2017 Ford Explorer XLT Review | A Great Value 3-Row SUV

#Ford #Explorer #Review
Here's my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT review ! This is a great 3-row SUV option. It's quiet, comfortable, and loaded with tech, it's an amazing machine....
However, the Explorer feels... well, old. It's an old platform that's been stretched and poked and prodded to keep it contemporary. The end result is comfortable and contemporary, but the Explorer starts to feel a bit like an older car as you dig into the details. Limited storage, some dimensions are odd.
The end result is a good driving, comfortable, and loaded with tech 3-row suv that feels just a bit "dated" for all it's up-to-date tech.
Intro 00:00
Exterior 02:04
Interior 05:17
Drive 16:46
Conclusion 23:54

[@jp9579]

Keep up the good work! I like what youre doing with the channel.

[@AllCarswithJon]

I appreciate it!

[@leonardgordon1748]

Excellent review and I appreciate your objectivity. We have had a couple of Ford Edges with the same engine and drivetrain and really enjoyed the ride you get. Their platforms are getting a little old and newer competitors have an advantage over them. Last year we bought an Acadia and we really like the feel of a larger SUV. Thank you again for sharing your opinions on your vehicle.

[@AllCarswithJon]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hawkermustang]

My dad bought a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with the 2.0 Ecoboost. He likes the vehicle. As do I. It's smaller but at the same time plenty big enough. Good power, ride, handling, etc... The only thing he doesn't like is some of these 2.0 Ecoboost engines get coolant intrusion. So he is worried that the engine won't last.

[@BusanDalint]

I agree with slide door preferece, I think its much more practical and even cool.

[@tomtbi]

My mom has had a few of these including the newly restyled one.. In the restyled Explorers the rear seat room is much improved!

[@timewellwasted3341]

Jon I had a 2009 Explorer Limited with the 4.6 V8 with factory tow package. We used to tow our 6000 Lb boat with it. The transmission went out at 160,000 km (About 100,000 miles), like all the Ford products we have owned (Transmissions failed in our Taurus, and two Escapes as well right at 100,000 miles). We still like Fords and have a 2022 Maverick Hybrid on order. It has a bullet proof E-CVT transmission which is a simple three gear system and not an actual dreaded CVT. Once the boat was sold we traded the Explorer for a Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk which we love, with a factory tow package and V6 (maybe another smaller boat in the future?) The Explorer looked dated very fast and featured hard plastic everywhere. It drove well when the transmission worked but was real poor on gas. It was something, like you mentioned, that I wouldn't drive every day. Even after a couple of years back then, it looked old. It had that old workhorse feel to it. The newer ones are pretty much the same.

[@AllCarswithJon]

I don't think I'll mentioned to wifey their transmissions go out right at 100k.... that will worry her. :) As I mentioned in the video... I struggle with this car. It's too big to drive everyday (for me), it feel's "old" even though it isnt'.... but when I drive it consistently I come to really like it. It's an odd beast.

[@platinumuschannel]

I think you are right about Explorers. My dad and I were the same way about them, would never want one! NEVER!!! But mom had a red '99 that served her reliably and without a single complaint for years. Only sold it because she was ready to move on. Years later I go to an auction looking to buy a 1997 Explorer with the V8 thinking that very same thing you did. Here I am actually looking to buy one as a winter beater when I said I never would. Well, I didn't buy it. Instead I opted to go for a neglected ZJ as a project and it's been worth while for me. Still, the Explorer is a very good line. I'd take one over any new Jeep just about.

[@chrislogan1144]

Excellent video. I would love to get your thoughts about how it compares to the new explorer

[@AllCarswithJon]

Morning! Thanks for the view and comment! The video I did (last month?) when I spent a few hours in a Ford showroom (ironically having the Explorer in for an oil change and some recall work) and looked over a variety of their vehicles I looked at the new explorer. No test drive, but I got to crawl around in it.

[@chrislogan1144]

@@AllCarswithJon That was a fun video👍

[@chrislogan1144]

@@AllCarswithJon Do you like the front wheel drive of the previous model, or would you prefer the rear wheel drive configuration of the current model?

[@AllCarswithJon]

@@chrislogan1144 Because we never tow anything, the fwd layout is not a detriment at all for us, and it's 4wd for when the roads get slippery. Honestly, for our usage, either layout would work fine and it's not really an issue.

[@Mesa1980]

Great Review!! Thank u. I’m considering a 2018-2019 XLT or Limited …. But debating if I should go with a Toyota SUV for the reliability factor. I’ve had 2 Toyota cars and I was worry-free… went well beyond 100k miles with no issues!

[@AllCarswithJon]

Thanks. Best of luck! My wife still has this Explorer and it's been essentially flawless. The one very minor exception is there appears to be a screw loose behind the driver's vent. And sometimes (but not always) you can hear it rattle if you don't have the music on.

[@Mesa1980]

@@AllCarswithJon Thanks for being so helpful & responsive! Have a great evening

[@ianperkins8812]

Strong review. I am also not the target demographic for a three row SUV, but Da Wifey chose a 2016 Sorento (also three row) and that is our travel bus (it replaced an '06 Scion xB!). I am with you on the ergonomics - both the center armrest and the one on the door look too low. Both minions are over six feet tall, so back seat legroom is a high priority. I'd be interested in your impression of serviceability, if you do any of your own maintenance.

[@AllCarswithJon]

I do *some* of my own maintenance. :) So far it's been flawless other than recall notices and oil changes (and I'm not doing them because we get free ones at the dealership for a few years). If anything breaks and I do it, don't worry... there'll be a video. (the disadvantage of owning reliable cars. No new content. hahahaha!)

[@ianperkins8812]

@@AllCarswithJon HAAA! The Sorento has a large underbody cover (something like 15 bolts to remove, a big NOPE for me), so I use an extractor, through the dipstick tube. I do like the top mounted oil filter, but I am not sure what I think about the cartridge type filter. Reliability is a chief concern for me, so I am glad you pointed that out.

[@willbetruckin3545]

FYI boss. Next time you edit, blur out the license plate, most editors do, because of people being able to look y'all up! I think it's always a good idea! Good review, not sure if you mentioned the gvw leading to acceleration lag! 👍

[@AllCarswithJon]

Noted! I start bluring the plate in future videos.

[@Alexandre37304]

Thank you

[@AllCarswithJon]

You're welcome.

[@carnaann1060]

Jon, first off fantastic review. Your description of the design and ergonomics really explains the way I felt about this car, as I’m looking at purchasing it. It’s the exact model and similar features. I was able to test drive it for a day, absolutely love it. Coming from a new (at the time I purchased) 2019 ecosport, I felt like this drove so much smoother between shifts, with the same agility that the smaller car has. and I’m also in the market for a vehicle with a lot more room. After watching countless videos I stumbled across yours and it really resonated with me. Thank you very much for this review, I think I made my mind up!

[@AllCarswithJon]

I appreciate the kind words and I'm glad it helped!

[@ronhoover5516]

IMO better looking than the newer ones, but is it reliable?

[@AllCarswithJon]

Ours has been so far. 1 intermittent rattle that sounds like a screw in the dash. Only does it when it feels like it. :)

[@garymckenzie1917]

I have the seat setting all the way down and my arm don’t rest on the arm rest on the door. It annoys me evertime. I don’t like lock/unlock button on the door. The hollowed door handle sucks. I removed my roof rails. I get 18-20 mpg I have the same 3.5 motor.

[@trent7080]

It's basically an XL first gen XC90. Thick pillars and wide dashboard make it feel a little small. I do think it's still a solid choice.

[@AllCarswithJon]

That's right! We drive a Volvo!!! :)

[@KnottsoRude]

Please do the WeatherTech review and there's another brand called husky I believe

[@KnottsoRude]

Have you tried the Ford truck escape yet?

[@KnottsoRude]

They mixed up suv and truck definition

[@midwestfarm757]

I have mainly driven the Police version. Definitely does not hold up as well as the crown vic. Also the poor off set crash test rating does not make me recommend either.

[@runoflife87]

In Russia this generation Explorer is very popular among young people. Nice jeep but way too expensive for Eastern Europe.

[@FoxeemaTV]

first i love your channel .. i would love this SUV ...had many mini vans hate sliding doors .. have been Chrysler all my life am over 65..have 07 Lincoln town car ..its very nice but miss fact you cant move large things in it..you are to hard on small picky things ..i want a used one .. cant afford a new one..

[@TruckingShooter]

Good review I was thinking of getting one of these till you mentioned how small that seat is. That's silly how small it is in a bigger vehicle. I'm a big guy and that seat is a non starter for me.

[@AllCarswithJon]

Try it for yourself and see before you cast it into the 'do not consider' pile. Coming from an Accord, the seat is noticably small. But my wife, who's like 5'8" and not... um.... scrawny..... Anyway, she came from an Odyssey and has absolutely no problem with the seats!

[@richardk6291]

The seat could be widened on the right side, but not on the left. You could not reach the seat controls.

[@TruckingShooter]

Yeah I'll prolly give it a shot regardless but I'm thinking in the end I'll stick with the f150s I've been buying. I'm 6 foot 4 and over 350 pounds so yeah I appreciate larger vehicles.

[@KnottsoRude]

Ok was blue when you purchased it

[@toddgiaro7657]

I really want to like Ford products, I love the new Bronco and Maverick. I just can’t bring myself to buy another Ford. This is only my opinion and I’m certainly not knocking anybody’s choice of what they buy and drive but my goodness! I’ve had nothing but one problem after another with Ford products. I’m talking about nine different Fords and I find it hard to believe that I get a lemon when I buy a Ford! To be fair, my 1993 Lincoln Town car is positively bullet proof. Also, I do feel like that Fords ride and drive better than anything I’ve owned. Lol, who am I kidding, I can see a new Maverick sitting in my driveway!

[@AllCarswithJon]

Thanks for the comment. Oddly, our experience is exactly opposite. We were a GM family and watched their cars get progressively worse for decades. Every Ford we or a family member has owned has been great.... every. single. one. Of course we've all had Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Mazdas too, but I trust Ford just about (almost) as much as the Japanese brands. sorry you've had problems with them, I hate to hear that!

[@toddgiaro7657]

@@AllCarswithJon I grew up in a GM family and now everyone has Fords! I still have a 2005 Ford Taurus, my dad has a Ford F-350, F250, F150 and a Ranger. My brother has a 2005 Ford F-150. I’m the only one in the family with a GM product and it’s a 2020 Malibu. Lol, I’m really happy with the Malibu and it’s so comfortable but reliability means more than comfort so I’ll let you know how this goes long term.

[@AllCarswithJon]

@@toddgiaro7657 I'll be curious to hear about the Malibu as it ages. I like that car, quite a lot! Oh, and your dad needs a Maverick so he can collect the whole set! :)

[@KnottsoRude]

What about the wonky steering wheel

[@KnottsoRude]

That gap tho

[@KnottsoRude]

My wife's father made her put the car in her name and her and I neverd married

[@KnottsoRude]

I lived one year with them at that house only because my daughter was born and I wanted to spend the first year by her side

[@KnottsoRude]

I had a Honda Civic 91 and was stolen in front of that house

[@KnottsoRude]

Search sorry to inform you but since the the trade that we stopped with Canada and Mexico they end up biting the the chain and they end up giving the United States a whole bunch of how do you say refurbished Frankenstein's

[@KnottsoRude]

2014 when chain was bit. I drive a 2008 Ford focus 2-door standard no power window radio sync not xm

[@KnottsoRude]

Each state hides the cars for years at a time stored in public storeage

[@KnottsoRude]

Center console looks like a Kia optima😢 2005

[@victorbaird8220]

Video is too long should be 10-15 minutes long

[@AllCarswithJon]

Thanks for the comment (and good morning) I stuggle with my video length (and the speed at which I talk!)

[@richardk6291]

This video is the right length