A blue 2023 Ford Explorer for sale is shown parked on a street.

Exploring Your Options: the Ford Explorer

Those on the prowl for a Ford Explorer for sale—whether new or pre-owned—should know what to expect when they make their first trip to a dealer. With the power of a reliable engine and plenty of room for all your cargo needs, this SUV is ready to take you and your family anywhere you need to go. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out more about this great deal!

A white 2023 Ford Explorer is parked on a dock.

Model Year 2023: Improving Upon Greatness

The newest version of the Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that comfortably seats seven and has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for four years straight. This Explorer comes standard with the Lane Keeping System—a suite of driver assistance features that include Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert—as well as a Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines and Rear Parking Sensors. The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control helps you maintain command of your vehicle in unruly road conditions, like ice, rain, or loose gravel. The Terrain Management System compliments this safety feature with seven distinct Drive Modes for unique environmental scenarios, being Normal, Sport, Eco, Trail, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Deep Snow/Sand—although the latter is available only with the four-wheel drivetrain.

The intelligent four-wheel drive is available with all trim levels, whereas rear-wheel drive comes standard on all Ford Explorers. There are three engine options, with a ten-speed automatic transmission standard for all. The base engine is a 2.3L Turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, providing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, and a facilitated towing capacity of 5,300 lbs. The 3.0L twin-Turbocharged EcoBoost V6 sacrifices some fuel economy for increased capabilities, providing 400 hp, 410 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs against an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The third option—a naturally aspirated 3.3L Hybrid V6—focuses specifically on fuel efficiency, providing 318 hp, 322 lb-ft of torque, a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and an exceptional EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. (Those are some seriously good numbers for a three-row SUV.)

The 2023 Ford Explorer has a very comfortable interior, with generous head and legroom, even in the third row. The Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control system gives all three rows an individual interface for managing temperature and airflow, delivering on even the intangible arenas of comfort. These seats can fold down, too, to expand the cargo space from a meager 18.2 cu.ft. to a pragmatic 47.9 cu.ft. and further to an invaluable 87.8 cu.ft. Accessing this compartment is made super easy with the power liftgate, wherein you can open and close your trunk hatch with the mere push of a button.

The pilot’s chair—a luxurious eight-way power configurable seat—faces an instrument panel with a 4.2-inch color LCD display, providing a smorgasbord of helpful tools like an Outside Temperature Display, Trip Computer, Productivity Screen, and Message Center. Remote Keyless Entry is a godsend for those with full hands, and the SYNC 3 voice assistant is just as useful while driving, able to perform various media, climate, and smartphone-interfaced actions after a quick verbal summon. Linking your phone is a snap with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps, and the central, upright 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen enables easy use of your preferred navigation and media tools. This technological hub also features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, two USB ports, and an MP3 plugin for a direct line to your Exporer’s six surround speakers.

Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer is a powerful, comfortable ride with plenty of room and all the latest technology. Its top-tier driver assistance features and structurally sound body makes it one of the safest vehicles on the road, while the entire package is so refined it’s been ranked the overall third-best in its class by JD Power. Years from now, the 2023 Ford Explorer will be one of the few pre-owned vehicles to keep its price tag high.

A blue Ford Explorer ST is shown driving on a highway.

Model Year 2022: The High-Performance Option

When it comes to family cars, the 2022 Ford Explorer is an excellent option that comes with high performance, style, and comfort. Not only does this four-door SUV feature a beautifully sculpted exterior, but it also boasts an aggressive grille that is designed to take on any on-road terrain with ease and protection.

This car seats up to seven passengers comfortably and provides a generous amount of cargo space. Ford made getting into the third row easier than ever by incorporating E-Z Entry technology into the second-row seats. With just one simple lever, the seats can be moved out of the way, making it easy for kids and adults alike to hop in the back.

Inside the Ford Explorer, drivers will find all the bells and whistles. It has a tablet-like computer dashboard with a touchscreen for ease of operation and intuitive swiping gestures. With optional heated seating, a sporty-style steering wheel, and an amazing 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, there is truly something for everyone in this SUV.

Whether you are taking the family on an extended vacation or just out for a joyride, the 2022 Ford Explorer has something for everyone. This SUV offers a safe, secure, and enjoyable driving experience with features to meet any need. It is the perfect car for families looking to adventure in both comfort and style.

Model Year 2019: The Inspiration for Innovation

The Ford Explorer has been an icon of reliability and dependability in the automotive world for years. However, even reliable cars experience hiccups, which was no different for the 2019 Ford Explorer. There was a recall on the retention pins that could potentially loosen and cause the roof rail cover to detach from the vehicle. Luckily, the remedy for this issue was relatively simple and straightforward: the nearest dealership would install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers as needed.

Thankfully, Ford provided this fix for free and with minimal inconvenience. In spite of this minor recall, drivers can still count on their Explorer as a reliable and safe mode of transportation. If you are looking for a vehicle that offers plenty of passenger and cargo space and a trio of powerful engine choices, the 2019 Ford Explorer could be just the ticket. Its comfortable ride is sure to please, and—despite the meager standard features of its base trim—this Explorer has some undeniable perks.

Regarding fuel efficiency, however, the 2019 Explorer’s ratings are a bit lower than those of its competitors. Its interior also feels relatively cheap, especially in its lower trims, and its overall IIHS safety rating of “Acceptable” ranked it below the competition. These issues stemmed from the fifth generation of the Explorer becoming outdated and the Ford design team focusing primarily on the all-new Explorer relaunch for 2020. Nevertheless, if you are in the market for a pre-owned SUV that offers a great ride, plenty of cargo and passenger room, and the benefit of several powerful engine choices, the 2019 Ford Explorer is an excellent choice. With some added after-market features, it’s sure to exceed expectations.

A 2019 Ford Explorer is shown parked in front of a barn.

Where Luxury and Affordability Collide

The Ford Explorer is the perfect blend of luxury and performance. Its comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy, and vast array of features make it one of the top SUVs on the market. Its sporty exterior, along with its robust and spacious interior, offers drivers an exceptional experience. Ford has truly gone the extra mile with its packages and technology offerings in recent years, providing its customers with a vehicle that will never disappoint—although older models still hold up as savvy and reliable transporters. With an unrivaled combination of value and features, it’s no surprise the Ford Explorer has become America’s best-selling SUV.