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2017 Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Used Car Price Range
$13,477 - $23,500
$13,477 $23,500
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,660
2017 XLT 4dr Front-wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,775
2017 Base 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $33,810
2017 XLT 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $35,925
2017 Limited 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $41,675
2017 Limited 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $43,825
2017 Sport 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $45,355
2017 Platinum 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $53,235
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

Just when you think the Ford Explorer couldn't get any better, the 2017 models drop to change your mind. With some minor updates from the previous year, the Explorer remains a top competitor.

What's New for 2017

The 2016 Ford Explorer was tremendously upgraded from all the previous years, which left little room for the 2017 to be modified. The 2017 offers an all-new Sport Appearance Package, which features a darker grille, 20-inch wheels, and black roof racks to go with it. However, the bigger upgrade lies in the interior, and that is the new SYNC 3 interface, which simplifies the system for the user.

Ford Explorer

Choosing Your Ford Explorer

The standard engine on the 2017 Explorer is a V6 3.5-liter, which is featured in two models: the Base model and the XLT model. If you use your Ford for basic daily-driving tasks, the 290 horsepower, 255 pound-feet of torque will do the job with ease. The six-speed transmission helps with the fuel economy, giving an average of 17 mpg on the streets, and 24 mpg on a nice highway cruise.

The 2017 Ford Explorer offers two additional engine options:

  • 2.3-liter EcoBoost V4 engine, which is the home for 280 horses, and a 310 pound-feet of torque. This is a rather impressive torque for a four cylinder engine. This engine uses roughly 19 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway. However, if you choose the AWD option, expect 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
  • 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost, which produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque; this is enough to tow most things you can think of. This engine can only be owned if you get the Sport model or the Platinum model. This strong engine is expected to use 16 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on the open highway.

The Ford Explorer offers five levels of trim:

Ford Explorer

Base

The Base model starts at $31,160. It features the old SYNC interface system, LED taillights, 18" wheels, and third row seating. This model also offers a rearview camera, which is a nice treat for a basic model.

Ford Explorer

XLT

The XLT offers everything the Base model offers plus a few more features. At $33,625, the XLT has a push button start feature, a reverse sensing system, and an LED signature lighting, which is a cosmetic upgrade to the headlight.

Ford Explorer

Limited

The Limited model is priced at $41,525. This model features the SYNC 3 interface system, which is considered the big upgrade from the 2016 model. The Limited comes equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine. This model also features heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, power lift gate, and an advanced third row power fold seat. This is a popular model in the previous years.

Ford Explorer

Sport

The Sport model offers the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine and is priced at $45,205. This 4WD model has dual exhaust tips and 20" wheels. Some may think it's a big jump in price just for the 4WD system. This model looks unique due to the all-new blacked-out grille and roof racks.

Ford Explorer

Platinum

This $53,235 model features a 3.5L EcoBoost engine. This model contains the features from all the other models, plus a few more. The Platinum model features a premium sound system from Sony. It also comes with a dual moonroof for the front and the back.

CarsDirect Tip

The 2016 featured a major make-over, which transferred onto the 2017 Explorer. Since the big 2017 upgrade is the easy to use SYNC 3 interface, it's recommended for buyers to experience that, which is only featured in the Limited model and above.

Get your price on a Ford Explorer »

author image
Bassem Girgis
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The Ford Explorer is the blue oval brand’s largest crossover, a three-row midsize SUV with room for seven. Previously a truck-based SUV, the Explorer transitioned to a car-derived crossover in 2011 and continues to benefit from regular updates to the product line.

Pricing and Equipment

Ford prices the 2017 Explorer from $31,160 for the standard front-wheel drive model. Add $2,150 for all-wheel drive. Four additional trims are available—XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum—with prices ranging from $33,625 to $53,235. Both the Sport and Limited editions offer standard all-wheel drive.

Three engine choices are available, beginning with a 3.5-liter V6 engine standard in the base and XLT ($33,625) editions and available in the Limited ($41,525) edition. This engine makes 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models are EPA-rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

A 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine is standard on the Sport ($45,205) and Platinum ($53,235) editions. This engine creates 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Models powered by the boosted V6 engine are EPA-rated at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

A third engine, a 2.3-liter, turbocharged four cylinder is optional on the standard, XLT and Limited editions. The small turbo makes 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivers the best fuel economy among the three, coming in at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel drive models.

All three engines are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shifting capabilities.

All models come with aluminum wheels, LED tail lights, a rearview camera with a washer, a tilt and telescopic steering column, power accessories, and hill start assist.

The XLT edition brings in side mirrors with turn signal indicators, a roof rack, keyless entry with push-button start, upgraded cloth seats, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An XLT sport appearance package is new, adding such goodies as 20-inch magnetic gray wheels, Ebony Black body side molding, and other decor.

The Explorer Limited adds power-fold side mirrors, a power-split folding third-row seat, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a 12-speaker audio system, SYNC 3 infotainment, and a forward media bin.

Choose the Sport model and this model receives the expected sporting embellishments, including rear fascia-integrated dual exhaust tips. Machined 20-inch aluminum wheels and a hands-free liftgate are some of the additional highlights of this model.

Choose the Platinum edition and the upgrades include Nirvana quilted leather seats with quilted inserts, a dual-panel moonroof, a 500-watt Sony audio system, voice-activated navigation, and a suite of safety features.

Performance Pros

Ford Explorer

All three engines provide more than sufficient kick. The 2.3-liter turbo four is a decent match for the naturally aspirated V6, delivering equal performance overall.

The intelligent four-wheel drive system in the Sport and Platinum models is a welcome feature and comes with hill descent control. Where most other crossovers aren’t able to tackle tough terrain, equipped models can handle a variety of medium-duty off-road conditions.

Performance Cons

The turbo four-cylinder engine is thirsty and may not deliver the estimated fuel economy numbers for most drivers.

Interior Pros

Ford Explorer

Ford makes available a long list of standard and available amenities to suit a wide variety of consumers. Even with the less costly grades such features as ambient lighting, leather seating, and upgraded audio packages are available.

The second-row seat flips forward thanks to a well-placed lever. Access to the third row is eased because of it.

Interior Cons

Some buyers may look for an eighth seating position as found in some competing models, but Ford doesn’t offer this option. Instead, you have the Transit van and the big Expedition SUV to consider for your additional passenger needs.

Our reviewers noted the bottom cushions on the second-row seat points down at an awkward angle. You’d be better off opting for the available bucket seats, but that does mean forgoing one seating position.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The leather-wrapped interior in the Platinum edition is top shelf, matching what many luxury models offer. Clearly, Ford has luxury SUV shoppers targeted in the Explorer Platinum, although that also means Lincoln shoppers may want to take a closer look too.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Work with the Ford pricing configurator and you’ll quickly learn how easy it is to drive the final price of the Platinum edition above $55,000, especially if you add the dual-headrest DVD entertainment system ($1,995) or opt for second-row bucket seats ($695). That your final price may approach $60,000 is simply stunning.

The Bottom Line

Ford continues to expand its fleet of people movers—vans, crossovers, and SUVs alike. The 2017 Explorer offers shoppers a compelling reason to look at the model line, while offering more engine choices than most competitors.



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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd SelectShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 255 ft.lbs.
Available: 2.3L I-4 / 280 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
17 / 24 / 20 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
80.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
152 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.3 "
Exterior Width
78.9 "
Exterior Height
70.0 "
Front Headroom
41.4 "
Rear Headroom
40.6 "
Front Legroom
42.9 "
Rear Legroom
39.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
61.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,443 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
19.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Metal-look W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan / Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Securilock
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2017 Ford Explorer for Sale

17 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Ford
XLT
Color: Black
Price

$13,477

Mileage

89,108 mi

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Karplus Warehouse Inc. (23 mi)

Ford
Base
Color: White
Price

$14,441

Mileage

96,066 mi

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Volvo Westlake (29 mi)

Phone: (562) 977-2124
Ford
XLT
Color: Magnetic Metallic
Price

$14,982

Mileage

93,457 mi

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Audi Oxnard (49 mi)

Phone: (805) 754-2556
Ford
XLT
Color: Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clear
Price

$14,985

Mileage

90,294 mi

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Audi Oxnard (49 mi)

Phone: (805) 754-2556
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