Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV





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Edmunds' Expert Review

- 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
- Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
- Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar
What’s new
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.
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 / 5Trim 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
5.0Acceleration
5.0Braking
4.5Steering
5.0Handling
5.0Drivability
4.0Off-road
3.5Comfort
4.5Seat comfort
4.0Ride comfort
4.0Noise & vibration
4.0Interior
3.5Ease of use
3.5Getting in/getting out
4.0Driving position
3.5Roominess
3.5Visibility
3.0Quality
4.5Utility
3.5Small-item storage
3.5Cargo space
3.0Child safety seat accommodation
Towing
4.0Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?
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.


Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
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
5 out of 5 stars- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Overview
The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV is offered in the following styles: XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A), Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Ford Explorer SUV models are available with a 3.5 L-liter flex-fuel (FFV) engine or a 3.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 365 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV?
Price comparisons for Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV trim styles:
- The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV XLT is priced between $20,998 and$35,998 with odometer readings between 6219 and126989 miles.
- The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Limited is priced between $22,000 and$38,998 with odometer readings between 23432 and123852 miles.
- The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Sport is priced between $27,990 and$39,998 with odometer readings between 24580 and102149 miles.
- The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Base is priced between $20,998 and$26,990 with odometer readings between 38684 and114060 miles.
- The Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Platinum is priced between $26,803 and$38,590 with odometer readings between 29633 and102380 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2017 Ford Explorer SUVS are available in my area?
Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV Listings and Inventory
There are currently 187 used and CPO 2017 Ford Explorer SUVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $20,998 and mileage as low as 6219 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a prew-owned vehicle from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a used or CPO vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2017 Ford Explorer SUV.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Ford Explorer SUV for sale near you.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 Ford Explorer?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials
Check out Ford Explorer lease specials
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