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2014 Ford Explorer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Ford Explorer highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Great standard features
  • Choice of engines
  • Comfortable ride

Cons

  • Limited third-row space
  • Feels larger than it is when behind the wheel
  • Predates Apple and Android integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 22 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Versatile crossover

The Explorer helped create the SUV segment in 1991, and Ford has been improving it ever since. Check out the 2014 Explorer, and you can choose between base, XLT, Limited, and Sport trim levels. Most Explorer trim levels get a standard 3.5L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. The Sport gets 240 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is a bit more mpg-focused. Regardless of which 2014 Explorer you find on our lot, you'll be impressed with its combination of standard and optional comfort and convenience features.

All Ford Explorer years

What is new for the 2014 Ford Explorer?

  • Explorer trims have been upgraded with Flex Fuel Vehicle as standard equipment this year.
  • Heated Steering Wheel and Rear Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row, Remote Start, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Ford Explorer

1. Choice of engines 

For the 2014 model year, the Explorer gets a standard V6 engine (base, XLT, and Limited) making 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive is optional. It gets a maximum EPA-estimated mpg rating of 20 mpg combined city/highway. The Explorer Sport is front-wheel-drive only and has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, which gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined city/highway. 

2. Great base model 

Check out the base trim, and you'll likely find a lot to like. In addition to standard V6 power, it has 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass, integrated blind-spot mirrors, roof rails, cruise control, air-conditioning, a 50/50-split third-row seat, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), and more. Comfort comes standard on the 2014 Explorer, even in the base model. 

3. Interior space 

The 2014 Explorer has seating for seven, so it's already a great road trip companion. There is also a solid 21 cu-ft of space behind the third row, which means more space for groceries or gear. With the two rear rows folded, that expands to a maximum of 80.7 cu-ft of space. So, the 2014 Explorer is ready to accompany you on whatever adventure might come your way. 

4. Options galore 

You can check out the XLT trim if you want a bit more comfort and convenience features. It adds standard stuff like 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a keyless entry code pad. It's got some great option packages as well, check out the 201A package that adds additional features like a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. The 202A package builds on that with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver seat with power-adjustable lumbar. 

5. Top-spec Limited 

Search our lots for the Limited trim if you want even more out of your 2014 Explorer experience. It has everything from the 201A and 202A packages plus 20-inch wheels, heated outboard second-row seats, remote engine start, power-adjustable pedals with memory, a 110-volt power outlet, and a 12-speaker Sony® sound system. There are even more standalone options on top of that, so you'll definitely find just the right 2014 Explorer to suit your needs.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2014 Ford Explorer is a good vehicle that is comfortable and has lots of room without being too big on the road. Customers like the exterior and interior of the car. The car is also good on gas and has a lot of features.
3
1
2
Above Average

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.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer features and specs

XLT 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Sync System
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sync System
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

240

Torque (ft-lbs)

270

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.6

Wheelbase

112.6"

Overall length

197.1"

Width

78.9"

Height

70.4"

Leg room

F 40.6"/M 39.8"/R 33.2"

Head room

F 41.4"/M 40.5"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2014 Ford Explorer FAQ

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