Skip to main content

2017 Ford Explorer

Change year or car
$31,660

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

20

Combined MPG

7

Seating capacity

198.3” x 70”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(370 reviews)

The good:

  • Sport model's performance
  • Interior quality (Platinum trim)
  • Available turbo four-cylinder engine
  • Front-seat ergonomics
  • Handling and road manners

The bad:

  • Unremarkable styling
  • Access to cramped third row
  • Sticker price climbs easily
  • Driver's footwell is too narrow
  • Modest cargo space behind third row

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2017 Ford Explorer trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • New Sport Appearance Package
  • Seats up to seven in three rows
  • V-6 engine standard
  • Turbo four-cylinder and turbo V-6 available
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Hands-free liftgate available
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2017 Ford Explorer?

2017 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take


What it is: The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven people. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard, and a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 are available. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered, and competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.


A new Sport Appearance Package for the XLT trim level includes 20-inch gray wheels, black and gray exterior trim, and leather and suede seat trim, among other changes.

Significant Standard Features
  • 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • LED low-beam automatic headlights
  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Cruise control
  • Air conditioning
  • Roll stability control
  • Backup camera
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
  • 280-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder 
  • 365-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6
  • All-wheel drive
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Sync 3 multimedia system
  • Navigation system
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Dual-panel moonroof
  • Second-row bucket seats
  • Power-folding third-row seat
  • Automated parking system
  • Sony premium stereo
  • Inflatable rear seat belts
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane keep assist

Consumer reviews

(370 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.6
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Bit of a money pit.

Bit of a money pit.... Body rusting on a 7 year old vehicle. It's one thing after another .fixing this thing Check your recalls before buying

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Transmission problem

I have owned Toyota and Honda vehicles for years. I love the space and comfort of my Ford Explorer. However I'm at 68k miles and just had to have my transmission rebuilt. If I didn't love the comfort and ride of this vehicle so much, I would trade it in tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed and praying this vehicle will hold out to 200k miles.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Explorers are great

I have had several Explorers all have been great vehicles. My newest is only a couple years old. I also still have a great running 26 year old with almost 200k miles. Never had a big or expensive problem with either. I can say the same for the BMWs, Mercedes and Infinity’s I have owned…Once these expensive vehicles warranty expired everything but their engine seemed to fall apart. My Fords are reliable and never break down (knock on wood) Not flashy like the imports but solid.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all 370 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2017 Ford Explorer base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
16.4%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
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?

Compare the competitors

Latest 2017 Explorer stories

ford explorer 2017 exterior rear three quarter oem jpg
ford explorer 2017 exterior rear three quarter oem jpg
1680762783 1431719507727 jpg
See all 2017 Ford Explorer articles