Ford Explorer
Approach the 2026 Ford Explorer with caution; its 'Good' public reliability is overshadowed by a critical engine defect and a significant visibility recall.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2025 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.69 | 12.38 | — |
| 2025 | 18 | 25 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.41 | 11.76 | — |
| 2024 | 18 | 25 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.41 | 11.76 | — |
| 2023 | 18 | 25 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.41 | 11.76 | — |
| 2022 | 16 | 24 | 19 | 14.7 | 9.8 | 12.38 | — |
| 2021 | 16 | 23 | 19 | 14.7 | 10.23 | 12.38 | — |
| 2020 | 16 | 23 | 19 | 14.7 | 10.23 | 12.38 | 18-24 mpg combined |
| 2019 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2018 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2017 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2016 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | 16-26 mpg combined |
| 2015 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2014 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2013 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 | — |
| 2012 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.23 | 12.38 | — |
| 2011 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 13.84 | 10.23 | 12.38 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Regular | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2025 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Regular | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Regular | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | suv | 6 | 3.0 | Regular | Automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | suv | 6 | 3.3 | Gasoline or E85 | Automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2021 | suv | 6 | 3.3 | Gasoline or E85 | Automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | suv | 6 | 3.3 | Gasoline or E85 | Automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | V6 |
| 2019 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Gasoline or E85 | Automatic (S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | 6 | 3.5 | Gasoline or E85 | Automatic | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 290-365 hp | 255-350 lb-ft | V6 |
| 2015 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | suv | 6 | 3.5 | Regular | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | Base price | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Trim: ST-Line | ST-Line | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Trim: King Ranch | King Ranch | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Trim: XLT | XLT | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Trim: Timberline | Timberline | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | Trim: Base | Base | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | Trim: ST | ST | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | Base price: $34,400, Trim: Limited | Limited | $34,400 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $45,950, Trim: Platinum | Platinum | $45,950 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $45,355, Trim: XLT | XLT | $45,355 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $31,050, MSRP range: $31,050 - $52,970, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Original MSRP when new., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 4/4/2026 | — | — | — | USD | $31,050 | $31,050 - $52,970 | 0.9 | Original MSRP when new. | llm_estimate | 4/4/2026 |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | 6 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 6 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 3 | — | Standard | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 6 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 119.1, Front wheel: 20, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 119.1 | 20 | 18 |
| 2020 | 7 | 4 | 515 | 18.2 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 119.1, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 119.1 | 18 | 18 |
| 2019 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 20, Rear wheel: 20 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 20 | 20 |
| 2018 | 7 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 20, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 20 | 18 |
| 2017 | 7 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 112.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 112.8 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | 7 | 4 | 595 | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | abs | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | blindSpotIntervention | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | forwardCollisionWarning | laneCenteringAssist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2025 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2024 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2023 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2022 | Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2022 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | — | — | 5 | 4 | 2022 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2021 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2021 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2020 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2019 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | — | optional | standard | — | — | optional | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2018 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | — | optional | — | optional | standard | — | — | optional | optional | standard | standard | — |
| 2017 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | — | optional | — | optional | standard | — | — | standard | optional | standard | standard | — |
| 2016 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2015 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | Overall rating: 4, Frontal crash: 4, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 4, Rated vehicle: 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | Rated vehicle: 2011 Ford Explorer SUV AWD | — | — | — | — | — | 2011 Ford Explorer SUV AWD | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2026
NewestApproach the 2026 Ford Explorer with caution; its 'Good' public reliability is overshadowed by a critical engine defect and a significant visibility recall.
2025
Approach the 2025 Ford Explorer with caution; its 'Below Average' reliability is significantly impacted by documented issues with the **service brakes** and **powertrain**.
2024
The 2024 Ford Explorer presents an average reliability profile, with a critical concern around the **hood latch mechanism** requiring close inspection.
2023
The 2023 Ford Explorer presents a mixed ownership proposition, with a strong safety score offset by significant reliability concerns.
2022
Approach the 2022 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant powertrain and electrical system concerns, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.
2021
The 2021 Ford Explorer is considered below average for reliability, with significant concerns around its **powertrain** and **engine**.
2020
The 2020 Ford Explorer is a capable SUV with strong safety scores, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning powertrain issues, warrants careful consideration for used buyers.
2019
Approach the 2019 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant structural component detachment issues, making thorough pre-purchase inspection critical.
2018
Approach the 2018 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant concerns over exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
2017
Approach the 2017 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by a significant and concerning issue of exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin.
2016
The 2016 Ford Explorer is a capable SUV with a strong safety record, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning steering and engine issues, warrants careful consideration for used car shoppers.
2015
Approach with caution: persistent exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin is a well-known chronic problem that makes this a high-risk used purchase.
2014
Approach the 2014 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant concerns regarding exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin, a pervasive issue that can pose health risks.
2013
The 2013 Ford Explorer is a capable SUV with a strong safety score, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning steering issues, warrants careful consideration and thorough inspection before purchase.
2012
The 2012 Ford Explorer is a below-average risk for used car buyers, primarily due to significant and widespread steering system failures.
2011
Approach the 2011 Ford Explorer with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant steering system issues, including a documented risk of sudden power assist loss and potential steering wheel lock-up.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Ford Explorer?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Explorer reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: Approach the 2026 Ford Explorer with caution; its 'Good' public reliability is overshadowed by a critical engine defect and a significant visibility recall.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Ford Explorer. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include approach the 2026 ford explorer with caution; its 'good' public reliability is overshadowed by a critical engine defect and a significant visibility recall. and the 2026 ford explorer's value proposition is significantly impacted by its critical engine recall. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Ford Explorer?
Across Carfocal's published Explorer guides, recurring problem areas include Engine Cylinder Head Assembly, Windshield, and Front Brake Pads and Rotors. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Engine Cylinder Head Assembly, Windshield, and Front Brake Pads and Rotors.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints