“My Ford Explorer is cute and reliable. There is so much inside room for the whole family.”
2017 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2017 Ford Explorer is a light-update year rather than a redesign. Its headline change is the new XLT Sport Appearance Package, while the core vehicle carries over from 2016.
About the 2017 Ford Explorer
2011-2019 Explorer generation, second year after the 2016 refresh.
Ford markets the Explorer as a three-row utility SUV for active families who want road-trip comfort, flexible cargo space, towing ability, and confidence in bad weather. The core appeal is breadth: it can be a straightforward family hauler, a nicer comfort-focused SUV, or a faster turbocharged performance version, all while keeping easy-to-use utility features like folding rear seats, strong towing capability, and a roomy cargo area behind the third row.
For 2017, XLT remains the practical sweet spot, with push-button start, rear parking sensors, and LED lighting. Sport pairs a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 and standard four-wheel drive with blacked-out trim, while Platinum focuses on quilted leather, massaging front seats, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Flexible-fuel powertrains join the Base and XLT trims. Limited makes the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder its standard engine, with the 3.5-liter V6 becoming optional.
Styling
A new XLT Sport Appearance Package gives packaged XLT models a sportier visual treatment.
Tech
SYNC 3 replaces MyFord Touch where the older touchscreen system was fitted. It is standard on Limited, Sport, and Platinum and is fitted to XLT models with the Sport Appearance Package. Sport also gains standard navigation and a heated steering wheel.
2017 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T / V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.5L | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T / V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.5L | V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD / 4WD | FWD | 4WD | FWD / 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–19 mpg | 17–19 mpg | 16 mpg | 16–19 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–27 mpg | 24–27 mpg | 22 mpg | 23–27 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280–290 hp | 280–290 hp | 365 hp | 280–290 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 255–310 lb-ft | 255–310 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 255–310 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 81.9 cu-ft | 81.9 cu-ft | 81.9 cu-ft | 81.9 cu-ft | 81.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Pedals | |||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Ford Explorer?
The biggest change is the new XLT Sport Appearance Package. The rest of the Explorer receives smaller powertrain and equipment updates rather than a broad redesign.
Is the 2017 Ford Explorer a redesign?
No, the 2017 Explorer is not a redesign. It follows the substantial 2016 refresh and carries over the same basic body, structure, engines, and trim ladder.
Does every 2017 Ford Explorer have SYNC 3?
No, SYNC 3 is not fitted across the entire 2017 lineup. It is standard on Limited, Sport, and Platinum and comes on XLT models with the Sport Appearance Package, while Base and regular XLT models use the smaller 4.2-inch system.
What changed on the 2017 Ford Explorer Sport?
The 2017 Explorer Sport gains standard SYNC 3 with navigation and a standard heated steering wheel. Its 365-hp twin-turbo V6, four-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension, and dark exterior trim otherwise remain much the same.
What changed on the 2017 Ford Explorer Limited?
The 2017 Explorer Limited makes the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder its standard engine, with the 3.5-liter V6 becoming optional. It also switches to standard SYNC 3.
2017 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Ford Explorer.
4.3
2017 Ford Explorer
(1,115 reviews)
“I love my Ford Explorer Limited Edition. Its leather seats and third row fold down capabilities give me the elegance and extra room I was looking for. Very roomy second row seating as well. I'm in love with the heated seats and steering wheel now we are getting some cold weather, and with that, the remote start feature makes sure my car is warm and ready for me.”
“I've just had a lot of minor issues that make me feel like the quality of my car is 'cheap.' The front window seal broke early on and made a humming noise when I drove, which drove me crazy. My seat warmer stopped working early on. The back cup holder covering broke off pretty easily. Just has an overall 'cheap' feeling.”