
The Limited runs on a 3.3-liter hybrid engine that's also capable of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the freeway, while the ST, King Ranch and Platinum versions come with the V-6 that clocks 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the freeway. Under the hoods of the base model and the XLT comes a turbocharged four-cylinder, 300-horsepower engine that travels 21 mpg on city roads and 28 mpg on the freeway. Depending on the trim, the Explorer is fitted with different engine options whose horsepower varies from 300 to 400.

But prior to the new millenium, from 1991 to 2000, first and second generation Explorers weighed roughly 1,000 pounds less than their contemporary counterparts.ĭespite the extra pounds it's put on over the years, the Ford Explorer is still known to pack an impressive punch on the road. New Explorers weigh in between 4,345 to 4,727 pounds depending on the specific trim level, which is actually on par with all 21st century model years of the Explorer and other brands of midsize SUVs these days for that matter, too. Over the years, as the trend with vehicles in general often tends to be, the Ford Explorer has grown in length, width and weight, too. The FWD-to-RWD swap came as a major move for Ford, setting the Explorer apart from most other midsize SUVs in its class like the Honda Pilot and the Mazda CX-9, most of which are front-wheel drive.Īll-wheel drive comes standard on the Explorer Platinum and optional on the King Ranch, too.Īside from the drivetrain, the only other major difference to keep in mind between new and used Ford Explorers is an updated infotainment system that's standard on 2017 and newer models and equipped with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, whereas older models lack these features. In general, RWD makes for better handling and improved balance on SUVs regardless of the make and model, which means the vehicle is less likely to tip over and roll. But in 2020, just shy of the SUV's 30th birthday, Ford moved the Explorer's drivetrain from the front to the rear. Historically, Explorers have always been designed with front-wheel drive.


The 2021 Explorer base model starts at $32,675, followed by the XLT at $34,825, the Limited at $45,005, the ST at $48,750, the King Ranch at $52,350 and the Platinum at $52,480.īut depending on age, mileage and specific trim package, used Ford Explorers tend to average approximately $10,000-$20,000 less than a new model, falling within the range of $20,000 to $30,000.Īs far as features go, the lone major difference is between a new Explorer and those manufactured before 2020 is the drivetrain. Prices for a new Ford Explorer range from the low $30,000s to the low $50,000s, which is slightly higher than other comparable SUVs.
