2017
Ford Explorer

Starts at:
$43,825
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New 2017 Ford Explorer
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Base FWD
    Starts at
    $31,660
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLT FWD
    Starts at
    $33,775
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Base 4WD
    Starts at
    $33,810
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • XLT 4WD
    Starts at
    $35,925
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited FWD
    Starts at
    $41,675
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited 4WD
    Starts at
    $43,825
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Sport 4WD
    Starts at
    $45,355
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Platinum 4WD
    Starts at
    $53,235
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Ford Explorer

Notable features

New Sport Appearance Package
Seats up to seven in three rows
V-6 engine standard
Turbo four-cylinder and turbo V-6 available
Front- or all-wheel drive
Hands-free liftgate available

The good & the bad

The good

Sport model's performance
Interior quality (Platinum trim)
Available turbo four-cylinder engine
Front-seat ergonomics
Handling and road manners

The bad

Unremarkable styling
Access to cramped third row
Sticker price climbs easily
Driver's footwell is too narrow
Modest cargo space behind third row

Expert 2017 Ford Explorer review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take


What it is: The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard, and a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 are available. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered, and competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.


A new Sport Appearance Package for the XLT trim level includes 20-inch gray wheels, black and gray exterior trim, and leather and suede seat trim, among other changes.

Significant Standard Features
  • 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • LED low-beam automatic headlights
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Cruise control
  • Air conditioning
  • Roll stability control
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
  • 280-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder 
  • 365-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
  • All-wheel drive
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Sync 3 multimedia system
  • Navigation system
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Dual-panel moonroof
  • Second-row bucket seats
  • Power-folding third-row seat
  • Automated parking system
  • Sony premium stereo
  • Inflatable rear seat belts
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane keep assist

2017 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take


What it is: The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard, and a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 are available. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered, and competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.


A new Sport Appearance Package for the XLT trim level includes 20-inch gray wheels, black and gray exterior trim, and leather and suede seat trim, among other changes.

Significant Standard Features
  • 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • LED low-beam automatic headlights
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Cruise control
  • Air conditioning
  • Roll stability control
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
  • 280-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder 
  • 365-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
  • All-wheel drive
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Sync 3 multimedia system
  • Navigation system
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Dual-panel moonroof
  • Second-row bucket seats
  • Power-folding third-row seat
  • Automated parking system
  • Sony premium stereo
  • Inflatable rear seat belts
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane keep assist

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2017 Ford Explorer base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

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  • 2016
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 372 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.6
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

To many recalls and Ford don't have the parts for the

To many recalls and Ford don't have the parts for the recalls. All the material on my windshield is wearing out. The trim is loose. I took my truck to Ford 3 months ago. Still don't have the parts. The top rail has falling off, which is on recall but since it's been fix before. They say Ford want redo it. Smh it's just a lot
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 3.0
Performance 4.0
Value 2.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Bought this car in 2019 as my daily driver.

Bought this car in 2019 as my daily driver. It has enough space to transport my large and was very reliable until about 160,000 miles. Gasket seal and O2 sensors failed causing me $800 in repairs. Not super expensive, but like the previous review says check to see if there are any open recalls. Currently at 230,000 miles and still driving. If you follow the suggested maintenance schedule you'll be fine. If not, you'll be in for some trouble.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.0
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2017 Ford Explorer?

The 2017 Ford Explorer is available in 5 trim levels:

  • Base (2 styles)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • Platinum (1 style)
  • Sport (1 style)
  • XLT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2017 Ford Explorer?

The 2017 Ford Explorer offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2017 Ford Explorer?

The 2017 Ford Explorer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2017 Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2017 Ford Explorer has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2017 Ford Explorer owners.

Is the 2017 Ford Explorer a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2017 Ford Explorer. 90.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 372 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.6

Ford Explorer history

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