The Ford Explorer Sport is set to debut as a 2013 model year vehicle, and Ford today released the details -- including the fact that the large crossover will share the same 365 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque from the same EcoBoost engine that delivers those figures in the Taurus SHO. That represents a significant improvement over the base model's 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. from a naturally aspirated V6.

Ford is really pushing the decent efficiency that comes with that power, pointing out that the Hemi-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango R/T and Range Rover Sport ranking below the Explorer Sport's 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway. (The workaday version gets a slightly better 17/23.) Ford says it's the only 7-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to claim an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating -- though we can really see the fingerprints all over that constructed stat.

The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, will come in four exterior colors -- Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic -- and will go on sale this fall for $41,545, including $825 in delivery charges.

That seems to be the meat of the new information, but the full release is available after the jump.

New High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport, a Fully Capable SUV Certified to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy

· The Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV is certified at 365 horsepower, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway mpg

· The Ford Explorer Sport's standard Terrain Management System™ has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased EcoBoost® power

· Explorer Sport features an interior inspired by designer fashion accessories, sporty exterior cues, and 20-inch high-performance tires and wheels

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 24, 2012 – Ford's new Explorer Sport will stand in a class of one when it goes on sale next month with an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating, the only seven-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to do so.

New for the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport arrives, packing a 365 horsepower EcoBoost® engine, high-fashion interior design and class-leading fuel economy.

"Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency," said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. "The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions."

Explorer Sport mixes high-performance SUV power with fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. This is 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.

Explorer Sport scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the supercharged Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

No compromises

"Explorer Sport is an uncompromised high-performance SUV," said Gubing. "From making changes to the chassis and suspension, uniquely calibrating the Terrain Management System for added power, we're delivering an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds."

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better highway fuel efficiency.

Ford engineers also added chassis tunnel reinforcements and a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved pedal feel and response for drivers, both on-road and off.

This model comes standard with larger brakes for improved pedal feel, stronger resistance to fade and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special Terrain Management System settings for optimizing increased power and torque in on-road touring and under sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent conditions. These changes enable a luxurious ride for driving enthusiasts, without the harshness or thirst for fuel of performance-intended​ competitors.

Development engineers validated snow settings in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and returned to Borrego Springs, Calif. to fine-tune sand settings.

Sport-specific calibration optimizes increased EcoBoost power and consistent torque to specific conditions such as deep sand or snow, at the setting of a console-mounted knob.

Design elements

The 2013 Sport builds on Explorer's muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.

Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

The Explorer Sport's special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars.

The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport's sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC)
10-way power driver's seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rearview camera system
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options:

BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
Cooled seats
Inflatable rear seat belts
110-volt outlet
PowerFold mirrors
Rain-sensing wipers
Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
Remote Start
Power tilt and telescoping steering column
Adjustable pedals with memory
Dual-panel moonroof
Power liftgate
Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford's Chicago production facility and goes on sale this fall.