Best Ford Explorer Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Ford Explorer Model Years (Ranked)
The Ford Explorer practically created the modern SUV craze in the 1990s and remains one of America's best-selling three-row crossovers. But its history is a tale of two extremes: some model years are dependable family haulers, while others are infamous for the early transmission woes, exhaust-into-cabin concerns, and a botched sixth-generation launch.
Knowing which years to chase and which to avoid saves a buyer real money and headaches, because the gap between the best and worst Explorer years is enormous. This ranking sorts the best Ford Explorer model years by reliability, drivetrain durability, safety, interior quality, and used-market value, with real engine specs and tow ratings so a shopper knows exactly what they're getting.
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Ford Explorer model year is the 2021 Explorer (sixth generation, post-launch fixes), built on the rear-drive-based CD6 platform, pairing a strong 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-four (300 hp) or 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp in ST), a 10-speed automatic, an available hybrid, and far better reliability than the rough 2020 launch year.
The Best Value pick is the 2018 Explorer (fifth generation, late), a well-sorted final-gen-five year that now sells affordably while offering proven powertrains and three usable rows. This list spans the fourth generation (2006–2010), the unibody fifth generation (2011–2019), and the current sixth generation (2020–present), ranked on reliability, drivetrain, safety, and value.
1. 2021 Ford Explorer (sixth gen) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (300 hp), 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp, ST), 3.3L hybrid | Best for: Buyers wanting the best modern Explorer
The 2021 Explorer is the standout of the current generation, after Ford fixed the messy 2020 launch quality problems that triggered numerous recalls. Built on the rear-drive-biased CD6 platform, it offers a punchy 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp, 310 lb-ft), the hot ST with a 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.3L hybrid for efficiency near 28 mpg combined.
The 10-speed automatic is smooth, towing reaches up to 5,600 lb, and reliability improved markedly over the launch year. It drives noticeably better than most front-drive-based rivals thanks to its rear-biased layout, and has real space for families across all three rows.
Verdict: The best modern Explorer — strong engines, good towing, and fixed launch bugs.
2. 2022 Ford Explorer (sixth gen)
Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, 3.3L hybrid | Best for: Latest features of the sorted CD6
The 2022 Explorer carries the 2021's improvements with added standard tech and trim content, including a larger available touchscreen and expanded driver-assist features. The 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost anchors the lineup, the ST keeps its 400-hp V6, and the hybrid remains for economy-minded buyers.
Towing again reaches 5,600 lb, and build quality continued to firm up through the model run. It's nearly identical to the 2021 but newer, so it costs a bit more on the used market.
Verdict: The newest sorted sixth-gen — pick it over 2021 when budget allows.
3. 2018 Ford Explorer (fifth gen, late) 💎 BEST VALUE
Engines: 3.5L V6 (290 hp), 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (280 hp), 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp, Sport) | Best for: Maximum value family three-row
The 2018 Explorer is among the most-sorted fifth-generation years and the strongest value pick. The standard 3.5L V6 makes 290 hp, the 2.3L EcoBoost makes 280 hp, and the Sport's twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft for genuine muscle. It seats seven, tows up to 5,000 lb, and now sells for thousands less than newer Explorers while delivering the same usable family space.
Stick to the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 or the 2.3L EcoBoost for the best reliability, and verify any exhaust-odor service was performed.
Verdict: The value champion — a proven, roomy three-row for far less than newer years.
4. 2019 Ford Explorer (final fifth gen)
Engines: 3.5L V6, 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Sport) | Best for: Newest of the proven fifth generation
The 2019 Explorer was the last fifth-gen year, carrying the dependable 3.5L V6 (290 hp) and 2.3L EcoBoost (280 hp) with fully mature mechanicals after years of refinement. It seats seven and tows up to 5,000 lb, with a comfortable ride and roomy cabin. It's a touch newer and pricier than the 2018 but shares the same proven hardware, so a clean naturally aspirated example is a dependable, low-stress family buy that sidesteps all the first-year sixth-gen risk.
Verdict: A polished final fifth-gen — same proven V6, just the newest of its kind.
5. 2017 Ford Explorer (fifth gen)
Engines: 3.5L V6, 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Sport) | Best for: A refreshed fifth-gen at a discount
The 2017 Explorer benefited from the mid-cycle updates of the era, with the 2.3L EcoBoost (280 hp) replacing the older 2.0L and the proven 3.5L V6 carrying on. It seats seven and tows up to 5,000 lb. Note the period exhaust-odor-in-cabin complaints that affected fifth-gen Explorers — verify any example has had the related Ford service action performed.
Priced below the 2018–2019 while offering essentially the same experience, it's a solid value buy for a careful shopper.
Verdict: A discounted fifth-gen — good value if the exhaust-odor fix is documented.
6. 2023 Ford Explorer (sixth gen)
Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST), 3.3L hybrid | Best for: Newest features and tech
The 2023 Explorer continues the CD6 with updated trims and tech, keeping the 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost, the 400-hp ST V6, and the hybrid. Towing again reaches 5,600 lb, and the latest driver-assist suite is standard on more trims. As a newer truck it commands a premium and long-term reliability is still being established, but it's the most feature-rich pre-redesign sixth-gen and the closest thing to a brand-new Explorer on the used lot.
Verdict: The newest pick — most features, but pay up and accept newer-model risk.
7. 2010 Ford Explorer (fourth gen, final)
Engines: 4.0L V6 (210 hp), 4.6L V8 (292 hp) | Best for: Buyers wanting an old-school body-on-frame Explorer
The 2010 Explorer was the last body-on-frame Explorer, with available V8 power and real towing up to 7,000 lb — more than any unibody version before or since. The 4.0L V6 makes 210 hp and the 4.6L V8 makes 292 hp and 300 lb-ft. These are old now and thirsty (around 16 mpg), but mechanically simple and tough, with cheap parts and easy servicing.
For someone who wants a traditional truck-based SUV that can actually tow a real trailer for cheap, it's the pick.
Verdict: The old-school pick — body-on-frame toughness and 7,000-lb towing, but thirsty.
8. 2015 Ford Explorer (fifth gen, refresh)
Engines: 3.5L V6, 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Sport) | Best for: A refreshed mid-fifth-gen value
The 2015 Explorer brought a styling and feature refresh to the fifth generation, with revised front-end looks, more tech, and the proven 3.5L V6 (290 hp) plus turbo options. It seats seven and tows up to 5,000 lb. Watch for the same exhaust-odor service history and avoid the early, underpowered 2.0L EcoBoost in favor of the V6 or 2.3L.
Priced low on the used market, it's a usable budget family hauler for shoppers who do their homework.
Verdict: A budget refreshed fifth-gen — fine with the V6 and documented exhaust fix.
9. 2011 Ford Explorer (first unibody — caution)
Engines: 3.5L V6 (290 hp), 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | Best for: Cheapest fifth-gen, with caveats
The 2011 Explorer launched the unibody fifth generation and is the first-year-bugs example to approach carefully. The 3.5L V6 (290 hp) is solid, but early MyFord Touch infotainment glitches, water-pump failures, and PTU (power transfer unit) issues are common complaints.
It seats seven and tows 5,000 lb. Only buy a well-documented, fixed-up example at a low price, ideally one where the known weak points have already been addressed by a previous owner.
Verdict: The cheapest fifth-gen — only worth it fixed-up and cheap; first-year bugs.
10. 2020 Ford Explorer (sixth-gen launch — avoid)
Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST), 3.3L hybrid | Best for: Best avoided unless heavily discounted
The 2020 Explorer is the sixth-gen launch year and the one to avoid. The botched plant changeover in Chicago led to widespread quality problems, numerous recalls, and rushed builds that had to be reworked. The hardware (the 300-hp 2.3L and 400-hp ST) is the same as later cars, so the bones are good, but first-year build quality is the worst of the generation by a wide margin.
Only buy at a steep discount with a clean recall-completion record and a thorough inspection.
Verdict: The year to avoid — botched launch and many recalls; skip unless deeply discounted.
Buyer Decision Tree
How to Choose
- Engine — The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (290 hp) is the reliability pick on fifth-gens; the 2.3L EcoBoost (280–300 hp) is the modern all-rounder; avoid the early underpowered 2.0L EcoBoost.
- Generation — The sixth gen (2021+) drives best and tows most (5,600 lb); the fifth gen (2011–2019) offers value; the fourth gen (2010) tows heaviest at 7,000 lb.
- Known issues — Check for exhaust-odor service (fifth gen) and avoid the 2020 launch and 2011 first-year builds unless deeply discounted.
- Towing — Modern Explorers tow 5,000–5,600 lb; the old V8 body-on-frame tows up to 7,000 lb.
- Value — The 2018–2019 fifth-gen V6 offers the best space-per-dollar; the 2020 is best avoided.
FAQ
What is the most reliable Ford Explorer model year? The 2021 Explorer is the best of the modern era after the 2020 launch fixes. Among older trucks, the 2018–2019 fifth-gen with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 are very dependable and far cheaper.
Which Ford Explorer year should I avoid? Avoid the 2020 Explorer, the sixth-gen launch year plagued by build-quality problems and recalls. The early 2011 first-year unibody is also worth approaching cautiously.
Does the Ford Explorer have transmission problems? The current 10-speed automatic is generally solid once the 2020 bugs were addressed. Earlier concerns centered more on PTU (power transfer unit) wear and infotainment than the main transmission; documented maintenance matters most.
What is the exhaust smell issue on the Ford Explorer? Some 2011–2017 fifth-gen Explorers had complaints of exhaust odor entering the cabin under hard acceleration. Ford issued service actions; on any used example, confirm the related sealing work was performed before buying.
Bottom Line
The 2021 Ford Explorer is our Best Overall pick — a well-sorted sixth-gen with strong EcoBoost engines, a hybrid option, towing up to 5,600 lb, and the launch bugs fixed. The 2018 Explorer is our Best Value, a proven fifth-gen three-row for thousands less. Heavy-tow buyers should consider the old 2010 V8 body-on-frame, while everyone should steer clear of the troubled 2020 launch year.
Sources
- Car and Driver — Ford Explorer reviews
- Edmunds — Ford Explorer model history and pricing
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Explorer used values
- MotorTrend — Ford Explorer reviews and specs
- Consumer Reports — Ford Explorer reliability
- Wikipedia — Ford Explorer generations and specifications
- EPA — Ford Explorer fuel economy ratings
*Ford Explorer review — Ford Explorer reviews, rating, best Ford Explorer model years, and a review of the top Explorer years for buyers.*