Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV built for families who want space without stepping up to a full-size body. A turbocharged four-cylinder and a 10-speed automatic deliver strong everyday pace, while rear-wheel-drive underpinnings give it a more composed feel than many front-drive rivals. A 2025 update brought a cleaner cabin and a larger central screen. It seats six or seven, tows respectably, and remains one of America's most familiar SUV nameplates.

On the road, the Explorer feels more substantial than its midsize label suggests. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four makes 300 horsepower, and paired with the smooth 10-speed automatic it moves the SUV with real authority, whether merging onto a highway or hauling a loaded cabin uphill. The rear-biased platform pays off in steering that stays honest and a ride that settles nicely over broken pavement, though larger wheels on upper trims do let more impact through.

Inside, the 2025 refresh modernized things considerably. A 13.2-inch touchscreen anchors the dash, physical climate controls remain, and material quality climbs noticeably as you move from Active to Platinum. The first two rows are genuinely roomy, with adult-friendly space and easy access. The third row, as in most SUVs this size, is best reserved for kids or short trips, and cargo room behind it is modest until you fold seats flat.

Fuel economy is the Explorer's weak spot. Without a hybrid option in the current US lineup, real-world mileage hovers in the low-to-mid 20s, and the optional V6 on the ST drops that further. Towing is a bright spot at up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and all-wheel drive is available across the range.

Value depends heavily on trim. The Active makes a sensible, well-equipped starting point, while Platinum and ST climb into pricing where rivals offer hybrid efficiency or plusher interiors. Buyers who prioritize performance and a confident rear-drive feel will be happy; those chasing economy may look elsewhere.