2019 Ford Explorer Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

Minor changes to the availability of certain features among the various trim levelsPart of the fifth Explorer generation introduced for 2011

　　The Explorer hasn't changed much since this generation's introduction in 2011, though it had a face-lift in 2016. But it still offers solid refinement, and its three engine offerings give it a lot of versatility. It's had to face increasingly stout competition as the years pile up. In the wash, the Explorer's tight third-row legroom and at-times ponderous routine handling stand out as drawbacks. On the plus side, the Explorer's list of tech-oriented features is long, yet it's user-friendly.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$189/mo  for Explorer Base

　　Explorer Base

　　4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $32,365 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $34,515 MSRPXLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $34,400 MSRPXLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $36,550 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $42,765 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $44,915 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) - $46,625 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 6A) - $54,165 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　In Sport trim, the Explorer shines brightest. It handles significantly more sharply than lesser trim levels, which can feel detached and ponderous around town. We're also fans of the exceptionally powerful and refined twin-turbo V6, though it's reserved only for upper trim levels.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The Ford Explorer Sport is considerably more appealing than other trim levels and as such garners a stronger rating than the rest. Beyond its EcoBoost V6, we were wowed by the handling, which transforms the Explorer from ponderous to sporty without ruining the ride. Downsides: The third row is tight for adults and the EcoBoost is far from miserly on fuel.

　　

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 Ford Explorer Sport (turbo 3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Driving

　　Unlike other models dubbed "Sport," the 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

　　There's lots of "boost," not much "eco," with the EcoBoost V6. It 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

　　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

　　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

　　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

　　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. The always available power makes merging into fast traffic simple.

　　

Off-road

　　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 modes. Still, this is all for enhancing on-pavement traction, not conquering trails.

　　

Comfort

　　Given the 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

　　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

　　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

　　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

　　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

　　The Sync 3 technology interface works well. Radio tuning uses a button; volume gets a grippy knob. We like the configurable gauge cluster display screens.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　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 legs on the doorsill, but hitting heads is not an issue. The second-row captain's chairs make for easy third-row access.

　　

Driving position

　　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

　　Super airy up front, with a long dash, loads of headroom and elbow space. The second-row captain's chairs recline and, unlike the standard bench seat, they slide fore and aft, granting more third-row legroom and thus space for adults or big teens in all rows.

　　

Visibility

　　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

　　A well-made SUV. There's plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin; the steering wheel has quality leather; and 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

　　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.

　　

Which Explorer does zzdcar recommend?

　　Without question, the Sport trim is the version of the Explorer we like best. It's one of the few ways to get the twin-turbocharged V6, which delivers power in spades. Plus, its suspension enhancements improve the Explorer's handling reflexes without making its ride quality punishing or noisy.

　　

2019 Ford Explorer models

　　There are five different ways to configure your 2019 Ford Explorer: the base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum trim levels, which cover a broad swath of features. The base, XLT and Limited models are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the Sport and Platinum are offered solely with all-wheel drive. Regardless of trim level, every Explorer is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　The base trim, predictably, sits at the very bottom of the Explorer range. Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch central display, Bluetooth, a USB port and Ford's Sync voice command system. Under the hood is a non-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 255 pound-feet of torque), while a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (280 hp, 310 lb-ft of torque) is available as an option.

　　The XLT trim level is one rung up the ladder, adding a few standard features over the base trim level such as a power-adjustable front passenger seat, satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are two main option packages to consider with the XLT. The first is the Driver Connect package that includes an 8-inch central touchscreen with the Sync 3 interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and extra USB ports. You can also get a Ford Safe and Smart package that comes with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and automatic wipers.

　　Buyers who want to amp things up will be attracted to the Limited trim, which adds the features from the XLT's Driver Connect package plus leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium audio and power-folding third-row seats. Note that the Limited comes standard with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but you can still get the regular V6 if you want.

　　While those additional comfort items are desirable, we're partial to the Sport variant's more fundamental changes. These models come with a powerful turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (365 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque), firmer suspension tuning and a towing package.

　　It's possible to get the turbocharged V6 paired to the softer suspension of non-Sport models by going for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim level. It comes with the Ford Safe and Smart package, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, an automated parking system, premium leather upholstery, a premium audio system and more.

　　

2019 Explorer Highlights

Trim: BaseXLTLimitedSportPlatinumBase

　　

Base MSRP	$32,365
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles