2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test - Detailed in 4K UHD!

For 2016 Ford refreshed the Explorer 3-row crossover with a re-styled interior, a new exterior look and some new engines under the hood for good measure. Thankfully Ford didn't change the Explorer's main selling points: an enormous cargo area, comfortable seats, class leading legroom, powerful engines and luxury features you can't find in the competition.
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[@JBM425]

Five years later, and ironically, I am checking out a 2017 Explorer Platinum with the factory towing package. This review was very timely!

[@RemixerUltimate]

It’s phenomenal. Have had mine since 59,000, now at 108,000 and not a single issue except for a wheel bearing. I love my Explorer.

[@realgreencookie]

Got mine at 12k miles. At 53k now zero problems. That pickup is insane!

[@alanstowing1]

What's a bit shocking in a good way is that my 2016 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5 Twin Turbo was optioned out with almost every option as the Ford Platinum has when loaded with options... And it looks more Sporty than the Platinum also... At $52,995 new before tax, rebates etc , sticker price you can definitely tell that every Premium option was added.. Plus the White Platinum Pearl Metallic Paint in addition to the Sport 20 inch wheels with the Moonroof plus large Panoramic Roof is very awesome. Then there's the Black Leather seats with red stitching... Blacked out Sport Grille , Mirrors, Roof Rails and Body Trim plus that make this Sport Trim stand out . Plus the Sport version comes with the black tinted window Vent Shades installed from the factory. Although a 2016 Year Model .... It still looks brand new in 2024 .... So much more I could list but I'd never finish typing ... We also have a 2016 Ford Base 3.5 Twin Turbo AWD Police Interceptor Utility ( Explorer ) . * Ex Georgia State Patrol Post Commander Unit .... Love our Explorers for sure 😊😊😊

[@TGSHomeandGarden]

I am not even shopping for a car anymore... Just watching, because I enjoy your videos. You are phenomenal!

[@tylerwatt12]

Don't buy a black or white one of these, you'll be stuck behind slow driving people who think you're a cop.

[@duranamo4297]

Ikr especially the Sport explorers with the blacked out grilles and mirrors 😂

[@haoyancai6869]

lol that's funny

[@suprsquirrel2215]

We've got a 2017 Shadow Black XLT with the sport appearance package (Magnetic Metallic trim and 20" wheels, mirrors, grill as well as the 'Explorer' on the hood.) Just took it to Florida from southern Illinois and had people getting out of our way all trip. :-)

[@Ronin559_]

I have a white Sport, I actually got out of a ticket. I floored it getting on the freeway, and with that twin turbo, was up to about 85-90mph in no time. Then I see a CHP sitting under the next on ramp in a minimally marked Explorer that looked exactly like mine, who was waiting to bust speeders. He saw me, put his radar down, and when I got closer, he threw his hands up in disbelief. He thought I was another CHP. I got so lucky.

[@ashleyhawkins1993]

+L. Nathan Sanchez lol, where are y'all from where your cops drives explores?

[@HALWG51]

Great review, as usual. I have had 6 Ford Explorers dating back to 2004. Currently I'm driving a 2016 Base with the 2.3L turbo. This is by far the best of the 6 Explorers I have driven. The 2.3L is pretty impressive power-wise, and I average about 26.5 mpg highway and 21.5 city. Way better than the 3.5L I had in a 2014 XLT. The transmissions in Explorers are generally horrible, but this 6 speed, coupled with that 2.3L turbo is surprisingly smooth and strong shifting. I'm definitely sold on the turbo. I still believe, though, the best value in the Explorer is the XLT. You can get a nicely equipped XLT for about $40,000 which I think is the sweet spot for a 3-row crossover. $50,000+ for an Explorer is a bit ludicrous.

[@robertr4715]

Spot on review. I got a 2017 XLT a year ago with 32,000 miles on it for about 27 K after driving a Durango 200,000 relatively trouble free miles. It has heated leather seats, steering wheel and a sun roof. It’s got the base 3.5 liter V6. I really like the Explorer. Quiet on the road and decent get up and go. Handles well and is excellent in snow. The only problem I have had is the door lock keypad on the side came loose and had to be replaced for about $400. I do wish the gas tank was a bit bigger. You can get about 350 highway miles out of a tank of gas and my old Durango used to get. 400 plus. Not sure why some reviewers knock the Explorer as I think it is a really solid vehicle.

[@gesnerdorvil7384]

How much is an explorer 126.000miles.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Hi Alex, Based on your review of the 2016 Acura MDX, I purchased a 2017 MDX Advance for my wife just last Wednesday for $54,700. She loves it. Thanks again for all your hard work! We'll keep watching. :)

[@robodroid2662]

Best review by far. A one stop shop for finding usable details and compared other vehicles within the same segment. Nice video arrangements and straight to the point narrative. Thank you

[@countenor05]

Alex, your videos are exactly what anyone could want in a car review. Bravo, sir.

[@elliottmanning4116]

This may be the nicest review I've seen on an Explorer. Most people seem to slam it. Everything can't be fun to drive.

[@arash2k]

Well done! It's fascinating to see your already great reviews getting better. This one in particular is extremely informative and touches everything a buyer or an enthusiast may want to know. Keep up the good work Alex!

[@tuc.1209]

Love the new way you're doing the Comparison, seeing them visually (in text) compared to before really works well. Keep it up sir!

[@MOTILAC]

I really enjoy your reviews, Alex. Very thorough and I like your cadence. Best automotive reviewer on KZbin, bar none.

[@Justin-zw1hx]

MOTILAC

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

We in 2023 now and still my favorite SUV.

[@coachbrew2996]

First time seeing your channel, Alex, and I'm very impressed! No word whiskers, to the point, clear and concise! Well done!

[@geekytechycool]

I've been sharing your channel and videos the last few days and sending anyone I know to your reviews. Keep up the great content!!

[@outlandish9233]

Great review, Alex. The one thing I don't like about the Explorer is the water pump design flaw on the v6. The pump is not mounted outside the engine - it's buried inside, and when the pump starts to leak, the coolant runs into the oil pan. You don't know it's leaking until it's too late because there is no coolant on the ground. Coolant in the oil will destroy the engine, requiring an engine replacement. To be pro-active and change the pump before it fails will cost at least $2500, because the best way to access it is to remove the engine from the vehicle. While it's out, the timing chain should be replaced (it stretches), chain guides and cam phasers should also be changed. No Thanks!

[@justabrokeredneck]

glad i read this before seriously considering one! ford always does some dumb shit with their almost perfect vehicles

[@RussellSafirstein]

Great job on your reviews. I always look for new ones! Your review hit upon many of the reasons we bought a 2013 Explorer Sport. The cargo capacity was a key driver that most other reviews missed. Also the small price to pay for the added go was a nice find vs. the competition. Your 0-60 times seem very slow. Most others have put the Sport (w/ the same engine) in the 5.5 sec range. Lastly, I'd say that the Range Rover redesign looks like the Explorer, not the other way around (as the Explorer came first). Look at the front and rear lights, esp on the side. Even the Land Rover sites called LR out on this. Keep up the good work!

[@BernonCars]

Probably my top favorite Crossover now. I used to like the Pilot, but that 3.5L TT!! Love it!

[@dancorvalan3205]

Im very surprised on how good your reviews are. Very detailed and with a very clever point of view. Great great job! You just got a new subscriber/follower. Very very high quality review. Happy holidays.

[@tsun890]

Alex, great review as always! Appreciate the comparison in the end. Very informative.

[@Hoggywartz007]

1st time I have watched one of your reviews. Best one I have seen since reviews on KZbin started well done. Keep up the good work

[@paul_17sti]

This is one of the best review of the explorer in this year and competitions of midsize suv

[@JeffJohnston56]

Thanks for your superior detailed reviews. I really like the format of listing pros and cos of class competitors. All the best.

[@DRII-yv1yt]

what an excellent and thorough review! will be checking out your other ones and hoping for the same quality and fairness.

[@BadBart2217]

Hey Alex, love the new comparison format. Fantastic!

[@davidpratt5456]

Love the more detailed "compare all" section you've added recently. Thanks for the content.

[@Cjdergrosse]

I love how thorough your reviews are! Thumbs up!

[@MrNurse-cr1lq]

It’s almost time for me to get a used one of these

[@jrock3910]

thank you for all your videos on the 3rd row cars helping me a lot on making my decision of the Ford Explorer good job keep up the good work

[@jdubb24training75]

I appreciate all of your reviews. I have owned an Explorer (1993). It served us well, and we are considering the current version.

[@Brent-sc6sc]

Your video reviews are the most thorough. Only one beef. You talk so fast I have to keep replaying some parts on points of interest. Regardless you provide a really great overview on the mechanics. The vehicle comparisons were pure genius. Keep up the great work!

[@divisioneight]

Impressive documentary on this product Alex. Excellent work!

[@Trades46]

Had a chance to look at a 2017 Explorer Platinum and both parents & I came away impressed. Sync 3 is great in utility, speed & response (I liked the navigation) and the feature content is something we didn't expect to see on a Ford. The Platinum has a beautiful interior that easily matches the Mercedes GLE & BMW X5, but the regular models is not as special. The 3.5L Ecoboost has GOBS of power, which does make up for the fact that it is rather thirsty. I think the 2.3L Ecoboost would be the better engine choice for most. Overall a solid choice for a 3 row SUV. My only reservation is that the Black sport model resembles those pesky Highway undercover patrol vehicles which I don't want to be associated with.

[@justabrokeredneck]

sounds like a benefit to look like a cop, makes people behave themselves around you, in return being safer

[@srhtube9386]

Just found your review site and I'm hooked. Great presentation.

[@louiscausley7298]

Alex, We love your videos because of all the details! We are curious why safety is not part of your segments? If safety was included you would have an incredibly detailed and informative channel. Thanks!

[@manuelrexlat2685]

love your reviews. very detailed and helpful. would be great if you can do a comparison or review on the crossovers like murano and edge and pilot.

[@SilentTalkingBanana]

Great video as always Alex! Although I will argue here that the XLT is the choice most buyers would need/get. The Limited trim gives out the leather, heated wheel/seats, and powered liftgate standard; but if you go to the XLT and choose the 202a package, all of that is given at a cheaper price in the end. Trust me every time I look at a local ford explorer inventory there is a TON of XLTs on lot with the 202a package compared to base Limited trims.

[@jaybui7506]

excellent review. You sold me the Ford Explorer.

[@hunterthefisher5145]

If you get one get a $200 chip your 0-60 will be 4.3 seconds and we got ours up to 125mph

[@toddcapota5910]

First time watcher. Very informative video! Hopefully you did a video review for the Traverse as well. That's what I'm deciding on now. Explorer sport/ platinum or Traverse High Country

[@skleice]

Thanks for confirming that the CX-9 Touring is the right choice for me! Awesome review and comparisons!

[@larrywalden626]

I just bought a month ago a new leftover 2017 Limited model in Ruby Red. Absolutely love it.

[@DoronsTheExplorers]

Listen Alex, you are the most informative "WikiCars" living human being I've ever known.

[@azarytamarov5897]

thanks for the review, I test drove it today and loved the sport version.

[@ShodariRF]

I gotta say thank you so much for such an informative review. Liked and subbed

[@legambaz]

Alex your reviews are just great! If I may suggest a little addition in your reviews I find important to me in my wheels? How about inclusion of crash test (IIHS) and accident avoidance features in your reviews?

[@vinceleto]

Rented one this weekend. Very impressive styling inside and out. Ac seats is a nice touch. Not a fan of how it drives and could not get comfortable with the driving position. Couldn’t figure out how to block the glass roof either.

[@versyschris]

As always a great comprehensive review.

[@kmorness]

Hi Alex, I like your reviews, and watched a bunch of them. This review was probably one of the best comparison reviews that I've seen. The detail you went to got me thinking about things I didn't normally think about and I think I configured every one of the cars you talked about. I was narrowed down to two cars... a Ford Explorer and a Audi Q7. Right now Ford has exceptional deals on their entire lineup, which oddly includes the incoming 2017 Explorers. I can get an Explorer Sport out the door for under $60k CAD with 1.9% financing, while a similarly equipped Q7 would have cost me $90k CAD at 3.9% financing (that's after negotiated discounts). While the Audi is the better car for many reasons, I couldn't justify the +50% expense. Right now the Audi's are high demand and getting close to MSRP. Platinum vs Sport was a big one for me. I loved the Platinum chrome exterior and hated the Sport's blackened exterior. But I hated the Platinum interior with wood trim and loved the Sport's interior with red accent stitching and aluminum/carbon inlays. Obviously for many people, this is a personal preference. And there were some other weird tradeoffs too. An utterly loaded sport comes in about $2k lower than the Platinum, but loses park-assist, lane-assist, massaging seats, and the upgraded Stereo (Canada can't option it in). And in BC where I live, getting the car under $55k allows me to avoid a 3% luxury tax... which would have added another $2k in taxes if I went for the Platinum. So I chose Sport :) My biggest negative on the Explorer is the 6-speed transmission. I can feel the inferior difference, but for $30k in savings, I will be okay with that. I do have a critique about your reviews. You don't seem to factor in reliability enough, and I think it's important enough that it should be in your charts. I realize that can be challenging for completely new cars. For example, you preferred the underpowered XC90 over the Q7, but the XC90 designed a massive touch screen in the middle lacking key driver controls. Even something as simple as AC controls forces you to wait until the system boots before you can interact with it. Same deal with changing modes in the driver display (such as turning on maps). Have to do it from the touch screen and it is buried under multiple menu settings. Seat managment in the Volvo was also very problematic compared to the Audi. The Volvo also has some very poor reliability issues right now... so those would be huge enough factors to take the Volvo out of contention. I scratched the Volvo off my list as won't buy very quickly. Same goes for your preference for the Durango. Dodge grazes at the very bottom of dumpster reliability, and they are more expensive than a similarly equipped loaded Explorer. I could have considered it if it didn't look like an ugly minivan on the outside. That thing desperately needs an exterior redesign. At least it has a 8-speed transmission. Anyways, keep up the good work, you really helped me make my decision.

[@nordicwolf8808]

Love ur reviews, Alex... awesome. Can you do one on 2017 GMC Acadia ? It will interesting to see how it compares with 2016 Ford Explorer and 2017 Pathfinder

[@MrGiraffe200]

this guy is great. I never knew i was interested in cars util watching his videos for hours!

[@guzziventure1750]

Very good reviews you make. Thanks.

[@hightechredneck_0566]

Excellent review. Well spoken and you know what you are talking about. Thank you.

[@kashiffkhan6239]

I think you underestimated how uncomfortable that small front seat bottom cushion is...it was the biggest reason I traded this car for an alternative...that and the "horrendous" 6 speed auto...it is soooo slow to downshift... I am glad they are now offering sliding second row seats... Excellent review as always...

[@adilmasood2132]

one of the best reviews i have seen

[@muddchop]

Phenomenal review!!! Keep up the good work ;)

[@fernandolima3527]

Alex, love your reviews. I'm shopping for a new 3 row and would love to see how the new Acadia would stack up with the Explorer and others, they look pretty similar in options and price.

[@alonzalbrown1883]

This is so detailed. I love this review!

[@FordGT8806]

Very good and thorough review!

[@AttainingExcellence1]

Very professional and a lot of details thank you.

[@karllin9598]

Alex, once again, excellent review. As many viewers have pointed out, the mechanics and the practicality is great but the workmanship has a lot left to be desired. If you compare the limited trim of explorer to the limited trim of durango, not RT, which one would you choose? Do you think the workmanship of Dodge is the same as Ford or slightly better? One more suggestion: It would be beneficial to add safety testing results from iihs to the comparison as that is fairly important.

[@hockeynutt9434]

Another great review. I enjoy your videos. Would you choose an Explorer Plat or CX9 Signature?

[@ridaalosman8030]

Hey, Alex. Thanks for the comprehensive review. I like the cx09 but the wide centre console impedes on my knees space; also the cx9 lacks behind the competition with its infotainment system. When do you anticipate the explorer and pathfinder to receive a full-redesign? Possibly in 2019? Thanks.

[@HighlyPotent34]

Very thorough review, made me want to get an Explorer. Now all I need is the money haha

[@tbear2581]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@n0148813]

Great comparisons. Watching this late as I am lifelong used car buyer. Would have like to see follow-up testimonials or similar. Thanks for the info.

[@dougpreston7131]

Alex, I enjoyed your reviews on the 2017 Explorer & Highlander. I am anxious to see if there will be any changes in the 2018 models. Any idea when you will have access to the new models. Thx for the good work.

[@Bournearun]

Awesome review .. thanks

[@romanopeterj]

Hi Alex, great review as always. I looked at the 2017 Explorer but ended up purchasing the new 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. The new size of the Acadia, and the infotainment system I thought was better and more modern than the Explorer even though it has the updated Sync 3 system.

[@lowflyerxx]

Excellent review!! Thank you... Now, in your opinion Acadia SLT2 or Explorer Limited??

[@mawalker63105]

Great review!

[@jakubnadolski1991]

Great review, especially a comparison part, extremely well done! One detail from me - isn't Mazda's engine a 2.5 turbo, not 2.3?

[@nickw134]

Fantastic review

[@DeadOrDyingBattery]

I _really_ appreciated the comparison to the other competitors in the segment. You can't find that type of information anywhere else.

[@Ktheodoss]

Great video review. You always do a professional job! I love the look of this vehicle. I am really considering getting one. I want something bigger than a Grand Cherokee but smaller than a Tahoe. My next vehicle needs to be able to go up inclined dirt roads - even when they're wet or snowy. Nothing crazy though - my old 4WD Chevy Tahoe does it with ease. It will also need to be able to drive on sandy beaches. Can a new Explorer handle this confidently?

[@dafitza]

K. Theodos There are reviews of Explorer offroad. It has AWD and traction control settings. The v6 shouldn't have any issues in either environment I would think. I've been on gravel road is mountain area of Vermont with 0 issues even on steep inclines.

[@kanadoots]

love the new art alex!

[@davids1816]

Great motor. The platinum is crazy plush inside and Sync 3 seems to be getting nothing but good press. It's a really useful size, although the chairs seem to really use up a lot of space. That extra air dam under the front bumper is kinda strange looking but almost all of the new suv's seem to have them. Does it scratch a lot? Did they do anything to the front structure to improve the small offset crash test Alex?

[@itsjaynguyen]

very good review

[@hellkitty1014]

Love the recent family hauler reviews, Alex! Now....where is the Pacifica!?

[@mountainhobo]

Alex, do you know when the 8-sp transmission is scheduled to make its debut? Also, did you have a chance to drive the normally aspirated V6? If so, what were your impressions?

[@bestcarpetdeals6370]

hi alex i am looking at a 2017 ford explorer xlt or a kia sorento sxl which one do you thinks a better suv in the long run

[@gtilover11]

I'd wait for the Explorer to get the second gen EcoBoost V6 that was introduced with the 2017 F-150. It includes direct and port fuel injection which should make it more reliable and eliminate 95% of the possibility of carbon buildup.

[@andrewscott1253]

Reports say it hasn't.

[@SY-ve5qm]

Nice Vid!! I know Pacifica is a mini-van, but would you review it and compare with the 3-ROW SUVs?

[@FMC1239]

I own a 2016 Explorer with the base 3.5L V6 with AWD and get better than the combined MPG rating. The vehicle is rated for 16/19/23 and I average about 20.5 during my 50/50 Highway/City commute with my relatively heavy foot. So, those twin turbo's sure are thirsty!

[@KB-bh9hp]

Fred Crews Yeah I went with the base because the na engine should be and has proven to be very reliable

[@chuongma3773]

Love your reviews. Any chance you will review GMC Acadia Denali 2017?

[@zilcdy2752]

nice review

[@almasredzematovic7196]

Very descriptive.. great vid

[@TommyBigFigures]

Hi I'm from Canada looking to buy 2017 exporter or 2017 kia sorento both v6 .. drove them both like them both I hear the explorers are problematic throttle etc . heard really nothing negative about the kia .what would you recommend ?

[@ralphdamato8670]

Very good review ,covered good and not so good points!, honest

[@slulions07]

Alex is the best reviewer out there. Not in the market for anything new soon (as I want to buy everything cash from now on). I was looking at a used Infiniti QX60, but just couldn't get myself to go into $38K in debt. To meet the needs of my newborn, I just bought a used 2005 4X4 Ford Explorer XLT with 128K miles for $3K off craigslist. Owner had all the maintenance records in the dash bin. No vehicle note for me.

[@slulions07]

I've put about 3,000 miles on it since I bought it, haven't noticed any problems yet. I hopefully won't have any for a long time. Since there are some explorer people on here, is there anything I should be aware of? Known issues with that particular model? I have the 4.0L V6 in it.

[@minhduong6286]

Hi Alex want know Ford explorer sport 2019 it reliable do this suv have any mechanical issues thanks.

[@toy96]

the review was very detailed, anybody looking in this segment would consider the competition, Mazda has one best interior's, but very weak 4 cylinder for SUV of that size, great review!

[@Trades46]

My old man was THIS close to getting an Explorer until I convinced him that he didn't need something this large.

[@feligarci13]

thank you, very comprehensive review, just would suggest that you spend some time going over the safety features, after all these are family vehicles. In my case, I trade performance over safety. Thank you very much, this is what I was looking forward to make an informed decision.

[@aa134368]

Been waiting for this one

[@dtr5765]

You are a great reviewer.

[@joethebet7177]

Hi Alex, Can you do this video when the 2017 highlander comes out? Pls. Thanks.

[@mayanobles4787]

Are theses good for long road trips because we are going to Florida for a week and it will take almost 12 hours

[@matthewhartup941]

Everything you mentioned that's available in the platinum trim is available on 401a spec package sport. I think the sport is more desirable and the way to go.

[@montero825]

your reviews are a thousand times better than the fast lane truck. even though you don't demonstrate towing, obviously the manufacturer already reports on that. please do the 2017 titan. they just did a garbage video on that. for the record, I love the fast lane truck, but they're phoning it in these days

[@baldheadjamaican2551]

I just bought me a 2012 explorer I like it but there's a few quirks. Like the wiper motor will stay on even if u turn it off and I got a rust bubble in the hood. Hope they have fixed those problems in the new explorer.