Families needing 3 rows, decent towing, and Ford's technology ecosystem. The 2025 redesign is a significant improvement over the controversial 2020-2023 generation. Best for suburban families who need occasional towing and want American brand support.
Every available trim — starting price, key features, and who it's for.
| Trim | Starting Price | Key Features & Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $38,675 | FWD. 2.3L EcoBoost. SYNC 4. Most features buyers need. |
| XLT | $41,135 | Best value trim. Co-Pilot360. Heated seats. 18" wheels. |
| Limited | $51,300 | Leather. B&O audio. Panoramic roof. Premium feel. |
| ST-Line | $46,200 | Sport appearance. Handling-tuned. No performance engine. |
| ST | $58,550 | 2.3L High-Output 400hp. Performance tuned suspension. Fun. |
| Platinum | $56,800 | Max luxury. 21" wheels. Every luxury option standard. |
Every cost, reliability, and buying question answered on dedicated pages.
The most searched questions about the Explorer — answered with data.
Reliability depends heavily on the generation. The 2020-2023 Explorer (rear-wheel-drive platform) had documented transmission, software, and build quality issues — avoid these years. The 2025 redesign returns to a more conventional platform with dramatically improved early quality scores. For used buying, stick to 2019 and earlier, or 2025+.
Average full-coverage insurance for a Ford Explorer is $156/month for a 40-year-old driver with a clean record. This is $11/month below the national average for midsize SUVs. The ST performance trim costs approximately $185/month. The Explorer is generally affordable to insure relative to its size and capability.
A well-maintained Explorer with the 3.5L V6 (pre-2020 generation) can reach 200,000+ miles. The 2020-2023 Explorer with RWD platform has a more uncertain long-term outlook. The 2025+ Explorer is too new for long-term data. Average Explorer lifespan based on current data: 150,000-200,000 miles.
Yes — 3-row seating, 87.8 cu ft cargo with seats folded, and 5,600 lb tow rating make it practical for most family needs. The third row is tighter than a Traverse or Pilot. For genuine 3-row space for large adults, the Traverse or Pilot may be a better fit.
Buy Highlander if reliability is your primary concern — it has a significantly better long-term reliability record than the 2020-2023 Explorer. Buy Explorer if you prefer American brand support, want the optional ST performance package, or if you're buying a 2025+ model (which dramatically improves reliability). The Explorer has more powerful base engine and better towing capacity.
The Explorer ST is a performance-tuned variant with a 2.3L High-Output EcoBoost producing 400hp. It features sport suspension tuning, Brembo brakes, ST-badged interior, and performance-oriented all-season tires. It's one of the most powerful 3-row SUVs available and genuinely fun to drive — a real performance SUV, not just a badge package.