2017 Ford Explorer - Review and Road Test

As one of the first modern SUVs the Ford Explorer deserves credit for stoking America’s sport utility obsession. In latest form Ford’s iconic SUV offers upscale styling, a range of cool features, and several intriguing engine choices. After nearly three decades and despite increasingly excellent competition the Explorer remains a popular midsize SUV. But is that popularity justified? It’s a question Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio explores in this review and road test.
For the latest Ford Explorer pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/ford/explorer/

[@shabudallah9056]

Just bought one 2 days ago...The wife LOVES it!

[@Casualtraveller]

Whats your review after 1 year.. Any Issues with the vehicle?

[@shawn12132]

I understand they have the Expedition as a full size SUV but I miss the larger explorers with the V8...but I will say the new one is a nice looking mid size.

[@durand001]

How bad is the foot rest? Does it significantly affect comfort?

[@gianniforonda5842]

Where was this filmed? Cause I saw those oil well in a residential area.

[@Theone0611]

So the misalignment thing with the dash and the door. It seems to be different from car to car within the model. I noticed how some fusions were misaligned and was able to find a fusion with no misalignment issue. I also have an escape. Escapes doesn’t seem to have the same issues.

[@edger830]

It will not come to Australia?

[@Dante-fk3ku]

That was the best review I have seen

[@chasem.678]

2018 grand Cherokee neighborhood edition no off road. Would suggest this car for a family yet keep your manhood intact?

[@jocider5698]

I always drive a little more carefully around Explorers and Tauruses because undercover cop cars (and non undercover cop cars) are often those models!

[@vp8392]

What was that On/off pedal?

[@adamwright9741]

A thumbs up on you guys telling me why I don't want a Ford Explorer

[@YusufGT500]

i got the XLT trim the same day this was posted

[@MendicantBias1]

Were the Nirvana leather seats grungy?

[@BellaB2B]

I got explorer but dunno why when climbing hill the engine overheating.

[@javuanlinton5710]

The main reason I got this car, for ppl to move over when I am driving thinking it’s a cop car 🤣😂🤣😂

[@emilyreed8946]

Does it work ? Lol

[@javuanlinton5710]

Emily Reed lol yes

[@bobsmith9603]

That’s basically the only reason why anyone actually buys this car 💀

[@javuanlinton5710]

@@bobsmith9603 it’s comfy and spacious also

[@nicolewilliams8174]

Yep it works I do the same thing ppl drive wrong don’t stay in their lanes 😂😂😂

[@samjaboy9756]

Hey pal where do you get all this cool t shirt

[@zachg9065]

I'm not a Ford guy by any means but the explorer is the best vehicle they make in my opinion.

[@SSS-mp8th]

When do you expect a clean sheet redesign? Hasn't this been around for 5 or more years?

[@mattjozwiak1797]

I think 2019 they are redesigning it

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

SS S 2020

[@107uptown]

Attractive SUV, but the plastics and build quality on a "platinum edition"? Come on Ford.

[@vn01208503]

typical america car

[@nestorgonzalez6078]

But do we really need all those things. All i care about a car is good body, good engine, and good cabin. I don't need nothing fancy

[@javuanlinton5710]

@@nestorgonzalez6078 that’s why they have a basic model can’t expect the platinum edition to be basic 😒😒

[@OnTheSpotonthespot]

AMAZING...2017 Ford Explorer...VERY LIKE

[@dannykelly3617]

I’m renting a 2017 Limited right now I never realized how low the riding height is. Way lower than my Durango

[@c431inf]

2017 Ford explorer , I stuck with Ford because it the most reliable and works for me ,love my 17 explorer tho I do not believe it will last as long as my 2008 268k miles literally only major fixes I had was transmission at 220k and front left wheel bearing and still going no codes and get 24 mpg avg v6 1 the door key pad , instead of having actual button that always worked no problem they changed to touch sensitive , awesome I'm sure more cost effective but it makes the keypad entry pointless when it's raining 2 the shifter , what is the point of having the gear part light up but the only indicator is on the cluster of what gear you are in 3 door handles you have to get inserts because force of habit driving every other car on the market you drop your phone or smokes in it , in this they will fall right to the bottom , and the door cubby to hold even a water bottle is annoying 3 if you have an automatic lift gate it's great when it wants to work it just only seems to work after It didn't and I opened manually to load what ever I have for it then to come down on me as I am loading because the keys are in my pocket 4 the suspension , it's a great ride the setup has more rubber bushings then rubber on the tires ,( keep that stuff lubricated ) 5 all models the hood design it's aluminum the finish on all looks like crap and it chips easy , and the inducted design when in wet weather there is a drip point that goes into the engine bay right on your oil fill and your coil pack it's great lol silicone that up 4 the rear hatch drain seal up the top of your tail lights and top of hatch hinges water will get in and cause issue , cam , tail lights , rust Get any type of bumper and people do get out of the way and then get pissed 😂

[@DanleyNuksGoneFishn]

Wish this was available in Australia

[@oshainewynter7280]

Can we see a review on a 2018 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

[@eliotsanz7360]

I like how this guy makes the videos . I like this SUV but there's better options

[@lonesomedovepk]

Third person to comment I love Ford motors... Greetings from Pakistan...

[@timberlinecline3667]

My next suv for sure

[@matthews95_]

I'd prefer this model over the 2020 tbh.

[@ianalexander2017]

Really good design

[@xiaolongcui1753]

Does this one have exhaust leak into the cabin as well?

[@enriqueortiz5440]

No, it's only the interceptor version that leaks inside the cabin

[@disneyfan9099]

I must say that I enjoyed driving the 2017 explorer when I rented one for a few weeks. But I must say that the base Engine is so slow. The 2.3 engine is a must.

[@asanaya94]

Disney Fan base engine is a V6, then small upgrade to turbo 4, than large upgrade to twin turbo V6

[@KB-bh9hp]

asanaya94 Yep went for the base just for longevity concerns , it's enough power certainly sufficient but it won't blow you away.

[@ChummyChime]

Pilot is 8 seater and the highlander is 7. The Pilot has the best 3rd row leg room.

[@miggy4105]

The big yellow font looks bad on the thumbnail imo

[@abdullahwraikat4058]

miguel martinez looks unprofessional

[@BaleshNTP]

My God. What a travesty that yellow font is

[@freddymedina7430]

What's better this or a VW TOUREG?

[@zkadmirli705]

Çoox gözəl maşındı.👍

[@950Brandon]

where is the other guy? i mean, you both equally great! But just sad to know if he left

[@joreyasmus7676]

Yep I saw that caddy xt5

[@ianalexander2017]

It looks good

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks good

[@mfwhite1998]

6 year old Body style and still looks brand new, I’m glad their not ditching the Range Rover look in the new design and the Explorer is years ahead of many mid size SUVS today

[@s209_3]

Mr.White0405 nah not really,outdated

[@princedarkness8029]

Well they butchered the 2020 explorer

[@artokiiskinen1058]

WHY on earth would an automaker build a adaptive cruise without low speed mode? in 2017? I understand when my 2010 Prius did not have it, but come on. Such a think is now standard everywhere!!

[@Kasirkin29]

Boy I miss the good ol days of SUVs made with giant squared with with no blind spots. Now manufacturers need to sell "blind spot assist systems" to get us to spend more money by designing vehicles with blind spots. Sigh

[@fortunatedad7695]

Aerodynamics is part of the reasoning for the less boxy look. Style as well of course

[@EricFortuneJr.]

It’s really time for an update, it’s been 8 years and the age is starting to show.

[@freddymedina7430]

Aré these reliable long term?

[@45snakebite]

Dude, the pillars are permanently fixed, they don't move around, adapt your viewing. Also remember you're a tester not and owner who would be well acquainted with the pillars.

[@mattjozwiak1797]

I think they are redesigning it for 2019

[@aarone1000]

When will Ford update the look of the explorer

[@coreyingram2732]

Penguin 471 next year there is expected to be a 2019 model. But the 2018 refresh is currently rolling out of the assembly plant now.

[@zkadmirli705]

İt is nice car.Good Luck.👍

[@fritzestanislao12]

Cop Car

[@bola7287]

So?

[@djkasdjkasdjdjdj]

stan smith's car

[@RoyalKingA73]

First to comment today 😁 I have the older Explorer. When it was considered a small truck

[@triplehsheartattack8515]

4 cylinder????

[@criznitty]

At the end of the day, the Honda Pilot is the chase camera vehicle

[@scottperson9487]

Rented a Preium once. 120 miles on it and trim was falling off and a rear seat was broken. High door sill and a stupidly low steering column meant horrible access. Why these sell i do not understand.

[@leehancock2782]

How much carbon monoxide did you inhale during this test?

[@zQlimxz]

Nice CAR!

[@newdefsys]

Best looking midsize SUV/Crossover on the road !

[@faridgadimov5955]

Need coyote 5.0 v8 and nice interior

[@A.HoneyBear277]

What how the hell do I wash my cameras where is that button? I swear to god I’m still finding new buttons I didn’t know about in this car all the time

[@haroldmccarthy8382]

how about toyota 4runner ? does this bad boy compete w/ 4runner?

[@bendsomemetal]

Ben MaxStamina 4runner is a shitty car

[@mattjozwiak1797]

The 4Runner is better for off-roading and towing. The explorer is a better family SUV

[@asanaya94]

4Runner wouldn’t be a good competitor. It only seats 5 (barely).

[@haroldmccarthy8382]

so what do you mean guys? 4runner doesnt have any competitor ?

[@asanaya94]

Ben MaxStamina well it would be a Jeep Wrangler or so. Maybe the Ford Bronco if they do release it.

[@BTC909]

Nice paint imperfection at 6:25. Lacks gears. Does that 2.3L blow head gaskets? Well know for poor fit & finish. That 2nd row hump when all of the seats are dropped is laughable. For it's size it should offer an 8th seat.

[@ODSTOninersIxTwO]

basically you get this thing and warp it in a unofficial Cop uniform and you can be a vigilante.

[@jaypeepasion]

Carbon monoxide?

[@pjwashington5818]

He is a dilf

[@vegasbab.y3740]

Pj Washington true 😂😅

[@darktinx]

Yas!

[@dcjimr1]

Major dilf.

[@lrmn3492]

Lmao I wonder how he reacts when reading these type of comments. There's at least one comment like this in every video he's in.

[@pjwashington5818]

LR M lol assuming he even reads this. He might be flattered or shake his head

[@lavishlifestyles8529]

Every time I see one of these in black I start to slowly decrease my speed

[@AltaSonata]

Is this going to kill me from exhaust leaks?

[@enriqueortiz5440]

No, only the interceptor version has that issue

[@anthonymolina7416]

No they fixed that problem

[@arturorubio7548]

how

[@kevin12697]

You’ve done an explorer video 3 times can we get a durango review

[@fordexplorer9414]

That's me. So I am back

[@fordexplorer9414]

Where is the terrain response system

[@dannykelly3617]

Why is the Durango never mentioned by kbb when everyone else is quite impressed by it

[@danielt2936]

danny kelly KBB is long overdue for a Durango review.

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Why would they review a vehicle that hasnt been updated since 2010?

[@disneyfan9099]

Benjamin Francis It's been updated not redesigned.

[@penguindiego]

BEST FORD EXPLORER WAS 2008 EDDIE BAUER V6 FULLY LOADED...

[@ebuff57]

I think its nice, I just wish it were better looking

[@akashnijjar89]

Its missing key features offered by competitors like 360 degree camera, auto-hold, automatic engine start/stop and electronic parking brake. PS- I have 2016 XLT :)

[@vegasbab.y3740]

Akash Singh ford is honestly dropping the ball here now, they used to do good in 2010 when this one was brand new but not now, it’s way out dated

[@disneyfan9099]

Akash Singh Auto hold is stupid. Just put it in park

[@ALEX-sh3tx]

FazeTug I would say that the Explorer is still doing good and thats why its the best selling midsized 3row suv in america

[@user-wj5mq1yf5k]

A major flaw in my Ford Explorer that I purchased in January 2018 (rainwater enters the vehicle)

[@johnnyd.488]

Roll up the window

[@mattman6458]

Extremely overpriced! Will lose 40% resale value in 3 years

[@KB-bh9hp]

Matt Man The base model still holds about 50% of its value after 6-7 yrs and with on average well over 100k on them. They're well made cars.

[@s209_3]

Puff the Magic Dragon I own one and just got it,and had nothing but problems.

[@s209_3]

Puff the Magic Dragon the value is still overpriced for unreliable car

[@danieldruff6822]

You aren't wrong. Buying a 2017 platinum soon and it's going for $26k (60k miles). 50% of the MSRP.

[@bleonar123]

@@danieldruff6822 Yeah I'm buying one now and it's 40k miles $28k

[@choboc]

4/5 comments are about what number comment they got...

[@ethan_th18]

Ford is mah favourite car company:3

[@chevyfan8428]

I would get the traverse high country

[@DevPack]

This was going to be my choice, but ended up getting a GMC Acadia Denali.

[@bendsomemetal]

DevPack good choice

[@mattjozwiak1797]

Acadia is better

[@DevPack]

yea I love it so far. Also have a Ford Escape in the family so some change is good.

[@disneyfan9099]

DevPack Bad choice

[@Trades46]

The Acadia is also a nice vehicle compared to the Explorer. However the Denali doesn't quite have the firepower of the Explorer Platinum and personally the Ford is sharper looking. Having driven both the Acadia SLT2 & Explorer Limited, both are great vehicles.

[@raulcastillotexasrealtor410]

Anything more than 7 seats is basically a minivan

[@ChrisG-gl5st]

The best generation

[@coreyingram2732]

As much as they promote the Honda pilot I'm gonna guess the pilot has fallen off the map 🤔😂😂😂 no vehicle is gonna take the crown of the explorer believe me when I tell u 😁 I work for Ford at the Chicago stamping plant n we have been in heavy OT since 2013 because the explorer is doin so well 😎

[@KB-bh9hp]

Corey Ingram How high of a standard do you guys build those explorers to, just wondering, do you prioritize quality and a long lasting well built product? Asking for your honest opinion, not like you telling me the truth will hurt your sales, own a 2017, love it just asking.

[@Lucky_Luke1]

My family went on vacation and got this car. We had a bad experience with this car

[@joshm.9308]

I've been loyal to Ford all of my life, but they really need to bring a true 4WD system back to the Explorer. This "terrain management system" is a joke and is nowhere near as good as what they had in older pre-2010 models. These new models don't even have low range! Put this vehicle back on a body on frame platform too! The newer Explorers are now simply Taurus wagons while its smaller cousin, the Escape, has morphed into a Focus wagon as well. Note to Ford: If you're going to call them "SUVs" at least make them look and feel like one instead of a typical grocery getter crossover.

[@ChummyChime]

Pilots 3rd row is much bigger.

[@trent7080]

Its actually not

[@ND-mn1rb]

They haven’t changed the car since 2011 (atleast changed it with major updates) since people keep buying it

[@mattjozwiak1797]

I think they are redisigning it for 2019

[@Erich2142]

8 people in a CRV? Lmao, I'd love to see that!

[@colorblindbasshead913]

Take it back to the 1st and second generation.. when it looked like and SUV, when they had a full frame. Bring back the 5.0! These newer ones look like everything else that claims to be a SUV.. more like a grocery getter to me.

[@elfiero50]

YES, most Police vehicles today are Explorers. Why do you think that is? It's because: a) Ford makes a good Police package. b) Because no one else wants the business as bad as Ford wants it. c) Because Explorers are reliable. Do you really want to drive an SUV that isn't the most sought-after one on the market? By 2017, the kinks have been long-since worked out of this design.The next all-new design is coming in 2020, interestingly, the very first spy-shots are of the "interceptor" model.

[@jenniferwiersma2386]

We were gonna get a 2011 gmc Acadia but we opted to get the 2017 ford explorer instead. We have a 2005 ford escape still runs even at 206k miles

[@Trades46]

A really nicely equipped & riding vehicle. Still kind of wish for a 8spd gearbox & better fuel economy. However it trumps the Highlander (no HID or LED headlights even in Limited trims), Pilot (thanks ZF for your shitty 9spd) and the Atlas (less interesting interior, even if better aligned).

[@tahaeroglu7116]

First one pls drop a heart

[@cydwitdacurls855]

2017 nissan pathfinder review?

[@lizmessenger6547]

Brake clips on Ford explorer

[@still34u]

It looks good - I give them that. But if it's anything like the past explorers, it will take a couple thousand miles to develop "That noise" that noone knows where it's coming from and is seemingly unrelated to anything. The gaps in the interior will widen etc.. I think It will be a good used option in 2022

[@CharlietoKind]

the stitching on the inside is all crooked on the seats and next to the vent

[@zestydancer1]

I love the interior but not the body...I think the 3rd and 4th gen look the best as far as the exterior

[@ODSTOninersIxTwO]

lol u must have really bad taste then.

[@ElusiveRIDE]

Still no review on Nissan rogue 2017... come on lol

[@GaryKetchum808]

There’s is no trim where the Explorer gets projector beam headlights, makes it look cheap as hell. But the Explorer still is arguably best in class.

[@vegasbab.y3740]

Jank Paul not really look at the reliability

[@snazari1994]

It isn’t arguably the best in anything except styling

[@vegasbab.y3740]

Zach Dubos yes it does because LED just glares the light at people

[@multivisao]

The Explorer has the best - which are LEDs - the germans charge over $2k for such upgrade in their SUVS. @FazeTug not the ones that were designed to be LEDs from the start! LOL....some people throwing misinformation on the web!

[@GaryKetchum808]

Fine, the Highlander,Pilot, and Pathfinder beat the Explorer in reliability.

[@DiwaGalvez]

We sure are spoiled with good choices. This, Pilot, CX-9, Sorento, etc.

[@djdelarosa25]

What's up with the tacky looking thumbnail font?

[@GozBrian]

Ford Motor Co... where the CO means Carbon monoxide

[@abduallahalkhateeb9659]

GozBrian it mean company duuuuh i

[@sirennaz]

My mom has a car like that

[@sirennaz]

And the seat belts are a little weird