“Very roomy and amazing on gas mileage. Smooth ride and extremely comfortable seats.”
Ford Explorer: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV made for family transportation, road trips, and towing. It is known for useful passenger and cargo space, plus distinct everyday, upscale, performance, and off-road versions.
Across its history, the Explorer has adapted its layout without losing its role as a roomy family vehicle. It moved from truck-based roots to a car-based design in 2011, then adopted a rear-wheel-drive-based platform in 2020 to support stronger towing and a wider range of personalities. Sporty, upscale, and off-road trims have long complemented its everyday family models. Technology and safety have also remained central to major redesigns and updates.
Strengths
- The three-row cabin seats six or seven people in 2027 models.
- Cargo capacity reaches roughly 85 cubic feet in 2027 models.
- A 5,000-pound maximum tow rating in 2027 gives it useful capacity for hauling trailers and gear.
- The lineup spans everyday family duty, upscale comfort, road performance, and factory off-road use.
- Recent models put a large touchscreen and a broad driver-assistance suite at the center of the experience.
Who it's for
The Explorer fits families who need a third row for daily life and flexible cargo space for longer trips, especially when towing matters. It also suits shoppers who want a familiar family SUV with clearly different upscale, road-performance, and off-road versions.
Ford Explorer lineup
In recent years, Active has served as the straightforward family trim, while ST-Line keeps the everyday character but adds the ST’s sportier look. Tremor, introduced for 2026, is the one to seek for genuine trail hardware such as standard four-wheel drive, a raised suspension, and underbody protection. Platinum has been the more upscale Explorer since 2016, emphasizing a more premium experience. ST, introduced for 2020, is the road-performance model for drivers who want a quicker, sportier Explorer.
Ford Explorer generations
From 2009 to 2027, the Explorer spans three generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2020, following the 5th Generation (2011–2019).
6th Generation (2020–Present)
The Explorer moved to a new rear-wheel-drive-based design with a 10-speed automatic, more standard safety features, and updated cabin technology. A 2025 refresh revised the exterior and cabin and added larger standard digital displays.
525 In Stock
2027
The refreshed design and cabin technology carry over. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 returns to the Platinum.
2026Trim changes
The off-road-focused Tremor joins the lineup with standard 4WD, raised suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and underbody protection. A simpler Active 100A also joins the range.
2025Mid-cycle update
Ford updates the front and rear styling, redesigns the cabin, and adds standard 12.3-inch gauges and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Active replaces XLT as the lineup is simplified.
2024Trim changes
The retail hybrid leaves the lineup. The body, cabin, safety hardware, and trim range otherwise carry over.
2023
Carryover year with no meaningful model-wide updates.
2022Trim changes
The ST-Line joins the lineup with ST-inspired styling and the 2.3-liter turbo engine. The ST switches to rear-wheel drive as standard.
2021Trim changes
King Ranch, the off-road-focused Timberline, and Platinum Hybrid join the lineup. Enthusiast ST and a rear-wheel-drive Platinum also broaden the range.
2020New generation
A full redesign brings a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, a standard 10-speed automatic, more standard driver-assist features, and new ST and Limited Hybrid models.
5th Generation (2011–2019)
The Explorer changed from a truck-based SUV to a car-based crossover with front-wheel-drive foundations, optional 4WD, and standard seven-passenger seating. A 2016 refresh brought a new front end, a quieter cabin, revised suspension tuning, and a stronger turbo four-cylinder engine.
386 In Stock
2019
Minor feature reshuffling and appearance packages mark the final year before the 2020 redesign.
2018
Power-adjustable heated mirrors and a new rear bumper step pad become standard. Driver-assist and connected features expand on upper trims.
2017
A new XLT Sport Appearance Package arrives, and Ford’s newer touchscreen system replaces MyFord Touch on equipped trims.
2016Mid-cycle update
Ford revises the front styling, interior controls, suspension tuning, and cabin sound insulation. A stronger 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder replaces the 2.0-liter engine, and Platinum joins the lineup.
2015
Base models gain 18-inch aluminum wheels, Sport gains a standard Class III trailer tow package, and XLT adds an Appearance Package.
2014
Automatic headlights become standard across the lineup. Limited gains standard heated outboard seats in the second row.
2013Trim changes
The Sport joins the lineup with a twin-turbo V6, standard 4WD, and sport-tuned suspension. A front passenger knee airbag is added across the range.
2012
A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is added to front-wheel-drive models, and the six-speed SelectShift automatic becomes standard with the V6.
2011New generation
A full redesign replaces the truck-based layout with car-based construction and front-wheel-drive foundations. Seven-passenger seating becomes standard, with optional 4WD and new safety and cabin technology.
4th Generation (2006–2010)
This was the final truck-based Explorer generation before the model changed to a car-based crossover for 2011. The related Explorer Sport Trac pickup continued alongside it through 2010.
5 In Stock
2010
The Explorer and related Sport Trac largely carry over for their final year. The optional 4.6-liter V8 is limited to Eddie Bauer and Limited trims.
2009
Trailer sway control becomes standard, and an XLT Sport appearance version joins the SUV range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Ford Explorer.
2027 Ford Explorer2026 Ford Explorer2025 Ford Explorer2024 Ford Explorer2023 Ford Explorer2022 Ford Explorer2021 Ford Explorer2020 Ford Explorer2019 Ford Explorer2018 Ford Explorer2017 Ford Explorer2016 Ford Explorer2015 Ford Explorer2014 Ford Explorer2013 Ford Explorer2012 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer2010 Ford Explorer2009 Ford Explorer
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Explorer a three-row SUV?
Yes. The Explorer is a three-row SUV built around family use. In the latest lineup, it seats six or seven people depending on the second-row seating layout.
How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
The latest Explorer is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The exact limit depends on the model year and configuration, so check the tow rating for the individual used SUV.
Does the Ford Explorer come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only in part of the used lineup. Ford offered the sixth-generation Explorer as a Limited Hybrid starting in 2020 and later as a Platinum Hybrid. The retail hybrid was dropped for 2024, and the latest lineup is gas-only.
Is the Ford Explorer rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive?
Sixth-generation Explorers use a rear-wheel-drive-based design and come in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive forms. The 2011–2019 generation was front-wheel-drive-based, with four-wheel drive offered on many versions.
Is the Ford Explorer a good fit for families?
Yes. The Explorer suits families that need three rows, seating for six or seven, flexible cargo room and useful towing ability. Its trim range also lets shoppers favor basic comfort, richer cabin equipment, road performance or rough-road hardware.
How much cargo room does the Ford Explorer have?
The latest Explorer provides roughly 85 cubic feet of maximum cargo room with the rear seats folded. Space varies slightly by configuration, and all versions keep a three-row cabin for carrying people when the seats are in use.
How do the main Ford Explorer generations differ?
The major dividing points are 2011 and 2020. The 2009–2010 Explorer is truck-based. The 2011–2019 generation switched to a front-wheel-drive-based crossover design, while the 2020-and-newer generation moved to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the Ford Explorer.
4.2
Ford Explorer
(3,957 reviews)
“We just love our 2015 Explorer!!!! Love voice activation, Navigation, side mirror sensors, the safety features, the way the Explorer looks, the heated seats, so comfortable!!!”
“I love my Explorer. I do wish the dashboard was brighter, easier to read when wearing sunglasses. Wish the infotainment screen was tiltable.”
“Great value, reliable, decent off-road capability, great utility, love it. Great overall SUV.”
“The gas tank isn't large enough. Only goes 400 miles (Bad)There is NOT enough storage in vehicle. Like more compartments and place to put drink containers. LOVE the sensor system. 360 degrees and lets you know if a vehicle or person are near your vehicle”
“It drives extremely well, shifts smoothly, and cannot feel like going from battery to gas engine power. It's also a very quiet vehicle with a great audio system.”
Sources
- ford.com — Towing / Pdf / 2027 Ford Explorer Towing Guide
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2026 / Whats New 2026 Ford Explorer
- fromtheroad.ford.com — 2026 / Order Guides / 2026 Ford Explorer Order Guide
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2026 / 2027 Ford Explorer St Sinister Package Reveal
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2025 / Whats New 2025 Ford Explorer
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2024 / The New Ford Explorer Its All In The Name
- fromtheroad.ford.com — 2025 / Order Guides / 2025 Ford Explorer Order Guide
- fromtheroad.ford.com — 2025 / Specs / 2025 Ford Explorer Technical Specs
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer Active
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer St
- ford.com — Suvs / Explorer / 2025
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer Platinum