Cons: Tight second-row seat; feels a bit cumbersome in close quarters; prices rise quickly as options are added[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: The 2019 Ford Explorer gains safety features. Blind-spot alert is now standard on all Explorers except the base model. Ford’s Safe and Smart Package (adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, and lane-keep assist) is now standard on Platinum and is available on XLT, Limited, and Sport. Ford Explorer is a midsize crossover SUV with three rows of seating. Three engines are offered: a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, a 280-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, and a 365-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. All engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Base, XLT, and Limited offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Sport and Platinum are exclusively all-wheel drive. Available features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill-descent control, hands-free power liftgate, park assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| 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 | Base: $33,360 AWD Base: $35,510 XLT: $35,395 AWD XLT: $37,545 Limited: $43,760 AWD Limited: $45,910 AWD Sport: $47,620 AWD Platinum: $55,160 |
| Base Engine 3.5-liter V6 (Base, XLT) |
| Horsepower 290 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (Limited) |
| Horsepower 280 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-27 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (Sport, Platinum) |
| Horsepower 365 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22 |
Test Drive: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum
2016 Ford Explorer: New Look, New Tech, New Luxury Model
First Spin: 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum
2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Ford Explorer
2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Ford Explorer ST and Hybrid
First Look: 2020 Ford Police Interceptor (Spoiler Alert: It’s an Explorer)
2018 Ford Explorer Review[/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][mk_content_box heading=”Also Consider”][vc_column_text]Chevrolet Traverse
Honda Pilot
Toyota Highlander[/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][mk_content_box heading=”NHTSA Ratings” icon=”moon-signup” el_class=”ratings-box”][mk_skill_meter title=”Overall – 5″ percent=”100″][vc_column_text]
