2017 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance

At a Glance

Pricing $31,160 - $53,235
Drive Types FWD, AWD
Engines 2.3l I4 T, 3.5l V6, 3.5l V6 T
Transmissions A6
Fuel Economy 16-19 (city), 22-27 (highway)

The Ford Explorer is a hall-of-fame vehicle. The original Explorer helped to define the SUV segment and for years sold in numbers that no modern SUV or crossover could duplicate. In 2011, Ford reinvented the Explorer. Like all but the largest SUVs, the Explorer is now a unibody vehicle with a FWD-biased drive system. The new Explorer is longer and wider than before with a more spacious interior for seven passengers. By comparison, the Honda Pilot is slightly smaller, but the Chevrolet Traverse is slightly larger. Under the hood, most models equip a 290-bhp 3.5l V6 that has more power than competitive V6s and nearly matches the output of the prior generation's V8. Ford also equips the Explorer with an unusual 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder (FWD only) promising increased fuel economy. Ford offers the Explorer in three trim levels ranging from about $30,000 to well over $40,000, ensuring that there is a model for every taste and budget.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Explorer 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $31,160
Explorer 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $31,655
Explorer 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $33,310
Explorer 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $33,805
Explorer XLT 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $33,625
Explorer XLT 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $34,120
Explorer XLT 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $35,775
Explorer XLT 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $36,270
Explorer Limited 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 FWD $41,525
Explorer Limited 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 FWD $41,525
Explorer Limited 3.5l V6 (290-bhp) A6 AWD $43,675
Explorer Limited 2.3l I4 T (280-bhp) A6 AWD $43,675
Explorer Sport 3.5l V6 T (365-bhp) A6 AWD $45,205
Explorer Platinum 3.5l V6 T (365-bhp) A6 AWD $53,235