2019 Ford Explorer Review: Time To Say Goodbye

Ford's Explorer has been the best-selling midsize crossover SUV in the U.S. for almost thirty years, but that trend is beginning to wane thanks to better-equipped and better-packaged competitors like the Honda Pilot offering more value. To curb this, a complete redesign is coming next year, but some changes have been made for the 2019 model too. Engine options include a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo with 10 hp less but 55 lb-ft more torque, and a range-topping 365 hp, 350 lb-ft V6 turbo, one of the best engines available in the class. Still one of the great seven-seat all-rounders in many ways, the Explorer is worth considering, but lower models are sparsely equipped while better packages are not cheap.

What's the Price of the 2019 Ford Explorer?

The 2019 Ford Explorer starts at $32,365 for the front-wheel-drive base model. On all front-wheel-drive models, four-wheel-drive can be added for $2,150. The XLT starts at $34,400 with the same drivetrain. The Limited starts at $42,765 but gets the optional EcoBoost inline-four from the lower models' options lists. You can still spec the V6 though. The Sport is powered exclusively by the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost with four-wheel-drive. This model costs $46,625. Finally, the Platinum starts at $54,165. All prices mentioned here exclude taxes and a $1,095 destination charge. Fully loaded, the Explorer costs $60,025 before taxes, but that cost can rise further with accessories for camping, mountain biking, skiing and so on.

Handling and Driving Impressions

As we've already outlined, the Explorer is capable of towing a boat. However, the handling on most models is akin to that of a water vessel too. Body roll is fairly reasonable for this segment if more than those accustomed to smaller crossovers will expect. The benefit is that this means the Explorer is pretty comfortable if a little floaty over bumps. Steering is decent, whether at speed or when parking, making the Explorer easy to place on the road. The brakes are good too, offering a progressive feel and smooth stops every time. If the negative aspect of aloof handling affects your choice, the Sport model is worth your time. The electric steering has been tuned to be more responsive, and a tauter chassis makes it more fun to drive, even when you're not accelerating in a straight line. Mid-corner bumps are dealt with well, and the floatiness all but disappears. The sacrifice that comes with stiffer suspension is minimal in this case. Only the largest potholes will affect the ride quality through the 20-inch wheels, but the benefits in driving enjoyment outweigh the downsides of a marginally firmer ride.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Ford Explorer A Good SUV?

Much like many other cars that are groundbreaking and capture the market in a new segment or body style when first introduced, the Explorer has aged well and would be rated even higher, but the truth of the matter is that the current version of the best-selling SUV of the past three decades is overdue for next year's total redesign and rivals out there have capitalized on this.

The Explorer is still a spacious and capable vehicle that can match many rivals in terms of available equipment, but unfortunately, the price that these options attach is rather high, particularly when numerous rivals offer better features or don't charge for similar ones. That said, Ford still has one ace up its sleeve in the form of the Explorer Sport, which is great to drive and makes easy work of both long trips and short runs to the shops, thanks to its sharp steering and muscular engine. We'd still hold out for next year's all-new model, though, as rumors of an even better-to-drive ST model abound, likely packaged in a better vehicle than we have here.

What Ford Explorer Model Should I Buy?

The base model is too, well, basic, and subsequent trims are fitted with the same lethargic, unrefined engines, making them difficult to live with. You also have to pay extra for numerous safety and convenience options, which eventually make the lower models too expensive to justify.

The Sport is the cheapest way to avail yourself to the sublime 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 and it also features all-wheel-drive. The Sport also gets a lot of standard equipment like leather seats, 20-inch wheels and the top trailer towing system in the range. As an all-rounder that doesn't completely bankrupt you, this is the one to have.

2019 Ford Explorer Comparisons

2019 Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the less fancy-looking alternatives out there, but it is modern and has a lot going for it. It starts at $31,450 which is not much less than the Explorer's base price of $32,365. However, the Honda comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning - driver aids that you have to shell out big on the top Explorer model to get as standard. In terms of people-carrying, the Pilot can also seat eight individuals, and it does so more comfortably in the third row. The Honda wins on cargo space too, with 2.2 cubic feet more. Convenience-wise, the Honda features wireless charging and its base infotainment screen is also bigger. The Ford does win in one area - performance, as the Pilot is only available with a mediocre 280 hp V6 across the range, while the twin-turbo V6 available in the Explorer is phenomenal. It's not enough to beat the Honda overall, but next year's model might.

2019 Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

Toyota's Highlander is much like the Honda Pilot in that it is equipped with more safety features and a bigger touchscreen as standard, all of which the Explorer charges heavily for. The Highlander starts at a lower base price too and it handles better. It gets a fairly weak 185 hp four-cylinder engine in the base model, but all other trims are fitted with a strong V6 paired to an eight-speed auto. Automatic emergency braking is included too. The Toyota is starting to look like another reason to avoid the Ford, but it's not so one-sided. The Ford has more cargo and passenger space in the trunk and third row respectively, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available anywhere in the Highlander's range. The Explorer also does a good job of pretending to be a luxo-barge, whereas the Highlander feels more utilitarian. If you don't need a blingy SUV and ultimate comfort, the Japanese SUV will do fine, but overall, the Explorer is more comfortable, easier to live with, and arguably looks better.