I’m comparing my test drive of the ’12 TE/KDSS against my ’93 Explorer XLT 5speed stick that has been lightly modified (I'm the sole owner).

*) Power – More than enough for me. While i would prefer a manual tranny, I did enjoy the slapstick shifter.
*) Ride comfort – Suspension wise it was fine, the seats are fairly stiff. I assume some of that will go away but I don’t think I would like to travel cross country in it. Better seats would make a big difference. I paid an extra $800 for the ones in my Explorer and would easily kick out even more for similar seats in the 4R/TE.
*) Interior – Acceptable. The fold flat rear seats would be better if they didn’t fold up and the difference in height between the seat and cargo is poor engineering. Layout of the overhead is such that I can’t read the labels for the switches and I’m only 6” and had the seat as low as possible. Over all control layout is usable but doesn’t seem natural, (all 4x4 controls should be grouped together near the shift., Toyota could use an ergonomic engineer that is familiar with Americans.
*) Visibility – OK, I shouldn't have any trouble getting used to it.
*) Noise – Noticeable quieter than my Explorer (has a Borla exhaust, air box mod and K&N filter, TA/KO).
*) Handling – Steering is somewhat touchy but ride quality was smooth. I didn’t get as much road feedback as I would like. Braking was touchy and had noticeable nose dive, good thing I planning on a ICON lift anyway or it would be serious issue.
*)Off-road – I only had it in 4L for a short time to go in and out a roadside ditch but it handled it fine.
*) Instrumentation – Visibility of the cluster could be better, the tach and speedo are OK but the other gauges on the right required me to shift my head to get them out from behind the steering wheel. It will take a long time to get used to all the switches and how to make best use of them.
*) Fit/Finish - Typical for what's out there these days.
*) Available Options - I really miss the old days when you could order any combination of items and colors direct from the factory. I guess that's why there are mods.

Overall – I would prefer my Explorer if it where new but compared to all the other 2012 SUVs out there the 4R/TE wins hands down. Now to set the accessories to include and other dealer options (extra window tinting, etc) and set my top price and starting price. The sales geek claimed he could get whatever I wanted in any color within 24hrs (I almost laughed at him, after hearing most people hear are having to wait a long time to get there 4R/TE).

Certain areas get more TEs than others so the dealer might have been giving it to you straight, but you never know. Good luck with the purchase. How is the Explorer holding up these days? Are you trading it in or going to keep it?

I'll keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed they can get one quickly.

The Explorer is doing great, 150K miles, gets 21mpg on the highway and starts on the 2nd rev, even on the coldest days. I'm just replacing it 'cause I want something new. I'm going to sell it (don't need 2 vehicles). I'm still waffling between trading it in and holding it for a little while so I can drive it while I do the mods that put the 4R on jacks for awhile.

If you like the Salsa Red, there is six of them between Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Excellent post. If only everyone checked their new purchase out so carefully.

Concerning this: "The sales geek claimed he could get whatever I wanted in any color within 24hrs".

I was told the same thing, so I had them put a loaner vehicle on the sales order, starting after the promise date. They were 3 weeks off, so I drove their Corolla for 3 weeks (I sold my Pathfinder right away).