Item: 2017 Ford Explorer
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

Just when you think the Ford Explorer couldn't get any better, the 2017 models drop to change your mind. With some minor updates from the previous year, the Explorer remains a top competitor.

What's New for 2017

The 2016 Ford Explorer was tremendously upgraded from all the previous years, which left little room for the 2017 to be modified. The 2017 offers an all-new Sport Appearance Package, which features a darker grille, 20-inch wheels, and black roof racks to go with it. However, the bigger upgrade lies in the interior, and that is the new SYNC 3 interface, which simplifies the system for the user.

Choosing Your Ford Explorer

The standard engine on the 2017 Explorer is a V6 3.5-liter, which is featured in two models: the Base model and the XLT model. If you use your Ford for basic daily-driving tasks, the 290 horsepower, 255 pound-feet of torque will do the job with ease. The six-speed transmission helps with the fuel economy, giving an average of 17 mpg on the streets, and 24 mpg on a nice highway cruise.

The 2017 Ford Explorer offers two additional engine options:

2.3-liter EcoBoost V4 engine, which is the home for 280 horses, and a 310 pound-feet of torque. This is a rather impressive torque for a four cylinder engine. This engine uses roughly 19 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway. However, if you choose the AWD option, expect 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost, which produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque; this is enough to tow most things you can think of. This engine can only be owned if you get the Sport model or the Platinum model. This strong engine is expected to use 16 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on the open highway.

The Ford Explorer offers five levels of trim:

CarsDirect Tip

The 2016 featured a major make-over, which transferred onto the 2017 Explorer. Since the big 2017 upgrade is the easy to use SYNC 3 interface, it's recommended for buyers to experience that, which is only featured in the Limited model and above.

Get your price on a Ford Explorer »

Bassem Girgis

- June 30, 2016

Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - September 26, 2016

The Ford Explorer is the blue oval brand’s largest crossover, a three-row midsize SUV with room for seven. Previously a truck-based SUV, the Explorer transitioned to a car-derived crossover in 2011 and continues to benefit from regular updates to the product line.

Some buyers may look for an eighth seating position as found in some competing models, but Ford doesn’t offer this option. Instead, you have the Transit van and the big Expedition SUV to consider for your additional passenger needs.

Our reviewers noted the bottom cushions on the second-row seat points down at an awkward angle. You’d be better off opting for the available bucket seats, but that does mean forgoing one seating position.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The leather-wrapped interior in the Platinum edition is top shelf, matching what many luxury models offer. Clearly, Ford has luxury SUV shoppers targeted in the Explorer Platinum, although that also means Lincoln shoppers may want to take a closer look too.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Work with the Ford pricing configurator and you’ll quickly learn how easy it is to drive the final price of the Platinum edition above $55,000, especially if you add the dual-headrest DVD entertainment system ($1,995) or opt for second-row bucket seats ($695). That your final price may approach $60,000 is simply stunning.

The Bottom Line

Ford continues to expand its fleet of people movers—vans, crossovers, and SUVs alike. The 2017 Explorer offers shoppers a compelling reason to look at the model line, while offering more engine choices than most competitors.

Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs.

Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.

Transmission

6-spd SelectShift w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

17 / 24 / 20 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs. Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	18.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$71

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	80.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	152 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	198.3 "
Exterior Width	78.9 "
Exterior Height	70.0 "
Front Headroom	41.4 "
Rear Headroom	40.6 "
Front Legroom	42.9 "
Rear Legroom	39.5 "
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room	61.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,443 Lbs.
Wheel Base	113 "
Turning Radius	19.6 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Metal-look W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	7
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Split-bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm, Seek-scan / Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	4

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2017 Ford Explorer for Sale

12 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area