2019 Ford Explorer

Overview

On the surface, the Ford Explorer appears to be an upscale SUV, borrowing high-class styling from one of the world's shimmering luxo-utes, the Land Rover Range Rover. But look closer and the Ford's true colors begin to show, mainly in the form of a cabin that is durable and family-friendly but not at all posh. Yes, tech goodies such as touchscreen infotainment, onboard Wi-Fi, and driver-assistance technologies are options—but they're also available on nearly all of its main rivals, too, and some even offer them as standard. The Explorer is capable and agreeable, but its time as king of the three-row-crossover castle is just a memory now.

What's New for 2019?

While the Explorer has not been significantly updated since being refreshed for 2016, the popular mid-sizer has several mild changes for 2019. Most of these changes are limited to changes to standard equipment among the various models and repackaged driver-assistance options. The XLT version adds a new Desert Copper appearance package, which includes 20-inch wheels and numerous black exterior and interior treatments. The Limited model also receives a new bespoke appearance upgrade called the Luxury Limited package. It brings 20-inch rims, chrome mirror caps, and specific leather and faux-suede interior appointments.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We are most enthusiastic about the hottest Explorer model, the Sport. It's far from the most affordable model in the range, but its standard 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 is a diamond in the coal mine that constitutes the rest of the powertrain lineup. The Sport model also includes all-wheel drive, an infotainment system featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and power-folding third-row seats. We'd also opt for the 401A Equipment Group package that adds cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a front camera, ambient interior lighting, and more.

Engine, Transmission, Towing, and Performance

Likes: Twin-turbo V-6 is refined and powerful, comfortable and quiet ride.

Dislikes: Not too exciting to drive on twisty roads, soft brake pedal.

The base V-6 and optional turbo four-cylinder engines are both adequate for most duties. While the V-6 is somewhat unrefined and the turbo four can be hesitant to pull away from a stop, neither will disappoint the average crossover consumer. The twin-turbocharged V-6 found in the Sport and Platinum, however, is wicked quick. The Explorer can tow up to 5000 pounds, but those in need of a three-row crossover capable of hauling heavier loads should consider the Dodge Durango, which can tow as much as 7400 pounds.

The Explorer drives bigger than it is. Its well-damped ride prioritizes comfort over dynamic handling. That's a blessing for those who regularly travel on rough roads or take long trips, but it's a curse for those who enjoy taking the long and winding route home. While more communicative steering would be nice, the electrically assisted system is both quick and light enough for typical crossover activities such as crawling mall parking lots and carting people across town. The Explorer's brake pedal is on the softer side, but in our testing its 174-foot stopping distance proved fully competitive among three-row crossovers.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Explorer's fuel economy is unimpressive. The optional turbocharged four-cylinder delivers fuel economy that is no better than its rivals, although, to its credit, it does pump out far more power. During our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, our twin-turbo test vehicle missed its 22-mpg highway estimate by 2 mpg and finished behind similar rivals.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Spacious first and second rows, long list of desirable options.

Dislikes: Poor rear visibility, cumbersome third-row entry, no useful third-row cubby storage.

The Explorer's interior suffers from an awkward layout and poor build quality. While the materials used in our top-of-the-line Platinum test vehicle were of high quality, cabin fit and finish was horrid—panels fit together poorly, and gaps between panels were large. Also, the Explorer has poorer rear visibility than many of its peers. Spacious accommodations and comfortable front seats are the interior's few saving graces.

We've found the upgraded touchscreen infotainment system—called Sync 3—to be intuitive and fairly snappy in its performance. Most every connectivity feature is offered on the Explorer, but unfortunately very few are standard. Capable of connecting up to 10 devices, the Explorer's optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot keeps the whole family online and entertained—a boon for long road trips with antsy kids.

The Explorer benefits from an extremely roomy cargo area behind its third-row seat. Less impressive is the space behind the front row of seats when both the second and third rows are folded. Various bins and cubbies throughout the Explorer's large cabin provide adequate small-item storage.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Explorer's safety features and crash-test superiority may have been top-notch back in 2011 when it was last redesigned, but in comparison with what is offered by today's more modern crossovers, they don't compete. Seatbelt airbags are the Explorer's sole stand-out safety feature and all of its driver-assistance equipment require shelling out for option packages.

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available parking assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford's warranty coverage is strictly average. Note that the Blue Oval does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance with the purchase of an Explorer—a perk offered on competitors such as the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance