stringent California and federal standards.

Ford understands rollovers occur in 50% of fatal SUV crashes and adds seven advanced safety features this year dealing with restraints, safety-belt retractors, air-bag venting, steering column crash absorption to go with roll stability control added in 2005. A “Safety Canopy” option protects anyone sitting next to a window. The new frame is 63% more resistant to bending and 55% more resistant to twisting.

The Explorer’s brake system has been redesigned to dissipate heat more quickly and last longer. Front and rear suspensions are new and part of an overall effort to create a smoother, quieter ride. Interior redesign mimics the Ford F-150 with new chrome-colored clam shell like door handles that leave no easy place to grab the door for emergency closing.