2017 Ford Explorer Review

Price Range: $8,986 - $26,998

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Ford Explorer for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Jason Kavanagh

Pros

Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons

Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

What’s new

For 2017, the Ford Explorer is mechanically and visually unchanged save for a new appearance package (XLT Sport Appearance package) and modest reshuffling of the availability of a few features. Ford's latest Sync 3 infotainment system is available this year, replacing the previous MyFord Touch system.

Vehicle overview

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Columbus, OH

113 listings

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2017 Ford Explorer
Base 4dr SUV
$16,995
fair price
$1,580 below market
- 39,120 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 7 Seats
- Toyota Direct (2 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
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Located in Columbus, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FM5K7BH3HGB04878
Stock: HGB04878
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-17-2025
Price Drop
Stock photo^**
2017 Ford Explorer
XLT 4dr SUV
$14,257
good price
$1,506 below market
- 104,573 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6 Seats, 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Great Lakes Kia (4 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
4WD, Bluetooth/ Hands Free Calling, FREE CARFAX available at greatlakeskia.com, Explorer XLT, 4D Sport Utility, 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT, 6-Speed Automatic with...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FM5K8D81HGC30482
Stock: 24K3751C
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-15-2025

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A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Ford Escape of this generation, read our updates from a full year and more than 20,000 miles of living with a 2017 Ford Escape SE. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world reliability. We were impressed with the performance from the Escape's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine but think it falls short in many other areas. Get the full scoop from our long-term test.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport (3.5L turbo V6; AWD; 6-speed automatic).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Explorer has received only revisions. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Explorer.

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	5.0
Comfort	4.5
Interior	3.5
Utility	3.5

Driving

5.0

Unlike other models dubbed "Sport," the 2017 Explorer Sport is indeed sporty, thanks to its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, stiffer suspension tuning, quicker steering and our test vehicle's optional summer performance tires. The result is lots of speed and impressive handling and braking.

Acceleration

5.0

There's lots of "boost," not much "eco," with the EcoBoost V6. Has instant, effortless power anytime you touch the gas pedal. The six-speed automatic is smooth and smart about using the 350 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 mph takes just 6.3 seconds, which is excellent for a big three-row crossover.

Braking

4.5

The brakes don't feel overly powerful, but they get the job done. The pedal has a nice linear action around town, and it's easy to stop smoothly. We recorded a remarkable stopping distance from 60 mph of 108 feet, thanks largely to the (optional) sticky summer tires.

Steering

5.0

Well-tuned electric steering system and natural assist level; it turns in with immediacy. Good heft at speed but light enough for parking-lot duty. Feedback could be improved, but overall it's excellent for this class.

Handling

5.0

The Sport's stiffer suspension and optional performance tires transform the Explorer. Body roll is kept to a minimum, the tires give good grip and it doesn't feel floaty. The suspension does a good job soaking up midcorner bumps, too.

Drivability

4.0

The gas pedal can be a bit abrupt on initial tip-in. The optional adaptive cruise control is ultra-consistent and never varies by more than 1 mph; the transmission downshifts to maintain speed. Always-available power makes merging into fast traffic simple.

Off-road

3.5

The Explorer Sport comes with all-wheel drive, including a four-position controller for the Terrain Management System, letting you toggle between Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand and Grass/Gravel/Snow. Still, this is all for enhancing on-pavement traction, not conquering trails.

Comfort

4.5

Given the 2017 Explorer Sport's handling prowess, we expected ride quality to suffer. We were wrong. Although it loses a small degree of overall plush compared to the regular Explorer, the tauter handling is worth the minor trade-off. The seats are comfy, except in the third row.

Seat comfort

4.0

The reasonably wide and flat front seats are cushy with good support. Nicely padded armrests. The optional second-row buckets have excellent comfort but no inner armrests. The third-row upper seatback is hard and has awkward outer armrests.

Ride comfort

4.0

The Sport's stiffer suspension tuning means you'll feel more bumps and ruts on the road than you will in a regular Explorer, but it's still pretty comfy. The 20-inch wheels make deep potholes harsh, but the suspension is surprisingly compliant given the improved handling.

Noise & vibration

4.0

A quiet SUV. The tires are unusually silent for their size and performance-bent. Wind noise is barely noticeable, too. At full throttle, the turbocharged V6 takes on a V8-like tonal quality.

Interior

3.5

We're glad Ford finally got rid of the touch-sensitive controls on the Explorer's center stack. We highly recommend the optional sliding second-row bucket seats — you lose a seat but gain comfort as well as better third-row access and space. Rear visibility is a problem.

Ease of use

3.5

All-new Sync 3 technology interface works far better than previous versions. Radio tuning uses a button; volume, a grippy knob. Handy, configurable gauge screens.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

The long and wide-opening front doors make for a big entryway. Noticeable step down from the second row; shorter-legged folks will brush their leg on the doorsill, but hitting heads is not an issue. Second-row captain's chairs make for easy third-row access.

Driving position

3.5

Most drivers will find it easy to get in a good position that feels comfortable and affords a good view. On the downside, once situated the armrests can be too far away for some to use comfortably.

Roominess

3.5

Super airy up front, with a long dash, loads of headroom and elbow space. Second-row captain's chairs recline and, unlike the standard bench seat, slide fore and aft. Third-row headroom is good for average-size adults, but knee- and footroom are extremely tight.

Visibility

3.0

Expansive windshield and tall windows. The windshield roof pillars are thick at the bottom, though, which hampers your ability to easily look through turns. The rear view is also limited by thick pillars. Getting the optional parking sensors and other driver safety aids will help out.

Quality

4.5

A well-made SUV. Plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin; the steering wheel has quality leather; the trim pieces look good and fit together well. The only flaw we noticed was an occasional dash rattle that we couldn't pinpoint.

Utility

3.5

The cargo area's deep well is useful even if the total cargo volume isn't exceptional. There's a good variety of cabin storage overall.

Small-item storage

3.5

Anti-tip cupholders, long door pockets, a huge center console bin. The forward bin is covered but oddly shaped.

Cargo space

3.0

The deep well behind the third row provides a superior amount of space. The total capacity of 81.7 cubic feet is on the small end for the segment.

Child safety seat accommodation

Installing certain rear-facing child seats in the middle of the second row makes it difficult to use the outboard seat belts. Two child seats can fit easily in the outboard positions, but some seat manufacturers don't recommend using them in conjunction with Ford's optional inflatable seat belts.

Towing

4.0

Electronic trailer sway control and a Class III trailer tow package come standard on the Explorer Sport. Both the base V6 and this EcoBoost V6 are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost at 3,000 pounds.

Compare 2017 Ford Explorer trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Ford Explorer models

The 2017 Ford Explorer seats six or seven passengers, depending on how you equip it. There are five trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum. Three engines are available, and all models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sport and Platinum have all-wheel drive only, while Base, XLT and Limited models are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Base Explorers have the basics covered, but going up one notch to the XLT gets you a few extra features plus access to more desirable options. The Limited and Sport have similar features, while the Platinum tops off the Explorer line as the fully loaded trim.

Entry-level base models have the basics covered with their 3.5-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 255 pound-feet of torque), 18-inch wheels, rearview camera, cruise control, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat, 50/50-split third-row seat, an eight-way power driver seat (with manual recline), a 4.2-inch dashboard display screen, Sync (Ford's voice-activated phone and entertainment interface), Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system.

Going up one notch to the XLT trim adds a few features as standard, but the real draw is that it grants access to desirable options that aren't offered on base variants. We expect many buyers will find their needs met by an XLT with a few extra options added.

Base and XLT trims also offer an optional turbocharged 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (280 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque) engine. It's more fuel-efficient than the regular V6, but depending on how you drive, you might not realize a whole lot of savings. The V6 is our preferred choice of the two.

Limited models come with the turbo four-cylinder engine as standard (the V6 is optional) and add more comfort and convenience items such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen display with the new Sync 3 interface, a nine-speaker sound system and power-folding third-row seats.

It's nice, but we prefer the more substantive changes ushered in by the Sport variant. It has most of the Limited's features but comes with a gutsy turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (365 hp, 360 lb-ft of torque) and sport-oriented suspension tuning.

Likewise, range-topping Platinum trim levels are offered solely with the turbo V6 but not the unique suspension and steering tuning of Sport models. Platinum variants make standard the features offered as options on lesser trim levels. The result is the kitchen sink of comfort and driver assistance features to suit the most well-heeled buyers. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. For the Platinum, a rear-seat entertainment system and power-folding second-row captain's chairs are optional.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$187/mo

$229/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Reliability

The 2017 Ford Explorer has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #23 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#23 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$556/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

16.8%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

11 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V347000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25S53
Manufactured from:: 2015-06-11 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 492145
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Defect Consequence:: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.

Recall Number:: 24V031000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24S02
Number of vehicles affected:: 1889110
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Defect Consequence:: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

Recall Number:: 21V537000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21S32
Number of vehicles affected:: 631176
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Defect Consequence:: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.

Recall Number:: 21V316000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21S22
Number of vehicles affected:: 616967
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.

Recall Number:: 20V675000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20S62
Number of vehicles affected:: 318381
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Defect Consequence:: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.

Recall Number:: 19V651000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 19S29
Manufactured from:: 2016-02-13 to 2017-10-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 311907
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Defect Consequence:: Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.

Recall Number:: 19V435000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 19S17
Manufactured from:: 2010-05-17 to 2017-01-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 1194173
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Defect Consequence:: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

Recall Number:: 17V530000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 17S23
Manufactured from:: 2017-05-07 to 2017-05-10
Number of vehicles affected:: 253
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Defect Consequence:: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.

Recall Number:: 17V332000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 17C08
Manufactured from:: 2016-12-19 to 2017-01-19
Number of vehicles affected:: 2204
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Defect Consequence:: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 5, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.

Recall Number:: 17E048000
Manufactured from:: 2016-12-19 to 2017-02-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 630
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall Number:: 16V925000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 16S46
Manufactured from:: 2016-11-02 to 2016-11-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 1163
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Defect Consequence:: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Ford Explorer Owner Reviews

4.1

109 reviews

5(61%)

4(12%)

3(10%)

2(8%)

1(9%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great value

Dan, 10/13/2017

2017 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Costs thousands less than comparable cars from other companies. Roomy, comfortable, drives nice. Great for hauling kids, pets, and stuff around. Super in the winter snow. The XLT version with a few options get's you 99% of the higher priced versions at far less cost. The standard engine power is excellent - no reason to "upgrade". My only minor concerns are the drivers left foot room is …

Slick, quick, and legit

mminitti, 01/10/2017

2017 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

This SUV has it all. A punchy V6 that acts quickly and behaves as billed. It is fast and responsive! The torque is great. It's MPG is a bit underwhelming, but what it lacks in efficiency, it makes up in performance and agility. I've never been disappointed in the engine's performance when I have needed it. The ride is amazing as well. There is virtually no cabin noise, even at …

Still loving my Explorer after 2yrs

greatwhiteowl, 10/13/2018

2017 Ford Explorer Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

It's my cross country car. Fuel economy was not a priority; I get low 20's mpg. I chose the Explorer because I wanted an AWD car with a big windshield high off the ground. Something with enough space to let me stretch out flat if I want to skip the motel that night. Something fun to drive. My other car is a Porsche and while I didn't expect this to be Porsche-like, I didn't want to drive … a boring slug either. The Eco-boost V6 has amazing power with minimal turbo lag and will launch this puppy quite nicely, although if you floor it, you wanna be on top of the torque steer. Steering is unexpectedly quick for a big SUV, and the handling and brakes are surprisingly good. It's very comfortable! Extremely quiet; even the glass has its own sound insulation! It's a nice cockpit with nice materials. I have no issues with the Sync3 head unit, unlike the MyFordTouch offering that people hated in previous models. The sound system is amazing. What I don't like: sometimes Ford thinks it knows what you want better than you do. You can't escape the lights on entry/exit.. guess the designers never went car camping. Sometimes you get a double honk if you did something the sensors didn't expect. Sometimes the sensors do things you don't want, such as opening the rear hatch when you're trying to put on a car cover, or activating the panic button which is way too sensitive. So you're that jerk who is always flashing his lights or honking his horn for no reason. Overall, I love this car and am happy I bought it. UPDATE: Have now owned my Explorer for five years. Still love it. Here are a few criticisms I can offer: 1) The battery was seriously underprovisioned for this car. If you don't drive it all the time, it runs down. If the battery is not fully charged and you use the electronic actuators (move your seats, cycle your moonroof, etc) you may be out of luck when you try to start it again. I now carry a Jump'n'Carry in the car at all times. 2) Ford is a nagging nanny. Listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes with the power off, and the radio shuts off. This is infuriating. They have the battery % charge information; they could use this to leave the radio on longer if there's plenty of charge left, but they don't. If you are sitting in your car watching the sunset, you have to repeatedly turn the radio back on. Also, Ford turns on the cabin light whenever you open the door, whether you want it to or not. Usually I don't. At least give me the option. 3) I wish I could disable the double honk. Even after having owned the car for years, I find it still goes off in unexpected circumstances.. sometimes the doors lock themselves and when you try to open a back door, the alarm goes off. Sometimes you have the key in your pocket and unintentionally trigger the panic button. It's kind of a mess. 4) Make sure after you get an oil change that the mechanic has replaced the shield he removed from under the car in order to access the drain plug and filter. It would be fabulous if Ford had designed the car to allow easy owner oil changes, but no such luck. It is easy for the mechanic to forget to reinstall the shield, and it discourages owner oil changes. 5) I've never had to use the spare tire. But looking at the layout and checking out the directions for doing so, I hope I never do. 6) Don't go on a trip with only one key. If you lose it, you're looking at a tow to the nearest Ford dealer to reprogram you a new key. $$$ Keep an extra key in the car, but wrap it in foil so the car doesn't sense it, and hide it well because whoever finds it can take your car. Overall, the electronic interfaces are in their infancy. Clumsy and far from perfect. Ford (and probably every other car mfr) really needs to put a lot of thought and effort into improving these. Other than that, have to say I still really enjoy driving this beast!

Traded my Escalade ESV Premium and MUCH HAPPIER

Jim Keys, 02/06/2017

2017 Ford Explorer Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A)

After frustration in owning 3 successive Escalades that had the ride of a broken tractor and the ergonomics of a cracked brick, I'm much happier with my Explorer Platinum. The ride is a world better, the human factors engineering is far better and the controls fit me naturally. At 6'6" I was concerned about headroom and shoulder room, but the Explorer comes through in spades. The ride is …

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2017 Ford Explorer video

2017 Ford Explorer Expert Rundown

Looking for a great three-row crossover SUV with outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings? The 2017 Ford Explorer might be a good fit. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Explorer Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,160
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$187/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Explorer models:

Collision Warning with Brake Support: Alerts the driver to an impending forward collision and pre-charges the brakes to shorten the stopping distance.
Lane Keeping System: Vibrates the steering wheel and reduces steering effort if the car veers toward the edge of its lane.
Blind-Spot Information System: Senses vehicles in adjacent lanes and illuminates a warning in the side mirrors.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2017 Ford Explorer Review

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