2017 Ford Explorer is one of the best SUVs in its class, with ample interior room, many color options, and three available engines that boast between 290 to 365 horsepower. Bottomline: 2017 Explorer is a solid choice for drivers seeking a capable family hauler.
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A Quick Look at the 2017 Ford Explorer
- Five unique trims are found on the 2017 Ford Explorer. As its name implies, the “Base” model is where it starts, then the XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum.
- Expect to spend between $22,500 to $36,100 for a 2017 Explorer depending on its configuration, as tracked by Kelley Blue Book.
- Three engine options make the 2017 Explorer extremely versatile, whether sipping gas with the 2.3L I4 or racing stoplight to stoplight with the twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.
- Compared to rivals, the 2017 Ford Explorer is one of the best in its class, with the only real competition being the Honda Pilot, with zero recalls instead of 10. Overall, it’s a solid midsize SUV at a solid price, one we do suggest considering.
2017 Ford Explorer is Available in Five Trims, from the Base to the Twin-turbo 4WD Platinum and its Endless Amenities
Ford keeps it simple with five trim levels, ranging from the entry-level Base to the high-end, leather-loaded Platinum.
Explorer Base Comes Standard with Backup Camera and Offers Optional Terrain Management System
The starting trim is the Base, but it’s not as basic as it sounds. This isn’t one of those wimpy, under-powered entry-level trims that struggles to get up hills. You have options for front-wheel and four-wheel drive, and engine options including a 3.5L Ti and a 2.3L. A rearview camera is standard, and terrain management is optional, and the radio comes with Ford’s Sync 3 communication and entertainment.
Explorer XLT Adds a Few Convenience Features Like Power Seats and Automatic Temperature Control
A modest bump in features for a modest bump in price. Adding a 10-way power seat for the driver, and a six-way for the passenger, There are a number of little tweaks and improvements here and there, like a longer-lasting battery, and more options and packages, like the Equipment Group with auto-dimming mirrors and dual-zone automatic temperature control. But the base SUV is the same in terms of engine options, specs, performance, etc.
Explorer Limited Enhances Cabin with 8″ Touchscreen and Heated and Cooled Leather Seating
Mechanically, the Limited is the same SUV as the Base and the XLT, but with some luxurious upgrades like perforated leather seats with heating and AC, a bunch of extra power outlets, and an eight” LCD touchscreen. It’s not quite an Escalade, but you’ll know exactly where the extra money went.
Explorer Sport Offers Unique, Aggressive Exterior Styling to Match its Twin-turbo EcoBoost Engine
The Sport is where we start seeing some fancy stuff under the hood. This trim level comes standard with a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine and sport-tuned suspension. You also get some of the luxury features like the perforated leather bucket seats and eight” touchscreen, plus lots more leather, leatherette, and chrome trim throughout the interior.
Explorer Platinum Upgrades the Cabin Even Further and Still Carries the EcoBoost Engine
The Platinum is top of the line on both performance and luxury. It packs the same V6 engine as the Sport, with all of the upgrades of the Limited and then some, like a premium Sony sound system with live acoustics, 12 speakers, and Nirvana Multi-Contour Leather bucket seats with micro-perforation and quilted bolsters.
Used 2017 Ford Explorer Ranges from $22,500 to $36,000
The prices quoted below are based on recent numbers from Kelley Blue Book. On the low end would be fair market pricing if you’re buying directly from the previous owner. On the high end would be if you were to buy a Certified Pre-Owned model, which comes with a closer inspection and extends the warranty. These prices assume regular use, averaging around 10,000 miles a year.
- Base: $22,848 – $25,647
- XLT: $26,251 – $29,712
- Limited: $27,466 – $31,263
- Sport: $30,955 – $34,946
- Platinum: $31,884 – $36,096
We recommend buying CPO whenever possible. You can save a few bucks by buying directly from the previous owner, but with inspection and warranty on a car that’s only around four, five years old as of the time of this writing, a CPO 2017 Explorer is effectively a brand-new SUV at a used-SUV price.
Engine Offerings Include One I4, Naturally Aspirated V6, and 365 hp Twin-turbo V6
The 2017 Explorer is offered with three different engines: A 3.5L Ti, a 2.3L I4, and a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost.
The 3.5L Ti Touring engine is a V6 that makes 290 hp at 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Next is a 2.3L I4 producing 280 hp at 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Finally, the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6, delivering 365 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
Rounding up all the related mechanical specs: all of these engines are paired with a six-speed automatic with SelectShift. The Base, XLT, and Limited are all offered with either the 3.5L Ti or the 2.3L I4, and with FWD or 4WD. The Sport and Platinum are EcoBoost V6 exclusive, and 4WD-only.
Fuel Economy Ranges from 22 mpg Combined in FWD Models with the 2.3L I4, to 18 mpg in 4WD EcoBoost-equipped Units
With three engine options that can be configured in FWD or 4WD, fuel economy is all over the place, and one driver may report getting five, six more miles to the gallon than the next.
So in the interest of letting you know exactly what you’re going to be paying at the pump, let’s break it down by configuration based on official EPA city/highway numbers:
- 2.3L with FWD: 19/27
- 2.3L with 4WD: 18/25
- 3.5L with 4WD: 17/24
- 3.5L EcoBoost (standard with 4WD): 16/23
These numbers assume normal wear and tear, normal use, etc. If you’re doing a lot of towing, you might wind up cutting those numbers in half. And if you’re a careful driver who keeps your oil clean, you could squeeze a few extra miles out of every gallon.
2017 Explorer Excels in Performance, Sporting 0-60 Time of 5.8 Seconds in 4WD/EcoBoost Models
Explorers aren’t known to be the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market, and they’re not known to have the cushiest interiors. Where the Explorer really excels is in performance. So, what can we expect from the 2017?
Towing capacity ranges from 2,000 pounds with the starter engines to 5,000 with the EcoBoost V6.
If you’re thinking of taking your Explorer to the dirt tracks, you can expect an impressive 5.8-second zero-to-sixty from the EcoBoost-equipped Platinum, according to Car and Driver, with the Sport just 0.2 seconds behind that. The Platinum hits the quarter-mile at 14.4 seconds.
As to how the 2017 Explorer handles on dirt, sand, and mud, all five trim levels are available in 4WD, with the pushing power starting at 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and going up to 350 lb.-ft. and 365 hp. And hey, it’s a Ford Explorer. If this SUV can’t handle off-roading nothing can. No matter your options, you should have no trouble with rough weather and steep hills.
Cargo Dimensions and Storage Capacity are Similar to Rivals and Plenty for the Average Family
The least you should be able to expect from a Ford Explorer is a roomy interior, and it delivers with impressive dimensions.
Overall length sits at 198″, width is 79″, and height is 70″. Inside, front passengers will enjoy 41.4″ of headroom and 42.9″ of legroom. Second-row occupants will get 40.6″ of headroom, and 39.5″ of legroom. The Explorer’s maximum cargo capacity is 81.7 cu. ft.
These measurements put the Explorer on par with similar mid-size SUVs like the Honda Pilot and a little roomier than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
NHTSA Awarded 2017 Ford Explorer Perfect Five-star Rating Overall, but it Scored Lower with the IIHS Due to Poor Structure
You can generally expect a mid-size SUV to be safer than comparable sedans and coupes. But the 2017 Ford Explorer has had its ups and downs when it comes to safety ratings. First, let’s take a look at the SUV’s ratings with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2017 Explorer’s score with the IIHS is… less than stellar.
Note that the IIHS hasn’t actually tested the Explorer since the 2014 model, but their crash tests are related to the safety cage and chassis of the SUV, elements that have not been significantly changed in the years between the 2014 and 2017 models.
The IIHS gives the SUV an overall rating of M for Marginal, with a P rating for Poor on the structure and safety cage. Driver safety earned ratings of G for Good, and roof strength scored a G.
The 2017 Explorer did much better with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, scoring a perfect five stars overall. They gave the SUV four stars for front driver-side impact and four stars for rollover and otherwise awarded the Explorer five stars in every category.
2017 Explorer’s Technology Features are Adequate, but Upper Trims Come with Lots of Extras, Like Foot-operated Liftgate
The tech features onboard the 2017 Ford Explorer are basic, but adequate, and not without their charms. The center console is managed through the Sync Communication & Entertainment System. This platform features everything you’d expect in 2017, including 911 assist, a media hub, and some voice command options. The basic system starts with a 4.1″ touchscreen, and that can be updated to an 8″ touchscreen in higher trim levels.
Safety features are similarly adequate, with the MyKey System to manage audio volume levels, low fuel warnings, and so on. Backup cameras come standard, and the Limited comes with a front camera as well that makes it easier to take tight corners safely.
The real tech attractions on the 2017 Explorer are the Terrain Management System, and a nifty foot-operated power liftgate, popping the trunk by swiping your foot underneath so you can access the rear with your hands full of groceries.
Long story short, the 2017 Ford Explorer isn’t exactly jam-packed with slick tech features, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a 2017 mid-size SUV.
Color Options Include 10 Exterior Shades, Ranging from Basic Oxford White to Luxurious-looking Ruby Red Metallic
There are 10 exterior color options in the 2017 Ford Explorer, including lighter shades like White Platinum, Oxford White, Ingot Silver, and White Gold. Darker colors consist of Shadow Black, Magnetic, and Blue Jeans. The two outliers are Ruby Red and Canyon Ridge, which is an earthy orange/brown mixture.
Interior color options are limited but include:
- Medium Light Caramel with Cloth or Perforated Leather
- Ebony Black with Cloth or Perforated Leather
- Ebony Black with Premium Leather
2017 Ford Explorer Midsize SUV is Affordable to Maintain, with a Low Annual Maintenance Cost of $651, or $50 a Month
Check driver reviews drivers and you’ll notice the Ford Explorer is a pretty reliable SUV, and the 2017 is no exception. But when we’re talking about reliability, we’re talking about money. We’re talking about what it’s going to cost to keep this thing running. So it really comes down to the numbers.
Repair Pal estimates the average cost of maintaining a 2017 Explorer at around $651 a year. That’s just a touch over $50 a month. They give the Explorer an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of a possible five, ranking it in 19th place for midsize SUVs.
But, they note that the severity of common repairs is “average” and the frequency is low. So it may be sort of mediocre when it comes to overall reliability, but that’s by midsize SUV standards, which are some of the more reliable cars on the road today.
Among the most common repairs for the SUV, the most expensive listed are timing chain tensioner replacements ranging from $694 to $874, and wheel replacements at $583 to $594. Cheaper fixes include clutch assembly adjustments starting at $35, and starter relay replacements, starting at $47.
2017 Ford Explorer has 10 Recalls and Over 500 Registered Complaints, with Most Pertaining to Poor Build Quality
The 2017 Ford Explorer currently has 10 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which is a bit high. It’s not unusual for a vehicle to have three, four recalls within its first five years, but to average two recalls a year for five years running, it’s on the higher end.
Most of the 2017 Explorer’s recalls have to do with poor build quality. The SUV was recalled in July of 2021, October of 2020, and June of 2019 for a potential rear suspension toe link fracture. In May of 2021, it was recalled for detached roof rails, for driver seatback frame failure in May 2017, and potential wheel detachment in August 2017.
Most of these structure-related recalls affected 500,000 to 1,000,000 or more Fords. The Explorer sold 271,131 units in the U.S. in 2017, so chances are any 2017 Explorer you’re driving will be addressed by one of these recalls.
There is also an NHTSA investigation open regarding an exhaust odor. This investigation began in July of 2017 with no clear sign of being closed anytime soon.
In the complaints department, the NHTSA has 542 on file, with 106 of them being related to the engine, and 68 related to structural issues. Leaking coolant and slow acceleration at relatively low mileage are among the most common complaints.
The above may sound alarming, but most of the issues you’re going to have with a 2017 Ford Explorer will be issues that have already been addressed with a recall, which has the repair costs coming out of the automaker’s pockets, not yours.
2017 Ford Explorer vs. the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Sante Fe, and Kia Sorento
Back when the Explorer first came out in the early 1990s, the SUV market was considerably smaller, and Ford really had the rugged mid-size market cornered. Things are different now, and the SUV market has never been more crowded. So does the Explorer retain its crown, or is it coming in second and third to the SUVs that followed its lead?
2017 Pilot Matches Explorer in Most Categories, but Instead of 10 Recalls, the Honda Has Zero
Comparing a Honda to a Ford, you might expect the Ford to be the hands-down winner on raw power, but the 2017 Honda Pilot is a serious contender. The base 3.5L V6 engine cranks out 262 lb.-ft. of torque and 280 hp, and it’s available in 4WD, making it the Explorer’s equal in terms of sheer muscle.
Pricing between the two is comparable, and so is fuel economy. The choice between a Pilot and an Explorer may come down to personal taste. The Explorer’s Sync system might be a tie-breaker, as the base XL’s radio setup is really bare-bones. But then, the Pilot has zero recalls with the NHTSA, while the Explorer has 10.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is Less Costly than the Explorer but Falls Short with Fewer Creature Comforts and Engine Options
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe’s base 2.4L Sport trim level starts off in the same price range as a Base Explorer, and both SUVs offer front-wheel or 4WD. What you’re getting here is a fair trade-off between power and efficiency.
The base Santa Fe only goes up to 185 hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque, and it only has seating for five. But it averages 21/27 miles to the gallon city/highway. So it comes down to which is more important to you: a little extra muscle under the hood, or a little extra money in your pocket when you leave the pump.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Kia Sorento Has an Entry Price that’s $4,000 Less than the Explorer
No surprises here: the 2017 Kia Sorento is the cheapest SUV you’re going to find on this list, starting a tad under $18k, a full $4,000 less than the Explorer. And it’s pretty darn fuel-efficient, delivering 21/28 miles to the gallon city/highway. But the base L model is also the weakest SUV on the list. It’s only available in front-wheel drive, with the output peaking at 178 lb.-ft. of torque and 185 hp. So you can forget towing anything bigger than a dirt bike.
However, the EX V6 model starts at around the same price as a Base Explorer, is available in 4WD, and cranks those numbers up to 252 lb.-ft. of torque and 290 hp, making it a serious competitor for the Explorer and the Pilot in terms of off-road capability. But at that point, the question is why you would spend the same amount of money on the Kia version of a Ford Explorer when a big part of the appeal of Kia is that you can expect to spend a little less.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Competitive in its Class and Affordable to Maintain, the 2017 Ford Explorer is a Solid Choice
Ford Explorer drivers tend to be pretty loyal to the brand. There’s something about the look of the Explorer, the pure Ford feel of driving one that makes it difficult to compare it to similar SUVs. You can make the case that there are more fuel-efficient vehicles in the midsize-SUV class, more affordable, more reliable, and roomier SUVs. But those aren’t Ford Explorers, and that’s what makes all the difference for those who love the brand. Bottom line: the 2017 Ford Explorers delivers on what you want from a Ford Explorer, making it a solid choice for most.
Photos: Ford; Kia; Hyundai; Honda
