6 Best Ford Explorer Models - Our Favorite Years
Ford Explorer is known for a good many things: family-ready space, confident towing, and four-season capability. Those qualities have held up, while the Explorer itself has kept getting more efficient and safer over time. With this constant iteration, some years will naturally be more appealing to St. Louis drivers than others. To help our customers research which vehicle is the right fit for them, we highlight some of the best years for Ford Explorers based on reliability, features, value, and more.
Understanding the Different Ford Explorer Generations
First Generation (1991-1994):
The original Explorer put Ford's family SUV on the map with body-on-frame toughness and straightforward mechanicals. It offered traditional trucklike dynamics and durability. Regardless of whether you're buying an Explorer or another type, a vehicle this old will naturally have dated safety tech, lower fuel economy, more wind and road noise, and a stiffer ride than modern crossovers. Also anticipate age-related wear: brittle plastics, seepage from gaskets, tired suspension, and intermittent electrical quirks, even on low-mileage examples
Second Generation (1995-2001):
The 1995 redesign kept the truck-based layout but added safety features and a quieter, more comfortable cabin. Power still came from the 4.0-liter V6, and Ford added an available 5.0-liter V8 during the generation's run. A double-wishbone front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering gave it a more settled ride, and the styling looked cleaner inside and out.
Third Generation (2002-2005):
The big change here was independent rear suspension, which improved ride quality and lowered the cargo floor enough to make the third row easier to use. Interiors stepped up too, with better materials and available features like curtain airbags. Powertrains carried over the 4.0-liter V6 and an available 4.6-liter V8. These are not among the Explorer's most reliable years, though, so the asking price should account for likely maintenance.
Fourth Generation (2006-2010):
The fourth generation leaned into towing and a more upscale cabin, with a stronger available V8 and tow ratings that topped out around 7,000 pounds. Safety and refinement improved again, which is part of why clean late-2000s examples still make sense today.
Fifth Generation (2011-2019):
The fifth generation was the big shift, moving the Explorer to a car-based unibody platform. That change made it quieter and more efficient than the old truck-based models, and it freed up interior space and easier third-row access. Ford also added EcoBoost engine options and steadily more in-cabin tech across the run.
Sixth Generation (2020-present):
Ford went back to a rear-wheel-drive-based layout for the sixth generation, which sharpened how the Explorer handles and tows. Turbocharged engines and a deeper set of driver assists make this the most capable lineup yet. Earlier sixth-generation years offered a hybrid option and an ST performance trim, while the 2025 and newer lineup centers on turbocharged gas engines. Owners generally like the ride and the bump in cabin tech over earlier Explorers.
2009 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $2,500 to $5,000
Ford drivers who want a marriage between SUV and truck qualities will appreciate the 2009 Ford Explorer. Toward the end of the 4th Generation, the 2009 had the rough edges worked out, with a smoother ride and quieter cabin than earlier in the run, and it kept its body-on-frame strength. Properly equipped V8 models deliver stout towing that outmuscles many crossover Explorers that came later. Straightforward, proven mechanicals and abundant parts availability help keep maintenance predictable. Inside, available features like a power-folding third row and improved safety tech add usability. For a budget buyer who wants real SUV capability without spending much, the 2009 is one of the strongest values here.
On recalls, the 2009 is about as clean as Explorers get. The only NHTSA entry on record covers certain aftermarket seat covers that could interfere with side-airbag deployment, which matters only if a previous owner installed them. Age is the bigger variable, so put your budget toward a pre-purchase inspection of the rust, suspension, brakes, and fluids.
2013 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $6,500 to $9,000
The 2013 Ford Explorer sits in a good part of the fifth generation, with most of what makes these years appealing at a lower price than newer ones. This Explorer delivers composed road manners and family-friendly usability. Drivers of this year often call out its responsive steering, overall smoothness, and general reliability compared with earlier models. The unibody design helps it feel planted in corners and more efficient than the older truck-based versions, while the 3.5-liter V6 supplies more than enough power for everyday needs. Cabin tech and safety features feel modern enough for commuting and road trips, especially on well-equipped trims. A common con? The factory sound system can underwhelm next to newer setups. There is one recall worth taking seriously on this generation. Ford recalled certain 2013 to 2017 Explorers for rear suspension toe links that can fracture after road-salt corrosion and reduce steering control, and Missouri winters put plenty of these cars in the affected region. Ask for proof the repair was done.
2019 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $14,000 to $22,000
The 2019 Ford Explorer closes out the fifth generation with a stable, proven setup. Reviewers frequently point to solid reliability, helped by years of incremental refinements. The infotainment system is straightforward to use, with a clear screen and Sync 3 that responds quickly even if it's not Sync 4. Features like remote start, keyless entry, and broad smartphone integration make daily driving easier. If you want three-row space with hardware that's been tested over time, this particular year of Ford Explorer is amongst the best picks available.
2021 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $18,000 to $30,000
The 2021 Ford Explorer marks an early, more mature year of the sixth generation, and it remains a practical used pick for families. The Explorer Hybrid, a 3.3L V6 hybrid offered on select trims, earns praise for its fuel efficiency without giving up usable power. The cabin is straightforward to operate, with controls and tech that feel user-friendly, and there's ample room for families and gear. Ride and handling benefit from the rear-drive-based platform, making highway trips and city driving equally manageable.
There's a wide spread of trims-from value-focused to feature-rich and performance-oriented-so matching the right configuration to your needs matters. A knowledgeable salesperson can help you choose which 2021 model is the ideal match. The 2021 also carries a sixth-generation recall the older picks do not. Certain 2020 to 2022 Explorers have a rear axle mounting bolt that can fracture, which can cut drive power or let the vehicle roll when the parking brake is not set, so make sure that campaign shows as completed.
2023 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $22,000 to $38,000
The 2023 Ford Explorer is one of the newer used picks here, and it works if you want a current-generation Explorer for less than the price of a new or lightly used 2025. It uses the same rear-wheel-drive-based platform, with turbocharged EcoBoost engines and available all-wheel drive. One advantage over the 2025 is the hybrid: the 3.3L V6 hybrid was still offered for 2023, with towing up to about 5,000 pounds, so buyers who want that powertrain can find it here. Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance features are standard, and well-equipped trims add a larger vertical touchscreen and a 360-degree camera.
Recalls are the catch with this year. The 2023 has a longer list than anything else here, and Consumer Reports rates it below average, so the history report earns its keep on a 2023. The one to look hardest at is a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine. A certified pre-owned example with documented repairs takes most of that worry off the table.
2025 Ford Explorer
Estimated price: $36,000 to $56,000
The 2025 Ford Explorer builds on the sixth generation's rear-wheel-drive platform, with updated interior materials and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen that are a clear step up from earlier years. Driver-assistance features are more extensive, and available BlueCruise adds hands-free highway driving on equipped trims.
Compared with fifth-generation models like the 2019, the 2025 handles more sharply and tows with more confidence, with infotainment a generation ahead. For 2025 the lineup is turbocharged gas only: a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum, plus a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 on the ST and available on Platinum. Ford dropped the Explorer Hybrid from the 2025 retail lineup, so shoppers who want a hybrid should look at earlier sixth-generation years. As the newest year, the 2025 has a few open campaigns worth checking, including an EGR valve recall and a separate 2.3L engine recall, both tied to a possible loss of drive power. The engine recall covers a small number of cars but is serious, since the fix is an engine replacement. Run the specific VIN before you commit, since coverage depends on build details.
If you are shopping new, Ford now lists the 2026 Explorer, including the new off-road Tremor trim, so compare any remaining 2025 inventory against 2026 pricing and incentives.
Why the Broad Price Ranges for Different Years?
When looking at what we consider some of the best years for Ford Explorers, you may notice we use broad price ranges. This is because the individual price of a vehicle should reflect more than its manufacturing year, such as:
- The trim levels
- The vehicle's mileage
- Your geography
- General supply and demand
Find your Ford Explorer at Bo Beuckman
Bo Beuckman is one of the best-reviewed dealerships in Greater St. Louis, with a 4.8 average star rating from Google reviews. We train our staff to be knowledgeable and transparent so you can find the best Ford Explorer for your budget and needs. Call us at 636-227-5700 or stop by our Ellisville showroom to test-drive one or more of the beloved Explorer years. We're less than 15-minutes from Chesterfield, Wildwood, Valley Park, and Manchester.
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By Brent Faron
Brent Faron is the General Manager at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford, where he has worked in nearly every role since 2006 and now leads the Used Car division. He lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his wife and three kids.
Frequently asked questions
| How do used Ford Explorers compare price-wise to other models? |
| The Explorer tends to depreciate faster than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, so a used Explorer often costs less than a comparable version of either at similar age, mileage, and condition. The Kia Telluride holds its value especially well, so a used Explorer often undercuts it too. For a used buyer, that faster depreciation is an advantage, since you get more SUV for the money once you confirm condition and recall history on the specific vehicle. |
| Which Ford Explorer years should you avoid? |
| The early third-generation models from about 2002 to 2005 draw the most complaints, mostly for transmission problems that can be expensive to fix. The 2020 model, the first year of the current generation, also had more quality and recall issues than the years that followed. On any Explorer, a vehicle history report and a recall check matter more than the model year alone. |
| Does the Ford Explorer still come as a hybrid? |
| The Explorer Hybrid used a 3.3L V6 hybrid powertrain and was offered from 2020 through 2023. Ford dropped it from the 2025 retail lineup, which is now turbocharged gas only. If you want a hybrid Explorer, look at the 2020 to 2023 model years rather than a new one. |
| How do I check a used Ford Explorer for recalls? |
| Enter the vehicle's 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on Ford's owner site to see any open recalls, then confirm the repairs were completed in the service records. Several Explorer years have suspension, axle, camera, or engine-related campaigns, so this step is worth doing before you buy. Our team in Ellisville can also run the VIN and confirm recall status for any Explorer you are considering. |
| How many miles can a Ford Explorer last? |
| A well-maintained Explorer can reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with regular fluid changes and timely repairs. On older or higher-mileage examples, service history and a pre-purchase inspection tell you more than the odometer alone. |
By Brent FaronBrent Faron is the General Manager at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford, where he has worked in nearly every role since 2006 and now leads the Used Car division. He lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his wife and three kids.
Becky from Chesterfield
Bruce was my very friendly, very informative salesperson!!!!
Charlie from Chesterfield
Great experience Craig was very helpful
Rick from Troy
Jeff was fantastic to work with. Great experience
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15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
- Sales: 636-227-5700
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