Ford Explorer
Purchase price from £0
Expert rating
5 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
KBB rates the Explorer 4 out of 5, calling it one of the most thoughtfully designed midsize SUVs. The cabin is spacious and functional, seating up to seven, though the third row is best for kids. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite offers many features for the price. The ride is smooth, especially with rear-wheel drive, which improves handling. Fuel economy is average at about 10.2 l/100 km city. The Limited trim is recommended for the best value, offering leather seats, heated steering wheel, and panoramic roof. A great choice for families wanting a reliable, safe, and roomy daily driver.
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver rates the Ford Explorer highly for its balanced ride, strong powertrain options, and family-friendly cabin. The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder provides adequate motivation, while the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 in the ST trim transforms the three-row SUV into a genuinely quick hauler, with 400 horsepower and brisk acceleration. The interior is praised for its modern SYNC 4 infotainment system and large vertical touchscreen, though some controls require menu digging. Cargo space is competitive, and the third row remains best for children rather than adults. The Explorer's handling is notably agile for the segment, with composed body control and responsive steering, making it more engaging to drive than many rivals. Towing capacity is also a strong point, reaching up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The top Platinum trim adds luxury touches and a smooth adaptive suspension. Fuel economy is mediocre, especially with the V-6. Overall, Car and Driver considers the Explorer a top choice among three-row crossovers, recommending mid-level trims for the best value. It finishes near the top of its comparison tests thanks to a rare combination of practicality, performance, and driving enjoyment.
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MotorTrend
MotorTrend's review of the Ford Explorer emphasizes its athletic driving dynamics and strong powertrain lineup. The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform that gives it a balanced stance and more engaging handling than most three-row crossovers. MotorTrend appreciates the availability of the 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 in the Explorer ST, which delivers sports-car-like acceleration in a family SUV. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is smooth and efficient enough for daily duty, while the hybrid powertrain, when equipped, improves city fuel economy. The interior receives praise for its redesigned dashboard, available digital instrument cluster, and generous second-row legroom. However, the third row is cramped, and some interior materials feel below the price point. The infotainment system is feature-rich but the large vertical screen can be distracting to use while driving. MotorTrend also notes that the Explorer's ride is firm at times, particularly on rough roads with larger wheels. Off-road-oriented Timberline trim adds all-terrain capability. Overall, MotorTrend concludes the Explorer is one of the best-driving options in its class, but practical families may prefer roomier, more efficient rivals.
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Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book gives the Ford Explorer strong marks for performance, capability, and a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features. KBB highlights the Explorer's muscular styling and available ST-Line and ST trims, which bring sporty looks and serious power. The base engine provides decent acceleration and respectable highway fuel economy, while the V-6 upgrades offer substantial towing muscle up to 5,600 pounds when properly configured. The interior is described as comfortable and modern, with supportive front seats and an intuitive touchscreen interface. The third row remains best for children, and cargo capacity is moderate compared with boxier rivals. KBB notes that the Explorer's price can escalate quickly with options, and some competitors offer more standard equipment for less. Resale values are projected to be average for the segment. The 2025 refresh improves interior quality and technology, adding a larger display and updated safety tech. KBB recommends the Explorer for shoppers who value driving dynamics and towing capability over maximum passenger space, and suggests comparing Limited and Platinum trims for the best balance of comfort and convenience.
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U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Ford Explorer as one of the top three-row SUVs, scoring highly for its performance, interior technology, and safety features. The review praises the Explorer's responsive acceleration, particularly with the available V-6 engines, and its composed ride quality on the highway. The cabin is upgraded for recent model years, featuring higher-quality materials and a large, easy-to-use touchscreen. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, earning the Explorer excellent safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. U.S. News notes that the third row is cramped and difficult to access, making it less practical for large families than rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Cargo space is also below average for the class. However, the Explorer compensates with confident handling and a wide range of trims, from the efficient base model to the high-performance ST. The report recommends the Limited trim for its balance of luxury and value. Overall, U.S. News considers the Explorer a strong, fun-to-drive choice for those who prioritize driving engagement over maximum interior space.
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