What model of Explorer is the best?
There isn't a single best Explorer model for everyone; the ideal choice depends on what you value most—value, performance, off-road capability, or luxury.
Ford's Explorer lineup for 2025 includes several trims that each target different drivers. This article explains the main options and helps you decide which model might be the best fit for your needs and budget. We cover the trims, their core strengths, and practical use cases, with notes on the hybrid option for efficiency.
Top Explorer Trims and Their Highlights
Here is a concise guide to the current Explorer trims, from the affordable base model to the luxury and off-road variants. Each trim adds features that appeal to different buyers.
- S (Base): Entry-level Explorer with essential technology and seating for seven. Includes Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite and available all-wheel drive, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
- XLT: More comfort and convenience features, with additional seating and tech options. A popular middle-ground that adds value without stepping into luxury pricing.
- Limited: Upscale interior and upgraded technology, plus more comfort-oriented amenities and quality materials for daily use and longer trips.
- ST: Performance-focused variant with a sport-tuned feel and more powerful engine choices, delivering stronger acceleration and a firmer ride for enthusiasts.
- Timberline: Off-road-oriented model with higher ground clearance, rugged tires, skid plates, and all-terrain capability for light to moderate trails and rough terrain.
- Platinum: The top luxury trim with premium materials, advanced tech, and the most comfort features, aimed at maximum refinement and comfort on every drive.
In short, the trim you choose should align with your budget and how you plan to use the SUV—daily commuting, family road trips, or weekend adventures.
Best Choices by Use Case
Best value for most buyers
The Explorer XLT strikes a balance between price and features. It typically offers more comfort, convenience, and tech than the base S without jumping to higher luxury or performance pricing. If you want a well-rounded family SUV with solid equipment and a reasonable sticker price, XLT is a strong starting point.
Best for performance enthusiasts
The Explorer ST is designed for drivers who want extra power and sportier handling. With a more powerful engine option and a tuned suspension, ST delivers stronger acceleration and a more dynamic driving feel while still providing practical space for passengers and cargo.
Best for off-road adventures
Timberline is engineered for rougher terrain without leaving the Explorer lineup. It features higher ground clearance, rugged tires, protective skid plates, and reinforced hardware to handle dirt roads and light trails while keeping daily usability intact.
Best luxury and comfort
For buyers prioritizing interior quality and premium amenities, Platinum stands out. It typically includes upgraded seating, premium materials, advanced driver-assistance tech, and exclusive styling cues designed to maximize comfort during long drives.
Best option for fuel economy and hybrid buyers
Ford offers a Hybrid variant of the Explorer, available in select trims, focusing on improved efficiency without sacrificing seven-seat practicality. If fuel economy matters, check which trims offer the hybrid setup and how it affects range, cargo space, and price.
Summary
Choosing the best Ford Explorer model depends on your priorities. For value and everyday practicality, the XLT is a solid choice. If you crave performance, the ST delivers stronger power and sportier dynamics. For off-road outings, Timberline provides rugged capability. If luxury and features are your focus, Platinum offers the premium experience. For efficiency-minded buyers, explore the Hybrid option available on certain trims. Always verify current year specifications and availability on Ford’s official website or your local dealer, as trims and features can change from year to year.
What to consider when choosing
Before making a purchase, consider your typical daily use, passenger count, cargo needs, and whether you’ll take on trips that require towing or off-road capability. Test-driving at least two trims in person can help you feel the differences in ride quality, visibility, and tech interfaces. Also review ongoing incentives, financing options, and the total cost of ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Overall, the “best” Explorer is the one that aligns with your budget and lifestyle, delivering the right balance of features, performance, and comfort for you and your family.
Note: Availability and features can vary by model year and region. For the most accurate, up-to-date details, consult Ford’s official site or contact a local Ford dealer.
Is Explorer Limited or XLT better?
The main differences are that the Ford Explorer Limited is a more luxurious trim than the XLT, offering standard leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and more premium technology and safety features like a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a 360-degree camera. The XLT comes with cloth seats and standard first-row heated seats, and while it shares some safety features, the Limited adds more advanced ones.
You can watch this video to learn about the features of the XLT and Limited trims of the 2022 Ford Explorer: 1mBuild Your OwnYouTube · Jan 15, 2022
Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited
| Feature | Ford Explorer XLT | Ford Explorer Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Standard cloth or optional ActiveX | Standard leather-trimmed |
| Front Seats | Standard first-row heated seats | Heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory |
| Second-Row Seats | Heated second-row seats are optional | Standard heated second-row seats |
| Technology | Standard 8-inch touchscreen, smart device app connections, and tri-zone auto climate control | Adds voice-activated navigation, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless charging pad, and hands-free power liftgate |
| Safety | Includes lane keeping, frontal collision avoidance, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic sensing | Adds evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera with split-view display, and adaptive cruise control |
| Exterior | Standard 18-inch wheels | Adds 20-inch premium aluminum wheels, LED fog lamps, and power-folding heated side mirrors with security approach lamps |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_GdAlaYD1BvWIi-gP6PqW6QY_420';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Which one to choose?
- Choose the XLT if you want a capable and well-equipped SUV that is more budget-friendly, and you don't need the premium features of the Limited.
- Choose the Limited if you are looking for a more luxurious experience with enhanced comfort features like leather seats and ventilated front seats, plus more advanced technology and safety systems.
What is the best Ford Explorer to buy?
The "best" Ford Explorer depends on your needs, but generally, the 2019 (fifth generation) is a highly recommended used model for a blend of reliability and modern features, while the 2025 Platinum is a top choice for a new, luxury-focused SUV. For a capable, more affordable used option, the 2009 (fourth generation) is a solid pick known for its towing and ruggedness.
Recommended new models
- 2025 Explorer Platinum: If you're looking for the most luxurious and up-to-date new model, the Platinum trim is the top-tier option, with premium materials, advanced safety features, and a powerful engine.
- 2025 Explorer ST: This model is for those who want a sportier, higher-performance experience with its twin-turbo V6 engine and other performance-focused features.
Recommended used models
- 2019 Ford Explorer: A great all-around used choice, this model is praised for its advanced technology, dependability, and comfortable ride.
- 2009 Ford Explorer: A strong option for those who need a more traditional, truck-like vehicle with high towing capacity and a robust build. It also received high reliability ratings.
- 2018 Ford Explorer: Similar to the 2019, this model is part of the fifth generation and is a dependable choice, particularly for families, with many advanced safety features available.
- 2022 Ford Explorer: This is a good choice within the current generation if you want many of the newer features, like the standard Ford Co-Pilot360® safety suite and available powerful engines.
What to consider
- New vs. Used: A new model will have the latest technology and a warranty, while a used model can be a much more affordable option. The best used model will depend on its condition and your budget.
- Model Generation: The fifth generation (2011-2019) is generally more reliable and family-friendly than earlier models, while the fourth generation (2006-2010) is a good option if you need more towing and off-road capability.
- Trim Level: Luxury-focused trims like the Platinum offer premium features, while performance-oriented trims like the ST provide a more powerful driving experience. For a family, a more standard trim may be the most practical.
Which is better, st or st line?
The ST's look is further enhanced with four chrome exhaust tips. The ST-Line's sportiness is limited to appearance — the ST is the trim that gets actual performance upgrades. It's the only version in the Explorer lineup that has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine making 400 horsepower as standard equipment.
Which Ford Explorer to stay away from?
Ford Explorer models to avoid include the 2002-2006 models, which are known for serious transmission and engine problems, and the 2020 model year, which had numerous recalls and quality control issues. Other problematic years include the 2016 due to recalls and poor construction, and some early 2021s built in 2020 due to manufacturing issues, although later 2021 models and the 2022 model are generally considered more reliable, despite 2022 receiving some criticism for ride quality and fuel economy.
This video explains why some model years of the Ford Explorer are more problematic than others: 56sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Mar 2, 2025
Specific years to avoid
- 2002-2006: The third generation of this model is notoriously unreliable, with widespread complaints about transmissions, engines, and electrical systems.
- 2016: This year had significant quality control issues, including faulty parts, poor assembly, and recalls for recalls for loose control arm bolts, seat belts, and airbags.
- 2020: The first year of the new design had quality control issues, including transmission problems, recalls, and poor fit and finish.
- 2022: While more reliable than earlier years, this model received a lukewarm reception from some reviewers due to a stiff ride, less-than-stellar fuel economy, and a lack of features compared to competitors.
Common issues in other model years
- 5th Generation (2011-2019): While generally more reliable than the third generation, some models experienced issues like premature wear on suspension components and water pump failures on the 3.5L engines.
- 6th Generation (2020-Present): Owners have reported problems such as premature failure of the CV axle boot, issues with the hub disconnect actuator, and rattling exhaust flex pipes.
