Pros: Broad range of available safety features; impressively quiet cabin; good fuel economy with EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine
Cons: Tight second-row seat; feels a bit cumbersome in close quarters; prices rise quickly as options are added
CG Says: After a fairly thorough refresh for 2016, the Ford Explorer sees two changes of note for 2017. A new SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system replaces the unloved MyFord Touch interface, and a new Sport Appearance Package debuts for the XLT model. Explorer is a very nice 7-passenger crossover that unfortunately competes with several other very nice 7-passenger crossovers. This Ford does a good job balancing the rugged attributes of an SUV with the more car-like dynamics expected of today’s crossover vehicles. The same is true for most of its rivals though, and they often cost less.
| Class | Midsize SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 7 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | 2WD Base: $31,160 AWD Base: $33,310 2WD XLT: $33,625 AWD XLT: $35,775 2WD Limited: $41,525 AWD Limited: $43,675 AWD Sport: $45,205 AWD Platinum: $53,235 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 290 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23-24 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 280 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 365 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22 |
