2013 Ford Explorer Sport 0-60 MPH Mile High Drive and Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is a family hauler, but it's also the fastest Explorer that you can buy. Under the hood of this Crossover rocket is Ford's 3.5L V6 Ecoboost twin turbo engine that comes straight out of the Ford Taurus SHO. In other words, think of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport as an all-wheel-drive Ford Taurus SHO that can seat up to 7 people. In this TFLcar drive and review we find out just how fast the Ford Explorer Sport with go from 0-60 MPH @ a mile above sea level.

[@martygivens6726]

Just bought a 2014 Ford Explorer Sport, trading in a BMW 335i with the M sport package, our other car is a 2004 VW R32 (best car ever!). Now I'm not going to compare the Explorer to the BMW in speed but the Explorer is (and feels) fast. You put the pedal down....wait a second and then it takes off - way faster than I thought it would be and it's not bad in the corners either. It's a big bulky mini-van/SUV but it's still got a sporty feel to it. I like it!

[@martygivens6726]

Nope the BMW was bone stock.

[@TonyTube407]

I love, love, love my '15 Explorer Sport!!!

[@jamesshanitabarnes4782]

Do you race

[@TonyTube407]

@@jamesshanitabarnes4782 I do not. But I still love my Explorer. She now has a Livernois performance tune as well.

[@DM-dv5jx]

@@TonyTube407 has it had as many reliability problems as every one says ?? I'm looking at a 2017 sport.

[@TonyTube407]

@@DM-dv5jx My '15 sure was reliable. I have a 2017 Sport now & hoping it too will be cheap to own.

[@DM-dv5jx]

@@TonyTube407 thanks for the reply!

[@tdwillis1]

This vehicles cost value is subjective. But in my opinion it's worth every dime. Great job Ford.

[@dougsk75]

This means that the same system is delivering less air to the engine because overall there is still a difference of 2.4 PSI for the system (decrease in density of air) ..... Not taking into account other factors such as temperature. That is basically how I understand it.

[@darksdofthmoon40]

Well you guys made my mind up for me. I have been looking at the sport and now I'm going to try one out. Thanks.

[@brucec43]

Jellybean? This is far more distinctive looking than 90% of crossovers. Also, Explorers are currently heavily discounted vs many other vehicles. Low 40's for a loaded one, tops.

[@fifty-ot1eq]

how's the realibility? if you were to choose overall, 4runner or this?

[@malnute]

why do you wear jeans with holes in the cold?

[@fcinternetmarketing]

Would love to own one!

[@macjunky123]

there is no way that lshort guy is 6 1"...maybe the other person, unless it is my eyes playing games lol

[@jtwon315]

Drove this yesterday. Love the power, stability and design. Low spots for me are probably its weight and steering wheel. But if I were to buy an suv/crossover, I'd definitely consider this

[@TFLcar]

We love Australia. What a great country and great people. Perhaps one day we'll actually get down under and review a Holden or two. Thanks for watching.

[@TFLcar]

Turbos help somewhat but they don't negate the loss of air pressure at altitude.

[@TFLcar]

You are certainly most welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@Ivansito45454545]

Been a Honda guy for 15 years. Never imagine test driving an Explorer Sport would sway me so decisively to sell my 2010 Accord and buy this beast of a "Crossover" truck. It might be consider a Crossover but it doesn't feel or look (from inside) or act like one. Test drive one and the minute you first slam that pedal ......Whewwwwww!!!! Youll either buy or go home wimpering like a child who's parents didn't allow them to buy that toy you had to have in toyrus.

[@Lobo53]

+Ivansito45454545 Upgraded from a 2013 Explorer Limited to a 2014 Explorer Sport. They basically look the same (body, interior, etc.), but that's where the similarities end. It's like compacting a house cat to a Cougar. Love this beast....

[@akashnijjar89]

I just love the explorer sports. I can't understand why people call it a soccer mom car or a SUV turned into a minivan. I think explorers are one of most manly looking SUVs out there. Pilot/Highlander/KIA etc. ain't even close.

[@cornbread70s4]

AKASH SINGH i agree, as a proud Ford Explorer owner. This is about the most manly-looking crossover outside of the Tahoe/Escalade ( body on frame) trucks out right now. Love, love, love my Explorer...

[@akashnijjar89]

andre hart specially sports model, i wish i could get a sports but it was little out of my budget since i was trading 2015 xlt in. But i still love love love my 2016 explorer xlt with 3.5 engine and trust me it kicks ass.... 💪🏽

[@FloridaDad]

This video really helped me decide to upgrade my Explorer XLT to the Sport during last summer's 0% deal. This really is a great alternative for someone like me who has kids and a boat, but wants to drive a Mustang. I wish the exhaust sounded more like the Durango SRT, but the mileage does appear to be better than the SRT, although won't impress you either. Overall I'm happy and no regrets other than my monthly payment!

[@ftffighter]

You guys need to do a Ford Taurus SHO!

[@philtripe]

i have to admit i havnt driven the new durango but i cant imagine being able to corner faster than the new explorer can...i really thought the steering gave plenty of feel

[@jtwon315]

Drove this yesterday. Love the power, stability and design. Low spots for me are probably its weight and steering wheel. But if I were to buy an suv/crossover, I'd definitely consider this

[@maxpenrose9480]

They should do at least 420 ftlbs of torque like the f150 not 350ftlbs of torque thats bullshit

[@yelp1000]

In Car and Drivers review it does 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. But yeah I thought the same thing about turbos at altitude ... especially twin turbos - you would think it would be just as fast.

[@jab1720]

If it truly is real world testing...I got news...Almost no one does this 0-60 stuff in the "real world".....stop making excuses and scenarios and admit the fact that you love what you get to do and enjoy every minute of these "real world tests". Good channel. Good videos. Keep it up.

[@smack9x]

Almost everyone in the real world does a 0 to 60. Your typical highway speed limit is 65 mph. This why this is most common way to compare vehicles acceleration.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

I've had my Explorer since 2011, and love it! As far as 0-60, I guess some people don't drive outer belts that require hard acceleration. At that price one could go for the Lincoln MKT, its got everything.

[@TFLcar]

Yes, we are. That one is coming up as well.

[@1guyin10]

I like it, but the sticker shock that comes with cool cars these days... oh man!

[@fastcardriver1685]

Roman and Mica - LOVE your car review videos guys! I watch them at work (which I probably shouldn't), but it's entertaining! I do have one question out of sheer curiosity - Why do you guys always test drive cars a mile high..? It's like you're setting the cars' 0-60 times up for failure, LOL. Thanks! OH, and thanks for posting this video of the Explorer Sport. I'm considering purchasing a Black/Black one very soon!

[@NathanDAdlen]

Nope. The ABS was going crazy as I flew in. I know, it sounded like the transmission was being crunched - but it wasn't. Thanks for watching!

[@NissanTy]

My parents just bought one of these not long ago. I love it! drives excellent! Although it does feel a little bloated compared to my 08 explorer tho. The 3.5 ecoboost is smooth and the boost rolls in rather than just hitting all at once. if I could afford one Id buy one of these things in a heartbeat. Either one of these or the smaller brother the Edge Sport rocking that little monster 2.7 ecoboost!

[@TFLcar]

Yes

[@kenv47]

durango is fugly

[@danjolly9505]

Just bought this car. Knew it had some kick but nothing like what I expected when I really opened it up. This thing is awesome!

[@vaporeizied8]

so a month later, any issues with the radio or anything else?

[@danjolly9505]

None

[@alexleedrums311]

Dan Jolly How about a year later? I'm strongly considering this vehicle.

[@danjolly9505]

Alex Lee No major issues. The bluetooth can get a little screwy but I see that in my GMC as well. Gas mileage is better than i expected. I am getting just over 19 on average which is a little better than the window sticker.

[@AnglerDanNE]

Our wrangler gets better mpg than that

[@buddymaynard3462]

I bought my 2013 Explorer Sport from a friend who bought it new. It had 178,000 miles. I put a catch can and empty it everytime I change the oil and love it. Other than the 20 to 21 mpg I now have 233,000 miles and runs perfect still. Hoping to get 300,000 out of it.

[@LatersOnTheMenjay.]

Watching this in 2023 and smiling that 48K was a painful price back then. Who would have thought that 48K would be the average new car price 10 years and a pandemic later. I bought a used one in 2018 and still love the engine. It's a shame Ford build quality has been disappointing - I like their current stock, but have lost faith in the build quality.

[@niclynch319]

Is there enough leg room in drivers seat? Drove a town and country but leg room seemed cramped. Wondering if this would be better I’m 6’1”

[@AlternativeUses]

that thing has a great exhaust note esp for a turbo. i dont know if i could get past the old volvo platform which its built on, id probably consider a dodge durango hemi in this segment

[@lfsracer79]

7:53 "You know what, with all-season tires, it's really good in the snow." Try winter tires next time.

[@solomonshv]

I own the sport. there is a very big price difference between the two. the lease on an Explorer sport with the 201a package starts at $550 a month, if you can find a dealer who isn't an ass hole. there are also some features that the Sport can't get, like the heated steering wheel. no dealer will go even a dollar below sticker on the sport because it is in crazy demand right now. the 4 cylinder explorer limited can be picked up for $450/month

[@kenv47]

Grand cherokee is Fugly, especially the new one.

[@undertake782]

They negate a lot of the power loss but not all of it at altitude. What a turbo does is force more air into the combustion chamber to be burned with more fuel. Now being high in altitude, there are less molecules of oxygen per volume, the air is less dense basically.

[@mtxpert]

I replied to your guys video of the Mazda but the video of my Flex drag racing is an example of what you can do to these cars. 100 Octane gas with a custom tune and the Explorer Sport V6 3.6L will run LOW 13's or high 12's with no other mods.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Recently, the Nissan Versa and MINI Cooper coupe. In the past we panned the Suziki Verona, Dodge Caliber, the previous Nissan Sentra, VW Routan and Suzuki Rio. Some of these reviews should be on TFLCar. com

[@ionengine]

"OMG" The Explorer starts at the same price ($29K), has "only" 290HP (the Durango's base model has a 295HP / 260ft-lb V6) but most who drove the 3.5L Ti wouldn't haul 4 adults in that terrible riding over-sized Taurus. Durango rides and handles much better and can be had with a 360 / 390ft-lb V8. Ford's turbo 2.0 I-4 is worse at +$2,000 to downgrade to 240HP and no fuel gain with Premium gas. Explorer's gas mileage is no better.

[@MrChevypower]

I really like it, it doesn't need to be body-on-frame. I wish it was a longitudinal layout though, like the Grand Cherokee, Durango, Range Rover, Discovery/LR4, Merc GL, BMW M5 - all these cars are unibody/monocoque chassis with longitudinal layout. The benefit of a longitudinal engine layout is they would not have to reduce the torque output (Merc GL has a twin turbo V8). The EcoBoost V6 would have been able to put out the full 420 lb-ft / 570 Nm (as it does in the F150).

[@dougsk75]

From what I understand what you said is completely false. Atmospheric pressure has little to do with losing power. It is the density of oxygen in the air that will affect horsepower. If a turbo is rated to deliver 5 PSI of boost, that means it will deliver 5 PSI above the atmospheric pressure. At sea level that is around 14.7 PSI. At altitude, the same turbo may deliver 5 PSI of boost, but relative to the lower atmospheric pressure of say 12.3 PSI for Denver. cont.......

[@ScoobyDo2009]

Turbochargers generate their own atmospheric pressure and completely eliminate the effects of altitude within the drivable range of an automobile. Additionally, turbochargers efficiency increases with altitude since the pressure difference increases with altitude (exhaust pressure stays the same, outside pressure drops, increasing the delta). You will NOT see a 1 second difference in this car at sea level. The power will be the same.

[@76carmel]

Nathan, fully loaded this Explorer is over $50,000. Best comparison? Dodge Durango Citadel (with 5.7 HEMI V8). The question is towing capacity. Durango can tow over 6000 lbs with the Pentastar V6; 7000 lbs with the HEMI V8. Did Ford tell you about their towing capability? The other 3 row crossovers that you mentioned, I'd compare the conventional V6 Explorer to the ones you've said (Pathfinder, Traverse, Pilot, Highlander).

[@mikerules666]

Please do your research before you post things. There have been zero fires in the 3.5 ecoboost, which is what's in this video. All of the fires have been in the 1.6 liter. Also, this is a video about a new Explorer. Nobody cares about used cars. I would not pay $48,000 for any used car. CPO is used. They just call it CPO to make it sound fancy.

[@pk509]

I thought turbos negated the power-sapping effects of altitude. If they do, then would this behemoth really hit 60mph in 6 seconds at sea-level like you say in the video? Or would it be similar to the 7.1 sec run you guys achieved? If turbos don't do that, then why do so many folks in the biz say they do?

[@Tocino_Life]

-> Roman & Nathan. Please, please, please compare this overrated CUV to the very underrated Flex Titanium Ecoboost! I don't know why this get all the praises on which the Flex get so much "meh" factor!! I'm sick of it!!! And please THE REAL SHO WAGON IS THE FLEX!!!! I love your show, but this overrated Explorer gets too much love...I'd still choose the Flex.

[@verycapable1]

And another thing too, I have watch a lot of their videos and they 0-60's are way behind what other companies advertise, and I am talking motor-trend, car and driver etc. They all cant have it wrong and this one site has it right. Whatever they are using is not calibrated correctly

[@ZorlocMortimer]

Yea it's certainly not bad. And most importantly it's in line with the competition this is right around what you're going to pay for a Limited or Overland Grand Cherokee with the Hemi. People ted to just scoff at the price and don't even take into consideration what the direct competitors cost as well.

[@yelp1000]

I priced this out - at 47k you get Cooled seats, adaptive cruise, nav, panoramic sunroof, remote start, power folding mirrors, 110v outlet, power tilt steering, power liftgate, blind spot, push button, inflatable rear belts, 12 speaker sound w sub, rear view monitor. How is this not a bargain?

[@KickoStocks]

I just can't get over how ugly it is, the things they did to make it look aggressive made it look dorky.

[@solomonshv]

The MDX is a POS. It shouldn't even be in the same sentence as the Explorer Sport. The only thing the MDX exceeds in over this car is price.

[@danno321s]

Not impressed by the interior for $48K. You can get a decked out CPO Audi Q7 for less than that and have a fabulous interior. Plus Ford cars' engines have a tendency to catch fire these days.

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

I'm not really a Ford guy, but I was sort of digging the looks of this car and the performance was pretty good given its size. But when you guys said the sticker price was $48k that was a big turn-off.

[@painter3341]

it would be more like 6.8 seconds at sea level, do u know how much boost the twins turbos on this put out? i say 6.8 because my diesel has the same power at 3,500 feet above sea level

[@trey3ful]

Can you a large family sedan comparison of Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Hyundai Azera?

[@AbyssalPaintballing]

OMG I almost pissed my pants reading the comments I was laughing like 3 kids said "Durango is better" BITCH THE DURANGO HAS 290 HP AND CAN'T EVEN BEAT THE PATHFINDER!!

[@Vanrocco66]

Nice looking SUV. .. I still like the Jeep Grand Cherokee better but theis is the nicest looking Explorer they have ever made.

[@xavier0237]

Land Rover has bad resale value so in the long run the LR4 may not necessarily be a better value. Also, the cost of ownership is higher on the LR4.

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

Too expensive plus no standard features on ford it doesn't even have a DRL. Am putting my money on Toyota 4Runner.

[@DanielBlaney]

The mdx doesn't have a twin turbo v6, self parking, and a ton of other options that this car has on it. Remember that is the fully loaded price.

[@h8tirs]

You missed the up graded brakes! About 60% more swept area. Ford also increased the wheel size to 20 x 9. How about more 60 to zero testing?

[@markwilliams6378]

Nathan I drove the new Durango and found the steering too light without true feed back . I prefer the weighted steering of the cx9 better

[@ibcnu2987]

I bought my black, fully-loaded Explorer (except for back-seat DVD players), new in 2013 with a partial extended warranty because of poor reliability consumer reviews. I added running boards and factory flair flaps. I bought it for $50k and have 50k miles on it now. Police use these vehicles, so it has a courageous existence, but it has other pros and cons - in my opinion... PROS: Great handling and safety features Fast with decent gas mileage Looks more rugged and less tame Comfortable and seats 7, sleeps 2 (seats fold down flat, level, to a gap-free deck that fits a twin size mattress or air bed perfectly with power outlets to blow it up - in place.) Tows 5000 lbs. CONS: Engineering flaws that create cabin water leaks, wheel caps fall off and fueling resistance Navigation voice command interpretation and high cost to update maps (that may not be in your area) No individual tire pressure readings 36 month or 36,000 mi. warranty

[@brendonracine1732]

buy an LR4 instead, better value unless you need the trunk space the explorer provides, cause the land rover has a third row option.

[@skaterdudey77]

Car and Driver got to 60 in 5.9 seconds in an Explorer Sport. I'm assuming they were at sea level and didn't have a second passenger.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

So today after coming back from Target, there was a woman with 2 kids in the Ford Explorer, who accidentally drove into the curb and scraped underneath causing a minor leak. I helped her get her Explorer out by driving forward a little then backing up with full throttle. The wheels were black, except it didn't have the Explorer badge at the front. It has the All-Terrain select knob, which I used, but was no help to send power to the rear wheels. I hate the fact that the ride height at the front is too low, since it can easily be scraped underneath. I told her to take it to her Ford dealer so they can examine underneath for any other leaks.

[@ftffighter]

How long do you think this and the SHO transmissions will last?? Lol I hope they don't repeat the original problem in the SHO's!

[@pk509]

So would it be more accurate to say that turbos offset the negative effects of altitude on engine power rather than negate?

[@freedom3eagle]

as Sport + and able to somewhat off-road i believe Jeep SRT 8 is the best isn't it Nathan? i know you love SRT !!

[@bmwmsport11]

As a family SUV id take the highlander hybrid limited. But as a fast family SUV it would be this.

[@daniellittlefield2946]

When he pulls up and slams it into park while it’s still rolling lol

[@DanieleP851]

Fantastic Car!!!! But when American start to use diesel engine for SUV????!!!! more power, less consume...!!!

[@mi16t]

Well, not too bad i guess. I wish it was still a real suv, but atleast its a good effort

[@grandemage]

You guys should give us a mashup on some 4x4 body on frames for us, even get in some 4x4'ing. :D

[@TheRallyPrius]

The 2016 pilot the TFLcar tested did 0-60 in 7.9. For being a twin-T and having 70 more HP, that doesn't seem all that impressive...

[@billspooks]

How about that Econo-Blast Engine...??? It's mommy's car that she drives to the grocery store.

[@DStabs720]

In the beginning of the video did nathan really shift it into park when he was still moving????

[@kenv47]

Yeah & the old Audis use to take you through a wall by themselves with no input from the driver. some people just don`t like anything American.

[@jackinvancouver9193]

I recently bought a Ford and am very satisfied. It was great value for the dollar and it was 100% problem free - after 8 months. But I got a model that was a lot closer to the base, not gussied up, and 60% the price.

[@traintownofcowee]

Very nice SUV but this sport model is being a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 wannabe.

[@tinabarsch756]

That's fast for a mile above sea level!

[@59summerset]

Compared to what? You do realize that that car interiors tend to be made out of plastic...

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I'm confused by what interior the "regular" one has. The interior in the sport is identical to my limited and xlt, minus the two tone stitching...

[@i7rs]

48 for an American built? Would consider for Ford, but for 48, not ever buying. Period.

[@mcevanjr]

We have a 13 explorer xlt but we aren't at a mile above se level we have the normally aspirated v6 4wd it's plenty enough power to get us around ! By far a ver good SUV !

[@ace.ccanty7209]

I wish you guys would also give real mpg stats.17- 22....I'm not believing that one.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

You guys should make a video of all the cars you have given a forget it recommand

[@kenzo201093]

oh, if there the cost is almost 50 grand, here in Peru it might cost 70? :(

[@specialbrownbeef]

not to be rude or anything but i kinda don't like the vignette on the video

[@maxthehulk]

dodge durango is better tougher and stronger than the explorer

[@danno321s]

Go to Khan Academy and study up on Physics: Fluids and Thermodynamics.

[@timmy22withan38]

now that's a ferrari its fun buy it compare savage acura rdx 2007

[@SwPiotrek]

1;30 So this is simply GTI type of car. This Explorer is very sexy.

[@MidnightAspec]

Remember that the Explorer wont approach the MDX in build quality.

[@Sisu236]

I Love the Aquabats shirt!

[@NathanDAdlen]

The Pathfinder is slower and does not handle as well.