Best Ford Explorer Model Years (Ranked)

The Ford Explorer has been a three-row mainstay for over three decades, but its reliability and value vary dramatically from one model year to the next. Some Explorers are durable, comfortable family haulers; others are saddled with transmission, water-pump, or exhaust-related headaches that make them risky used buys.

This ranking sorts the Explorer by model year, weighing real-world reliability, powertrain durability, known defects, and used-market value as of 2027. Knowing which years to chase and which to skip is the single biggest factor in whether your Explorer becomes a faithful long-hauler or a money pit.

The platform's huge production numbers mean parts and shop familiarity are never a problem, which keeps maintenance costs reasonable on the good years.

Direct Answer

The best overall Ford Explorer is the 2020-2023 sixth-generation model, which returned to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform with strong 2.3L EcoBoost and available hybrid powertrains, modern safety tech, and far better packaging than the cramped fifth generation. The best value is the 2016-2019 fifth-generation Explorer with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, which trades cheaply, avoids the early-fifth-gen growing pains, and skips the more failure-prone EcoBoost and twin-turbo Sport engines.

Steer clear of the 2011-2013 fifth-generation early cars and any first-year sixth-gen build that did not get its launch bugs corrected.

1. 2020-2023 (6th Gen) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The sixth-generation Explorer is the best the nameplate has ever been. Ford moved it back to a longitudinal, rear-drive-based architecture, which improved towing (up to 5,600 lbs), interior room, and driving dynamics. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 hp, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the ST and Platinum delivers up to 400 hp, and a hybrid pairs a 3.3L V6 with an electric motor for strong efficiency.

A 10-speed automatic handles shifting duties. Early 2020 builds had some assembly recalls, but later cars are sorted. Value: holds up well — newer-truck depreciation has cooled and the platform is the most refined and capable Explorer to date.

2. 2016-2019 (5th Gen, refreshed) 💎 BEST VALUE

The mid-cycle refresh of the fifth generation is the smart used buy. By this point Ford had addressed many early-fifth-gen complaints, refreshed the styling, and improved the interior. The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (290 hp) is the engine to chase — it avoids the turbo complexity of the EcoBoost options and is the most durable choice in the lineup.

The 2.3L EcoBoost four is a fine compromise of power and economy. The well-documented exhaust-odor (carbon monoxide) concern in police and some civilian units was addressed via service campaigns, so verify the fix was done. Value: excellent — these trade well below newer Explorers while offering modern features.

3. 2006-2010 (4th Gen)

The fourth-generation Explorer was the last of the traditional body-on-frame Explorers, which many buyers prefer for towing and durability. Engines included a 4.0L SOHC V6 and an optional 4.6L 3-valve V8. The V8 is strong and tows well, while the 4.0L V6 is adequate but known for timing-chain-guide wear if oil service lapsed.

These trucks are rugged and simple but thirsty. Value: cheap and tough — a good late-fourth-gen with the V8 makes a capable, inexpensive tow rig, though fuel economy is poor by modern standards.

4. 2020-2023 Explorer Hybrid

The sixth-generation Explorer Hybrid deserves its own mention. It mates a 3.3L V6 to an electric motor for combined output around 318 hp and meaningfully better fuel economy than the gas-only models, all while keeping a usable tow rating near 5,000 lbs. It is rear-drive-biased like the rest of the sixth gen, so it drives well and tows competently — a rare combination among three-row hybrids of its era.

Value: a smart pick if efficiency matters, though hybrid components add some diagnostic cost and the up-front used price runs higher than a comparable gas Explorer.

5. 2002-2005 (3rd Gen)

The third generation introduced an independent rear suspension for a notably smoother ride than earlier Explorers, riding on a body-on-frame platform. Engines were the 4.0L SOHC V6 and a 4.6L V8. The 4.0L SOHC is serviceable but, again, watch the timing chain tensioners and guides.

Interiors and electronics are dated now. Value: rock-bottom prices make these a viable budget hauler, but rust, worn suspension, and aging plastics are realities — buy the cleanest example you can find and budget for deferred maintenance.

6. 2014-2015 (5th Gen, mid)

These mid-fifth-gen years sit between the rough launch and the polished refresh. The 3.5L V6 and 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinders are the engines, with a 6-speed automatic. They benefit from incremental fixes over the 2011-2013 cars but predate the 2016 refresh's interior and safety upgrades.

The PTU (power transfer unit) and water pump are the components to scrutinize — the water pump is internal and expensive to replace. Value: good — cheaper than refreshed cars, but factor in the PTU and water-pump risk when you negotiate.

7. 2016-2019 Explorer Sport / Platinum (3.5L EcoBoost)

The fifth-gen Sport and Platinum trims ran the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp), turning the Explorer into a genuinely quick and capable family hauler with up to 5,000 lbs of towing. The performance is excellent, but the twin-turbo setup is the most complex and costly powertrain in the range, and the internal water pump failure mode is especially painful here.

Value: strong performance for the money, but only with documented maintenance — a neglected EcoBoost Sport can rack up serious repair bills.

8. 1995-2001 (2nd Gen)

The second generation was the Explorer that made the nameplate a household name, defining the 1990s SUV boom. The 4.0L OHV and SOHC V6 and a 5.0L V8 (in the limited Explorer) powered these body-on-frame trucks. They are simple, repairable, and beloved by a budget off-road crowd.

The catch is age: rust, tired suspension, and aging wiring. Value: dirt cheap and easy to wrench on, making a clean second-gen a fun beater or trail rig — just expect to do some restoration work.

9. 2011-2013 (5th Gen, early)

The early fifth generation introduced the unibody, car-based platform and modern looks but is the riskiest fifth-gen buy. First-year electronics, the MyFord Touch system's reputation for glitches, and the internal water pump and PTU concerns are all most acute here. The 3.5L V6 and 2.0L EcoBoost are the engines.

These can be fine with the right maintenance history, but the failure modes are expensive. Value: tempting prices, but only worth it with strong service records and a thorough inspection — otherwise the savings evaporate at the first big repair.

10. 2020 Explorer ST (3.0L EcoBoost)

The sixth-generation Explorer ST is the performance flagship, with a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 making 400 hp and a sport-tuned chassis on the rear-drive-based platform. It is genuinely fast and engaging for a three-row family SUV. As a 2020 first-year ST, however, it carries the early-build assembly recalls that affected launch sixth-gens, so verify all campaigns were completed.

Value: depreciates faster than the standard model, which can make a well-maintained ST a performance bargain for buyers who do their homework on the recall history.

What to Watch For When Buying

The fifth generation's biggest concern is the internal water pump on the 3.5L engines — it is driven off the timing chain and, when it fails, coolant can enter the engine, making it a costly repair. Always check for coolant in the oil and ask about the service history. The power transfer unit (PTU) on all-wheel-drive fifth-gens can fail if its fluid was never changed, so confirm it was serviced.

On 2016-2019 cars, verify the exhaust-odor (carbon monoxide) service campaign was completed. On older fourth- and third-gen V6 trucks, listen for timing-chain-guide rattle at cold start. Across all years, scan for transmission shift quality issues and check the electronics (especially MyFord Touch on early fifth-gens).

A pre-purchase inspection is essential on any Explorer.

How to Choose

For the best all-around family SUV, buy a 2020-2023 sixth-generation Explorer and confirm its launch recalls were addressed. If you want proven reliability at a low price, the 2016-2019 fifth-gen with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 is the value champion. Need to tow cheaply and do not mind poor fuel economy?

A 2006-2010 fourth-gen with the 4.6L V8 is rugged and inexpensive. Prioritizing fuel economy? The 2020-2023 hybrid is the pick.

Performance seekers should look at the ST trims with their twin-turbo V6s, accepting higher complexity. Whatever year you choose, the maintenance record matters more than the trim — a documented water-pump and PTU service history is worth more than leather seats.

FAQ

What is the most reliable Ford Explorer year? The 2016-2019 fifth generation with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and the 2020-2023 sixth generation are the most reliable choices. They avoid the early-fifth-gen launch problems and, in the case of the naturally aspirated V6, sidestep the added complexity of the turbocharged engines.

What years of Ford Explorer should I avoid? Be most cautious with the 2011-2013 early fifth-generation cars, which carry first-year electronics glitches, MyFord Touch issues, and the most acute internal-water-pump and PTU concerns. They can be fine with excellent maintenance records, but the repair costs are high if something fails.

Is the Ford Explorer good for towing? Yes, especially the sixth generation (2020-present), which tows up to 5,600 lbs thanks to its rear-drive-based platform, and the older body-on-frame fourth-gen with the 4.6L V8. The fifth-gen tows up to about 5,000 lbs with the right package.

Always match the tow rating to your trailer and use the proper hitch and brake controller.

What is the Explorer's internal water pump problem? On many 3.5L Explorers, the water pump is driven internally by the timing chain rather than mounted externally. When it wears out, coolant can leak into the engine, and the repair requires significant labor to access. Always check for coolant contamination in the oil and ask whether the pump has been replaced or inspected.

Bottom Line

The 2020-2023 sixth-generation Explorer is the best overall buy, with its return to a rear-drive-based platform, strong EcoBoost and hybrid powertrains, and modern safety tech. For value, the 2016-2019 fifth-gen with the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 is the dependable, affordable choice.

Avoid the early 2011-2013 cars unless the maintenance history is impeccable, scrutinize the internal water pump and PTU on any fifth-gen, and confirm recall campaigns were completed. Ford Explorer review shoppers in 2027 should let documented service records, not trim badges, drive the decision.

Sources

• Ford Explorer — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer
• Ford Explorer (fifth generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_(fifth_generation)
• Ford Explorer (fourth generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_(fourth_generation)
• Ford Explorer (third generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_(third_generation)
• Ford Explorer (second generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer_(second_generation)
• Ford EcoBoost engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine
• Kelley Blue Book used-SUV valuations — https://www.kbb.com
• Edmunds Ford Explorer reliability and reviews — https://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/