Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer helped establish the midsize SUV market when it first rolled into dealerships in the early 1990s. This model year (2025) ushers in refreshed exterior and interior styling, a slimmed-down model lineup, and additional technology features. That technology includes available BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free highway driving assist system.
Explore the evolution of the Ford Explorer
Get our expert take on used Ford Explorer models, or view year-by-year changes.
Sixth generation Ford Explorer
Entering its sixth generation, the Ford Explorer has long been a favorite of car shoppers looking for a midsize SUV with three rows of seating and stout towing capability. This is made possible via the Explorer's standard turbocharged four-cylinder or available twin-turbo V6. The Explorer has a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds with either drivetrain when properly equipped
.Available with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, the Explorer comes standard with a sizable 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Also fitted to every trim are a generous number of driver aids. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a driver attention monitor.
While the convenience of having three rows of seating is nice, keep in mind that the rear-most seats in the Explorer are best left to kids. Legroom and headroom back there are in short supply.
Model highlights
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen
Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
Standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
Three rows of seating
Standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine; available twin-turbo V6
Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving-assist system (2025)
Fifth generation Ford Explorer
The fifth-generation Explorer was produced from the 2011 to 2019 model years. True to tradition, it offered seating for up to seven and a choice of front- or four-wheel drive. During this generation, a turbocharged four-cylinder, a naturally aspirated V6, and turbocharged V6 were available. The latter of this trio provided especially quick acceleration, and the Explorer stood out for its comfortable ride quality and quiet cabin.
Less appealing was the fact that upper trims could get very pricey and that the third-row seating was cramped for adults. A midcycle face-lift for the 2016 model year kept the Explorer looking fresh. By and large, though, this model remained largely the same during its nine-year lifespan.
Model highlights
Rear- or four-wheel drive
Available V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines
Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
Three rows of seating
Available second-row captain’s chairs
Available panoramic sunroof
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2020 - present
2025 Ford Explorer
Highlights
Refreshed exterior styling
Standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen
Google-based infotainment system
BlueCruise hands-free driving technology available
Learn more
2024 Ford Explorer
2023 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer
Highlights
New ST-Line trim combines ST trim’s styling with turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive newly offered with sporty ST trim
Platinum and King Ranch trims get a boost in output to 400 horsepowe
Learn more
2021 Ford Explorer
Highlights
Sport Appearance package including 20-inch gray-painted alloy wheels available on the XLT trim
King Ranch and off-road-themed Timberline trims debut
Lower-priced ST trim comes to the lineup
Heated front seats now standard on the XLT
Learn more
2020 Ford Explorer
Highlights
All-new Explorer receives a more truck-like exterior and updated interior
More passenger space and cargo volume than previous model
Ford Co-Pilot360® bundle of driver aids add more standard driver-assist features
Moves from front- to rear-wheel-drive layout; all-wheel drive optional
Improved towing capacity
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Previous generation from 2011 - 2019
2019 Ford Explorer
2018 Ford Explorer
Highlights
Slightly revised front grille and rear exhaust
Wi-Fi hotspot capability is available
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2017 Ford Explorer
Highlights
Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim
SYNC® 3 replaces MyFord Touch® interface
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2016 Ford Explorer
Highlights
Refreshed exterior styling
Interior update sees buttons replace previous touch-sensitive controls
Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder replaces outgoing 2.0-liter
Front- and all-wheel drive available with new 2.3-liter engine
Platinum trim debuts
Learn more
2015 Ford Explorer
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Explorer is $556, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Explorer owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 17% for the Ford Explorer, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Nick Kurczewski has been writing about cars for more than 20 years, and his enthusiasm for journalism has led him to cover auto-related stories around the world. From blasting down the German autobahn to covering every major auto show, his stories have appeared in the New York Times, Car and Driver, U.S. News & World Report, Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com and the New York Daily News, where he served as head editor. Having once aspired to be a Formula One racer, Nick discovered sharing his passion for cars as a journalist is just as thrilling as dreaming of pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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