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2010 Ford Explorer

Change year or car
$29,280

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

15

Combined MPG

7

Seating capacity

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(58 reviews)

The good:

  • Easy to drive and maneuver
  • Crash-test ratings of past models
  • Step-in height
  • Interior space

The bad:

  • V-6 performance
  • Fuel economy

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2010 Ford Explorer trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Side curtain airbags
  • Capless refueling system
  • 292-hp V-8
  • Five- or six-speed automatic
  • Sync multimedia system
  • Stability system with Roll Stability Control
  • Available power-folding third row

2010 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Explorer is Ford’s midsize truck-based SUV that seats five or seven people. There are three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The Explorer competes with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Borrego and Nissan Pathfinder.

New for 2010
There are no significant changes to the 2010 Explorer.

Exterior
Inspired by Ford’s F-150 pickup truck, the Explorer has a prominent grille and liftgate, as well as squared-off taillamps and dual-beam headlamps. An optional XLT Sport Package adds black-accented headlights and grille, a step bar and more aggressive front styling.

  • Standard 16-inch wheels
  • Standard fog lamps
  • Standard capless fueling system
  • Optional 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels
  • Optional automatic headlamps
  • Optional reverse sensing system
  • Optional moonroof

Interior
Seating for five occupants is standard, but an optional flat-folding third-row seat ups seating capacity to seven. The 60/40-split folding second row can be reclined. The navigation system features real-time traffic in select areas and weather updates, and it can find local gas prices, movie times and sports scores.

  • Standard cloth seating
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard power locks and windows
  • Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Optional Sync multimedia system
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional leather seats
  • Optional rear air conditioning

Under the Hood
When properly equipped, a V-6-equipped Explorer can tow up to 5,395 pounds, and V-8 models can pull 7,310 pounds.

  • 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 with 254 pounds-feet of torque
  • 292-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 with 300 pounds-feet of torque
  • Five- (V-6) or six-speed automatic transmission (V-8)
  • Two-, four- or all-wheel drive

Safety
A trailer-sway control system works with the standard stability system to either apply the brakes or adjust engine response to help keep a trailer in line. Other safety features include:

  • Standard front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard electronic stability control
  • Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Standard SOS Post-Crash Alert System
  • Optional reverse sensing system

Consumer reviews

(58 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.5
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Exactly what I was seeking

This Explorer rides smooth at any speed, low miles for an 2010 and a good engine/mechanics. Shows wear in some areas but overall a solid vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
43 people out of 45 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Good vehicle

I bought it used and have been really happy with it. I am anxious to see how it performs in the winter since it is that time of the year.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
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100,000 miles

When we brought this truck it was so nice, but since going over 100.000 miles things start to go down hill. Since then needed a new transmission after having that replaced 3years ag, having gear issues, now as i right this soleniod issues along with other issues that now to have that done among other things the cost is more than what the trucks worth. I guess if your buying this new i can imagine it being a really nice truck.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
27 people out of 29 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 58 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2010 Ford Explorer base trim.
Frontal driver
5
Frontal passenger
5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3
Side driver
5
Side rear passenger
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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