Ford adding sport appearance package to 2017 Explorer XLT

Ford says a new sport appearance package will be available on 2017 Explorer XLT models as it looks to cash in on the growing trend of aftermarket looks out of the factory.

Available on the XLT trim, one step up from the base model, the sport appearance package adds 20-inch graphite wheels, mirror caps, grille and rear applique, and a black roof rack and side cladding to the exterior, and two-tone gray leather and suede seats inside.

The package borrows heavily from the pricier Explorer Sport model, but will likely come with a much smaller price tag.

The Explorer XLT starts at $39,999 in Canada, while the Explorer Sport's starting price is $11,000 more, at $50,999.

The biggest difference between the two would be under the hood, with the former powered by Ford's naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the latter the turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6.

Ford hasn't announced pricing on the sport appearance package, but it will likely add roughly $1,500 to $2,000 to the Explorer XLT's MSRP.

A long-time trend in the pickup market, custom-look packages are sure to grow in popularity in the hot-selling SUV and crossover segment.