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    Ford Explorer

    Latest Model

    2020 Model Redesign Year
    The Explorer has a spacious cabin and is relatively agile among three-row midsized SUVs, but the driving experience is marred by a rather clunky transmission, noisy standard engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but sounds raspy. The 10-speed automatic has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests, this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. High-end versions have a slicker 3.0-liter turbo V6. Third-row seating is tight, as is common for the class.
    A freshening for 2025 brought an upgraded interior including a larger infotainment screen that, unfortunately, does away with the hard climate control buttons. We're pleased to see that the hands-free BlueCruise system is now optional.
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

    2025 Ford Explorer

    economy-icon
    CR MPG
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    Base MSRP Range
    $40,050 - $56,770
    Destination Charge: $1695
    Base MSRP Range
    $40,050 - $56,770
    Destination Charge: $1695

    2025 Ford Explorer

    economy-icon
    CR MPG
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    2025 Ford Explorer
    Base MSRP
    $40,050 - $56,770
    CR MPG
    mpg
    Road Test Score
    / 100
    Predicted Reliability
    / 100
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    Notable Changes
    Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.

    2020-Present

    2020 Model Redesign Year
    The redesigned 2020 Explorer has newfound handling agility and a spacious, quiet cabin, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but raspy sounding. The transmission has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid was offered through the 2023 model year, but it focused more on power and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is very easy to use. 2025 models are now equipped with Ford's Digital Experience infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive powered by Google automotive services. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat is less roomy now.
    A power liftgate is standard. Standard through 2024, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. For 2025, ACC and LCA are added as standard features on all trims (included with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite), and BlueCruise is optional on all but the base Active trim. 
    2024 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $28,800 - $46,800
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2023 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $24,875 - $42,075
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2022 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $19,000 - $36,450
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2021 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $17,525 - $31,925
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2020 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $14,700 - $26,350
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2011-2019

    2011 Model Redesign Year
    For 2011, the Explorer adopted a car-based platform, resulting in a quiet, steady and absorbent ride, as well as a versatile and well-finished interior. The model also offers a usable third-row seat and generous cargo capacity. Handling is secure but not agile. The optional MyFord Touch control interface is distracting to use. We preferred Ford's SYNC voice-controlled system for Bluetooth hands-free telephony and control over music players like iPods. With a paired phone, SYNC can also call 911 in case of an accident.
    Adaptive cruise control, collision warning and blind-spot detection are optional.
    2019 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $11,500 - $22,325
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2018 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $9,825 - $17,625
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2017 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $8,525 - $15,600
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2016 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $7,925 - $13,500
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2015 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $7,350 - $10,625
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2014 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $6,700 - $9,050
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2013 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $6,275 - $8,050
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    / 100
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2012 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $5,975 - $7,425
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2011 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $5,625 - $6,975
    EPA MPG
    19 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2006-2010

    2006 Model Redesign Year
    The Explorer was redesigned for 2006, bringing revised interior and exterior styling, as well as some minor control design frustrations. While the ride and handling are improved over previous Explorer models, agility is still somewhat lacking and the ride is stiff. Further, noise suppression, and interior fit and finish also leave something to be desired. However, on the plus side, the interior is roomy and flexible, adjustable pedals can be had, towing capability is strong, and side-curtain airbags are standard. If you're looking for quiet, the V8-powered Eddie Bauer model is decidedly quieter and more sonorously pleasing than the boisterous V6-powered Explorer XLT.
    2010 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $4,675 - $5,975
    EPA MPG
    16 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2009 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $4,300 - $5,550
    EPA MPG
    16 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2008 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,825 - $5,175
    EPA MPG
    17 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2007 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,450 - $4,700
    EPA MPG
    17 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2006 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,350 - $4,725
    EPA MPG
    17 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    2002-2005

    2002 Model Redesign Year
    Lauded for its steady ride and versatile, well-designed interior, the 2002 Ford Explorer is a well-rounded package. Its main drawbacks are an unrefined V6 engine and unimpressive performance on our off-road course. However, this version of the Explorer features a highly versatile interior package and stability control is a standard feature. Storage is more than ample, ingress and egress are easy and the rear seat is comfortable for three adults. The third row is best left to children though, as legroom is cramped and the seat is difficult to access.
    2005 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,250 - $4,525
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2004 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,175 - $4,850
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2003 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,075 - $4,650
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
    2002 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $3,000 - $3,850
    EPA MPG
    17 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5

    1995-2001

    The midsized Explorer was introduced in 1991. In our early tests, the 4.0-liter V6 provided leisurely acceleration. Handling was sluggish, and the ride was bumpy on all but the smoothest roads. A 1995 redesign brought a better ride, along with improved handling, braking, and controls. A 5.0-liter V8 was added in 1996, and a more refined SOHC 4.0-liter V6/five-speed automatic combo was introduced for 1997. Front side air bags and a reverse sensing system were added to the options list in 1999..
    2001 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $2,950 - $4,700
    EPA MPG
    17 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2000 Ford Explorer
    Retail Price
    $2,925 - $4,400
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 5
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