The 2011 Ford Explorer, expected to be unveiled in New York on July 26, may well be as important to the company as the Fiesta subcompact, which is already proving to be a hit with consumers.

The Explorer, a sport utility vehicle based on a truck body, held the position of best-selling SUV in America in the midsize class for so long it is credited with creating a generation of SUV drivers.

The 2011 version of this icon will offer an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost 1-4 engine with a reported jump in fuel efficiency of 30% over the current Explorer model equipped with a V6. Ford claims no loss of power with the EcoBoost powerplant, but has not provided figures to substantiate that claim.

The model will also shift to a unibody design over its former body-on-frame styling. This alteration, plus the engine choice, has raised questions among 4x4 enthusiasts about whether or not the new Explorer will have full off-road capabilities, a major consumer draw in the past. Ford has only partially addressed those concerns.

Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer for the Explorer said, "Talking with customers told us that flexibility and freedom to tackle any road, anytime is important to them. We saw the opportunity to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that can demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction to the situations and road conditions they encounter."

Whether that will be as satisfying an off-road experience as Explorer drivers have enjoyed in the past remains to be seen, but, if so, this new, highly efficient SUV could well be a much-needed top seller for the company.