Ford Explorer

Explorer in brief

The Explorer has been in production since 1990 and is one of the most popular SUVs in the USA. The first four generations (1990–2010) featured body-on-frame construction, while from the V generation (2011) onwards, the Explorer has a unibody design, making it more comfortable and economical, but less suited to off-road adventures.

Officially, the VI generation Explorer was sold in Europe only as a plug-in hybrid, so most of the models sold in Lithuania are imported from the USA. It's important to note that from 2024, the Explorer nameplate in Europe will be used for a completely different vehicle — a mid-sized electric SUV with nothing in common with the American Explorer.

The Explorer is praised for its spacious interior with three rows of seats, powerful engines, and a generous amount of equipment for a relatively modest price. Downsides include high fuel consumption and the fact that many imported cars have been in accidents.

Generations V and VI — what's the difference

The V generation (2011–2019) is the most common in the used market. It features a transversely mounted engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2016 facelift brought a new front end, improved interior, and more powerful engines.

Sixth generation (from late 2019) built on a new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It's more modern, better-handling and features a 10-speed automatic gearbox and more driver-assistance systems. Early models faced criticism for build quality and recall campaigns, so later examples are usually the better choice.

Engines and transmissions

In the fifth generation, the most common engine is the 3.5-litre V6 naturally aspirated unit (around 290 hp). Also offered are the 2.0 and 2.3 EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engines (around 240–280 hp) and the powerful 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (around 365 hp), fitted to Sport and later Platinum trims.

In the sixth generation, the base engine is the 2.3 EcoBoost (around 300 hp), with more powerful versions featuring the 3.0 EcoBoost V6 (Platinum and ST, around 365–400 hp). A hybrid with a 3.3-litre engine is offered in the US, while Europe gets a plug-in hybrid with a 3.0-litre V6 and electric motor (combined output around 457 hp).

All Explorers come with automatic transmissions. In Lithuania, LPG kits are often fitted to the naturally aspirated V6 engines — if this is the case, ensure it's properly installed and maintained.

What to check when buying a used Explorer

First, check the vehicle's history using the VIN: many Explorers imported from the US have been in accidents or have been written off. Inspect the body panels, painted parts, condition of the seatbelts and check for moisture and rust in the cabin and under the carpets.

The water pump for the 3.5-litre V6 engine in the fifth generation is located inside the engine and is driven by the timing chain — if it fails, coolant can leak into the oil, and repairs are expensive. In all-wheel-drive models, check that the power transfer unit (PTU) isn't leaking oil and isn't overheating. Some fifth-generation models have had issues with exhaust fumes entering the cabin.

For sixth-generation models, check that all manufacturer recall work has been carried out. In the case of plug-in hybrids, verify that charging works and that the electric range meets expectations.

Trim levels

Most Explorers sold in Lithuania are from the US market, so we list US trim levels; the plug-in hybrid officially sold in Europe had its own trim levels.

VI generation trim comparison

For most buyers, the best choice is the XLT or Limited with the 2.3 EcoBoost engine: plenty of kit, and cheaper to run. Platinum and ST are worth considering if power and luxury are key, and fuel economy isn't a top priority.

Frequently asked questions