One might question the sanity of buying a  full-size SUV in an age of crossovers and ever-higher gas prices, but  for those that really need the... utility, the 
2011 Ford Explorer  ($28,200 and up) looks mighty nice. Powered by either a 2.0-liter  EcoBoost I-4 engine good for 237hp or a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine with  290hp, the new Explorer offers impressive fuel economy, as well as a  six-speed automatic transmissions, intelligent four-wheel drive electric  power-assisted steering, the MyFord Touch and SYNC systems, and a new  weight saving design. Not included is a shield to deflect all the  eco-hate being thrown your way for driving around in such a  conspicuously large vehicle.