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    At a glance it may appear that the current Explorer isn’t much different than its predecessor, but there were some major improvements made with its complete redesign for 2020. Handling is now agile and the cabin remains quiet and spacious, especially the third row. But it also took a step back in many ways.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
    Fuel Economy & Emissions
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
    Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    NA
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    2012
    NA
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    This car is new and detailed reliability trouble spots will be available at a later date.
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
    NA
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
    NA
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
    NA
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
    NA
    Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
    NA
    Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
    NA
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    NA
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Road Test

    At a glance it may appear that the current Explorer isn’t much different than its predecessor, but there were some major improvements made with its complete redesign for 2020. Handling is now agile and the cabin remains quiet and spacious, especially the third row. But it also took a step back in many ways. It has a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride, which combine to leave it with a road-test score among three-row midsized SUVs. Further, some comparably equipped rivals, such as the Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent, cost thousands less.

    The Explorer's rear-drive-based platform (most competitors are front-drive-based) contributes to its newfound handling chops and improved tow rating—5,300 pounds on our test vehicle. Our all-wheel-drive Explorer proved adept through corners, with responsive steering and firm suspension that gave drivers confidence. Ride quality is less compliant than many rivals, though, and it transmits frequent jiggles into the cabin.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
    Drive Wheels
    AWD, Rear
    Warranty
    Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle
    • Basic: 3 years/36,000 miles
    • Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles
    • Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles
    • Roadside Aid: 5 years/60,000 miles
    • Maintenance: NA
    Body Styles
    4-door SUV
    Transmissions Available
    • 10-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 2.3-liter 4 turbo (300 hp)
    • 3-liter V6 turbo (400 hp)
    • 3.3-liter V6 hybrid (318 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    No Data Available
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