Skip to main content

2019 Ford Explorer

Change year or car
$32,365

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

(114 reviews)

The good:

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

The bad:

  • 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 2019 Ford Explorer trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Seats up to seven in three rows
  • V-6 engine standard
  • Turbo four-cylinder and turbo V-6 available
  • Front- or four-wheel drive
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity available
  • Hands-free power liftgate available
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2019 Ford Explorer?

2019 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2019 Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven people. A 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard; a 280-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder and a 365-hp, twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 are available. Front- and four-wheel-drive models are offered, and all trims come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander. The Explorer has been redesigned for the 2020 model year.

What’s New on the 2019 Ford Explorer?

The XLT trim adds blind spot warning and a power liftgate. New packages for the XLT and Limited trims include 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome mirror caps and leather upholstery, among other features.

What Features in the 2019 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

The optional Safe and Smart Package includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam headlights. An available Wi-Fi hot spot can support up to 10 devices to keep families entertained on road trips. The Sync 3 touchscreen multimedia system remains one of the best in the business and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. An available power liftgate can be opened by waving a foot under the rear bumper.

Should I Buy the 2019 Ford Explorer?

The Explorer offers a lot of technology and is available in a variety of trims from basic to luxurious. This SUV handles and rides well, and the Sport model offers brisk performance. Drawbacks include a cramped third row with not much cargo space behind it. The Explorer is a solid overall choice, if not the latest and greatest in its class. But if you’re interested in the 2019 version, you may want to wait and see what the redesigned 2020 model has to offer; it’s slated to hit dealerships in summer 2019.

Consumer reviews

(114 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.8
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Love this vehicle!

Love this vehicle!! Went from 2013 Chevy Malibu to this 2019 fully loaded Ford Explorer. Love the navigation, hands free phone, auto bright lights and Windsheild washer, remote start, sun roofs, back up camera, luggage racks, hitch andtowing capabilities, 3rd row seating and stowing, the Ford app, the Ford warranty, leather heated seats and steering wheel, and all the safety and other luxury accessories.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

🙂 Nice, great vehicle

I bought my explorer a few months ago and I love it. I've taken it on a few road trips. Nice smooth, comfortable ride. My dogs love it too. Plenty of space for everything we need while traveling. I highly recommend.

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

2019 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5

On my third explorer. Tried switching to a Durango and went back after 3 months lol. Great, reliable car! Super comfy! At 47k miles so far never had any issues (so far) except my hood started to rust but ford has a 5 year paint warranty so just had a new one put on a month ago and it’s perfect now

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all 114 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2019 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 2019 Explorer stories

1680762783 1431719507727 jpg
ford explorer 2017 exterior rear three quarter oem jpg
20 Ford Explorer Crash Test IIHS jpeg
See all 2019 Ford Explorer articles