The Ford Explorer has been shuttling families to and fro for over three decades. With over 8 million Explorers sold since its debut in 1991, finding a used Explorer in your price range should be easy. Late-model Explorers offer three-row seating, modern conveniences, and the latest safety technology. Resale values that fall short of competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot mean finding a reasonable price on a comparably-equipped Ford Explorer should be a relatively easy assignment.
Ford Explorer Generations
Ford Explorer (6th Generation: 2020 - Current)
Key Improvements: The current generation Ford Explorer differs greatly from the last. Whereas the prior generation sent power to its front wheels, the current Explorer gets pushed by its rears, a setup that helps improve handling. Buyers can still opt for all-wheel drive, so winter driving isn't a worry. There are numerous 4- and 6-cylinder turbocharged engine choices, all making more than 300 horsepower, as well as a hybrid engine. Look for a combined fuel economy rating of around 24 mpg for the 4-cylinder and 20-22 mpg for the V6 models. The Ford Explorer hybrid earns a combined rating of around 27 mpg. While the newest Explorer wears a more aggressive look, exterior and interior dimensions are pretty much identical. However, the current generation comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to six passengers (an optional bench seat increases capacity to seven). One area where the current Explorer shines brighter than its predecessor is safety. Standard on every Explorer is Ford’s Co-Pilot360, which includes forward collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The previous generation offered a slimmed-down version called the Safe and Smart package, only on upper-level trims. Lastly, the current Explorer has a better infotainment system, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. New optional upgrades include a digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen, and a 400-horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine.
Model Updates: The 2021 Explorer gets a few new trims, including the off-road Timberline and luxury King Ranch. Changes for 2022 are minor and include a start/stop delete option on the 4-cylinder engine and expanded availability of the 400-horsepower engine to the King Ranch and Platinum trims. For 2024, the hybrid engine gets dropped from the lineup, and the 2025 model brings a mid-cycle refresh with a simplified trim structure and the available BlueCruise hands-free driving system.
Ford Explorer (5th Generation: 2011 - 2019)
Key Improvements: The fifth-generation Explorer moves from a rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame platform to a front-drive unit body. The difference gives the Explorer better riding and handling characteristics, improved safety and crash-test scores, and a roomier interior. New engines for this generation include a turbocharged 4-cylinder and turbocharged or normally-aspirated (non-turbocharged) V6s, but no V8. The fifth-generation Explorer gets better gas mileage but can’t tow as much, limited to 5,000 pounds vs 7,100 for the V8-powered fourth-generation Explorer. And, although the fifth-generation SUV loses about an inch of ground clearance, its AWD system is far more advanced. Later models in this generation also gain more safety equipment and driver-assist technology (see Other Changes section). There also more in-cabin technology, including touchscreen infotainment with MyFord Touch and a configurable instrument cluster, and luxury upgrades like an active parking assistant, a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and a Sony audio system.
Model Updates: For 2012, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder joins the fleet. The 2013 Explorer gets a turbocharged V6 and more standard safety equipment. The 2016 Explorer sees revisions to its exterior and interior, a new touchscreen infotainment unit, and a new 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder replacing the old 2.0-liter unit. For 2018, Ford adds the Safe and Smart Package that brings adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic detection, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist.
Ford Explorer (4th Generation: 2006 - 2010)
The fourth generation Explorer doesn’t have the modern safety and driver-assist systems of newer models, but it is the last Explorer built using a truck-like, body-on-frame chassis, meaning it offers superior strength for towing (up to 7,100 pounds) and off-road exploration. This generation is better than the last, with an improved suspension, a more modern interior, and cool features like a power-folding third-row seat. Engine choices carry over, with a standard V6 and optional V8. Side curtain airbags become standard after 2008, and after 2009, trailer sway control.
Ford Explorer (3rd Generation: 2002 - 2005)
The third-generation Explorer is better than the second, having moved off the old Ford Ranger platform onto a newer design with an independent rear suspension intended to improve handling. Longer than the last Explorer, this generation offers more interior room for people and cargo, including an available third-row seat. Engine choices remain the old 4.0-liter V6 and a new modular 4.6-liter V8.
Ford Explorer (2nd Generation: 1995 - 2001)
This generation suffered a black eye due to several controversial rollover incidences, which turned out to be more of an issue with the Explorer’s Firestone tires failing, leading to loss of control. Basically a revised version of the original, the second-generation Explorer is the first to offer a V8 engine, standard dual front airbags, and a mid-size pickup spin-off called the Explorer Sport Trac.
Ford Explorer (1st Generation: 1991 - 1994)
The first Explorer replaced the old Bronco II, adding two more doors, a longer wheelbase, and a more family-friendly interior. Reasonably reliable, this and the second-generation Explorers make good off-road conversion vehicles. Still, their age means mechanical and body issues (like rust) will likely be part of the deal.
Ford Explorer Buying Tips
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