Ford Explorer Goes Upscale with Sport Model

2015 Ford Explorer Sport

Ford Motor Co. says its $47,000 Explorer Sport crossover is attracting a significantly younger and more affluent buyer than the standard model.

Research shows more than half the buyers of the 365-hp Sport model are under 45 years old, and almost one in four is under 35. Only about one-third of standard Explorer buyers are under 45.

Ford says 40% of Sport buyers have household incomes of at least $150,000 compared with one-third for the standard model. Sport buyers also are slighter higher educated, with 60% holding a college degree compared with 56% for standard-model customers.

The largest U.S. markets for the Sport are New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas and Chicago.

Ford notes that 15% of Explorer Sport buyers were former Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz owners. The company says Sport buyers report the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the most competitive alternative they considered.