2019 Ford Explorer Review: Reliable Large SUV With Reasonable Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Dec 20, 2022

The 2019 Ford Explorer lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor paint and fuel pump issues reported. At $21,775 to $34,550, it’s a decent value for an SUV with enough room for a large family.

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likeFilled The Good
The cabin is very quiet, its advanced Sync 3 stereo system works well and the suspension is smooth on rough roads.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The transmission is clunky, fuel economy is lower than many other SUVs and steering is loose feeling.

Is the 2019 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Ford Explorer since it has good reliability ratings paired with an upscale cabin, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the technology, smooth suspension, as well as the passenger room.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a large SUV in its price range, seating is supportive on long drives, cargo space is also very good.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems found on the 2019 Explorer. Avoid models from 20132017 since they have a lot of complaints. Models 20182022 are much more reliable.
  • Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the base V6 or 4-cylinder, while the EcoBoost V6 is very quick for a larger SUV.
  • Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Explorer is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, along with lane departure warning.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, giving 409 miles of range from the 18.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $20 lower than average, at $260 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2019 Ford Explorer is cheaper than many other SUVs, while still being affordable to own, making it a decent value for shoppers on a budget.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kierstin P
2019 ford escape. The best vehicle I have ever purchased.
This is my go too car. Riding 7 people very comfortably all while being able to recline and relax in the back seat. With it is adjustable seats you are able to get the foot room you have always desired. Let's not forget about that grocery area. With all seats folded up you are able to get a very good amount of groceries in the back. When the seats are folded down the sky's the limit with what you can haul.
accountCircle Angelina C
Great vehicle with no major issues.
My car has the rear backup camera which is very helpful. I had a minivan before buying the explorer and I will say I do not have as much room for my family as I did in the minivan. The third row seats are nice to have but no one too big can really sit back there. I haven't had any major issues. The cup holders in the middle row is not very convenient and comes off all the time but everything else works really well.
accountCircle Joseph D
The vehicle is a great edition for anyone looking for a car for their family.
The car runs great. You feel like you are on a cloud when driving even over the largest holes and bumps. The steering wheel has a great feel to it and the functionality of the dashboard utility and cabin utility is fantastic. The apple car play is also a great touch to the UI system. It helps a lot when going on a trip and having your phone fully accessible.
accountCircle Javier C
The space is what’s caught my attention.
Really comfy lots of room for guest and legs hate the price though. I love the 3 row option really comes in handy. Mine has built in hotspot which comes in handy for long trips. We have taken it up to the mountain to Vegas and has performed as it should.
accountCircle Mason S
The vehicle is an amazing truck that I would suggest to lot of people.
As of now, the car has no issues, but that may be subject to change. It is pretty reliable (9/10). The leather seats with heat warmers are very comfortable and you can sit in for long trips. It has some very cool hidden storage spots on the vehicle like under the seats and under the flooring.
accountCircle Greg C
Looks fast..And is fast for an SUV.
The fit and finish is amazing the comfort and reliability is better than what I expected. The overall fuel economy for an all wheel drive is decent. We have not had any problems with the vehicle at all. We have just done 1 oil change and that's it. Amazing vehicle... And fast.
accountCircle Kimberly K
I love my ford explorer it is the best.
I have had no problems with my vehicle. It is easy to haul in and comfortably seats 7. The gas mileage while traveling is a plus. I love the ford pass rewards program and like the reminders on vehicle maintenance. I received four free oil changes when purchasing my vehicle.
accountCircle Tiffany R
Amazing family vehicle, must have!
I love my 2019 ford explorer! I have the XLT trim with a black leather interior. My favorite feature with this vehicle is the remote start and air vents in the back rows. I have two small children and live in the Texas heat, so this is a complete must! The third row seats are very easy to put up and release back down. There is a ton of cargo space in the back of the car with the third row down. When it is up, not that much room. The car has apple CarPlay and android auto. I can have texts read to me, use siri. Very safe and never have to touch or look at my phone.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rebecca F
Worst car ever !!!
Bought brand new with 8 miles on it started putting exhaust fumes inside car after driving it a month . We bought a carbon monoxide detector and it registers all the time . This has been the worst car buying experience and would have never thought a car would have such a major health issue !! We have 2 kids also ! Terrible mistake buying it ! Been in repair shop 4 times still not fixed and now lemon law but so very disappointed in ford !!!
accountCircle Manny
Oil leak, door frame, and paint job.
I purchased this model for my wife as she requested it since she has always had ford vehicles and they responded well. She had experience driving the Expedition and the Explorer as well and was happy to get a new Explorer. However, it seems that going beyond added technology and good looks this vehicles are not as well built as the Built Tough Ford Slogan claims. This vehicle has been taken several times to the Hacienda Ford dealership in Edinburg, TX, which has great customer service. Yet, the vehicle problems do not go with the name Ford nor with this good dealership. I am sure the Dealership nor Ford feel proud of this vehicle which they sold. Ford and the Dealership might stay behind this vehicle trying to fix it every time it might have an issue, but they will stop as soon as the warranty ends. And the problem with it is that often in this situations the customer gets stuck with the vehicle debt and with cost of repairs. At this point, we distrust the reliability of this Ford Vehicle, and hope we do not loose confidence and respect for Ford. I am looking forward to return this vehicle to Ford in exchange for another vehicle option in a way we do not become liable for the depreciation of this vehicle which obiously has manufacture problems. It is a vehicle with important engine mechanical issues for a brand new car issues. And very important Gas odors inhaled by our children that would give them head aches, impacting our girls health. The driver door body work was not assembled correclty which generated body work and paint issues which the dealership wanted me to pay. The roof paint job was defective where if I had not noticed the damage before the warranty experied, it would had created peeling of the paint and it would had been a manufacturing error at my expense as well. This are very serious car that a well built brand new car should not have. If you have any information or guidance to address this vehicle probelm, please, reach us at mannystars@gmail.com.
accountCircle Johnny T
Explorer review.Finding the balance between durability and power.
The 4x4 really does not activate. The seats do not relatively adjust for height. No backup camera. The brakes wear rather easily and the back seat room is insufficient for such a gas guzzler. Gas mileage is a real problem. The steering feels stiff and unadjusted.
accountCircle Fugen B
My vehicle is basic and I do not like it.
My car is really basic and I would like something better. I love sunroofs which my car does not have. I would like a better screen and the engine seems not enough. I think this car is the lowest level you can get on a SUV. I also like electric cars because they are eco-friendly.
accountCircle Lillian E
The ease of the ford explorer.
This car is great on gas! I don't like that it feels like it has slow take off especially when highway driving. The comfort is great. The trunk space is amazing, it is so easy to flip the 3rd row around to utilize more space, I can do it one handed. One issue I have is when I go through car washes, the sensors go off like crazy and I cannot turn them off manually which is really not an important issue. I would recommend this car to anyone with a smaller family. Drives very smooth as well!
accountCircle Karli B
Ford explorer 2019. Not for a family of 6.
Comfort. Wish it was a little bigger. The third row does not have enough leg room to fit anyone but a three year old. Wish it had captain seats. It drives really good though. The gas mileage is great. I haven't had any performance issues. Not great for a family of 6.
accountCircle Jennifer J
Luxury and style with affordability.
Pretty terrible on gas but other than that it is great. The tires went very quickly but the ride is smooth and the extras on the car like the heated and cooled seats are definitely a huge plus. I also enjoy the back up camera and the additional safety features like the blind spot feature.
accountCircle Molly F
Car seats do not fit when front seats are fully extended.
Performance wise it is a great vehicle. It is often mistaken for an unmarked police car. I like all of the bells and whistles (seat coolers, stow and go seating in the third row, captains seats). The only problem is that my child’s car seat does not fit behind the driver's seat when someone tall is driving (when the front seat is pushed all the way back). It is a big problem because I have two kids. My older child is squished behind the front seat, and I cannot fit my youngest child’s car seat behind the seat at all.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Explorer?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2019 Ford Explorer offers a roomy cabin but still is in need of an update, with average owner satisfaction scores as it’s aged.
  • Edmunds rates the Explorer at 3.9/5, praising the quiet cabin, but doesn’t like the cramped legroom in the third row.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Explorer a 4.3/5, enjoying the advanced Sync 3 stereo system, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2019 Ford Explorer Have?

Common problems found on the 2019 Ford Explorer include paint chipping, fuel pump failures, as well as a shattered rear window in colder climates. Overall, these problems are similar to other large SUVs, leading to average repair costs as the 2019 Explorer ages.

Paint chipping is the most common complaint from owners on the 2019 Ford Explorer. There’s some thin paint on the front bumper and hood, which allows it to chip easily when hit by rocks. The only way to fix the problem is to repaint the affected areas, which costs around $1,000 per panel.

Fuel pump failures have also shown up on some Explorer models at around 20,000 miles. The pump simply overheats and wears out when the fuel level is low. Replacing the fuel pump is a fairly involved process, costing around $1,200 depending on local labor rates.

Shattered rear windows in colder climates also happen to some 2019 Explorer models in the first 15,000 miles. The rear window heater can heat up the glass too rapidly, which can cause it to shatter. Replacing the rear window costs around $650.

There are 2 recalls on the 2019 Ford Explorer, which is fewer than other large SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers the rear seat backs, which Ford will replace for free. The second recall covers the roof rails which can detach. Ford will install push-pins on the roof rails to hold them in place better.

How Long Will the 2019 Ford Explorer Last?

A well-maintained 2019 Ford Explorer can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the ultra-long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other large SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $530 per year.

As a used 2019 Ford Explorer reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission brake shift interlock solenoid for $225, coolant temperature sensor costing $300, as well as the EVAP canister which costs around $500.

accountCircle A D

It is very reliable. I have not had any issues with it as of yet, except for the recall, which my car did not have an issue with.

accountCircle Sara M

It is very reliable so farm still fairly new but I have not experienced any issues with it. I do not foresee it giving me any problems in the near future, as with every vehicle maintenance is important to upkeep.

accountCircle Jessica E

It's been great so far. Its battery drained fast while we lived out in the desert, but that is common in that harsh environment. The ford dealership replaced it and everything has been good ever since.

accountCircle Bri H

Yes! So reliable and everything has been easy to maintain. The car lets you know when it needs service.

accountCircle Nancy D

No real problems so far but I have only had it for 3 months. The only issue so far is that one of the USB ports does not work all the time.

accountCircle Nicholas C

I haven't had a single problem yet. Starts great in cold weather. It heats up quick and drives great in snow.

accountCircle Bob W

Perfect for the first 1,500 miles. No issues of any kind. Usually expect some rattles or maybe is alignment but nothing like that. Nothing.

accountCircle JEAN B

Very reliable vehicle. Have not encountered any problems yet. My Ford dealer as well as customer support are easily available if I have any issues.

How Is the Technology?

Standard entertainment technology is okay with a 4.2-inch central screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades are very good and include an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety technology is average compared to other SUVs with a standard rearview camera along with Ford MyKey, which sets speed and audio limits. Optional upgrades include driver assistance features such as front and rear parking sensors, a front-view parking camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, as well as automatic parking assist.

Is the 2019 Ford Explorer a Good Value?

Yes, the 2019 Ford Explorer is a good value since it’s cheaper than most other full size SUVs while still being very reliable. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,775 to $34,550, making it less than a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $32,365 to $54,165. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Explorer?

There are five models of the 2019 Ford Explorer available, from the entry-level Base all the way up to the luxurious Platinum. The Explorer is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the model.

Base is the entry-level model with:

  • 18-Inch Wheels
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
  • Rearview Camera
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Terrain Management System
  • 2-Inch Central Display
  • Six-Speaker Stereo

XLT is a step up, adding:

  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
  • Satellite Radio
  • 8-Inch Central Touchscreen
  • Sync 3 Software
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Adaptive Cruise Control

Limited is next in the lineup with:

  • Leather Seating
  • Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
  • Power Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel
  • Premium Audio System
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Hands Free Power Liftgate
  • Power-Folding Third Row Seats

Sport adds features such as:

  • Turbocharged V6 Engine
  • Firmer Suspension
  • Improved Steering
  • Standard Towing Package

Platinum is the luxury model which has:

  • Premium Leather Upholstery
  • Power-Adjustable Pedals
  • Automated Parking System
  • Heated Second Row Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Upgraded 12- Speaker Sony Premium Sound System
car
Base
280-290 HP 18-21 MPG
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XLT
280-290 HP 18-21 MPG
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Limited
280-290 HP 18-21 MPG
car
car

What Engines Come In the Ford Explorer?

  • The base engine is an average 3.5L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG. All of the engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
  • An available upgrade is the more efficient 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes 280 horsepower at up to 22 MPG.
  • The flagship engine is the very powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 which produces 365 horsepower while getting 18 MPG. Performance is great, taking 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Ford Explorer Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Explorer?

The 2019 Ford Explorer is a very comfortable full size SUV with seating for up to seven passengers depending on the configuration. Seating is very nice throughout the Explorer, offering high-quality materials with plenty of cushioning.

There’s plenty of passenger room in the Explorer, although there’s less legroom in the third row seat compared to some other large SUVs.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Explorer Have?

Cargo space is a bit lower than other full size SUVs with enough room for 4 suitcases behind the third row, 8-10 behind the second row, and over 15 with all of the seats folded flat.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Ford Explorer was launched in 2011, and replaced by the sixth generation in 2020.

2015: The XLT model offers a new exterior styling package.

2016: Updated safety technology, 4-cylinder engine available, and minor styling changes.

2017: SYNC 3 infotainment system available replacing the older MyFord Touch system.

2018: Small exterior styling changes, 4G LTE hotspot added to all models.

2019: Minor package changes for the final model year of the fifth generation.

2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.

2021: Lower-priced ST model launched, new sport package offered on XLT model.

How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?

The Ford Explorer is a nice SUV offering similar passenger room to a full size SUV in a slightly smaller wheelbase paired with good reliability ratings.

The Toyota Highlander is a slightly smaller SUV which costs around $5,000 more. Standard technology is much better in the Toyota Highlander, while the third row has more room in the Ford Explorer. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they have higher long-term reliability ratings, although both are descent three-row SUVs.

The Dodge Durango is another large SUV, which is about $3,000 more. There’s more luxurious interior materials in the Dodge Durango, while the Ford Explorer has better reliability ratings. We recommend the Ford Explorer since there are fewer problems reported as it ages.

Ranks #7 Full Size SUV by Owners

1
car
4.87
2
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4.77
7
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4.62

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Explorer?

accountCircle A D

Yes, there is a lot of legroom and it has perfect headspace and quality design. I would recommend it to anyone.

accountCircle Sara M

Yes, it is a great vehicle. I have had no problems with the Drivability of it and have heard very good things about the explorer holding it is value throughout the year.

accountCircle Jessica E

Yes! We bought it when we found out we were having our third child. We needed a car that could comfortably hold three car seats, that was also not a minivan. After a lot of research we decided on this particular car.

accountCircle Bri H

Yes! Love the way it drives. It is quick and looks so sporty! Love the way it handles and the space that it gives our family.

accountCircle Nancy D

Yes! I enjoy having the room for cargo, and it looks stylish. With the limited trim all the bells and whistles are included. The leather interior is a big plus.

accountCircle Nicholas C

It is great. I have never had a problem with it. It is definitely the best vehicle I have ever owned. Very reliable.

accountCircle Bob W

Amazingly great. Tight ride and quiet. The creature comforts are extensive and operate logically and second nature.

accountCircle Brian W

Yes. Built well and dependable. Handles rough roads well. Gives peace of mind during bad weather with all terrain tires and driving options.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Melissa T on June 25, 2021
Ford explorer best vehicle I have ever owned.
Great vehicle have had zero issues with it! And have owned for 2 years! Love the amount of room it has!! Would definitely recommend the explorer to anyone with more than one child! Very dependable vehicle! Best car I have ever had!! Will say I would like if the screen for the radio was a little bigger or even touch screen; I know they have that in the 2020 but it would have been nice to have.
accountCircle Craig C on June 18, 2021
Lovely little car that works great.
My vehicle has been nothing short of spectacular. I have never had any problems with it and look forward to many more years of driving with ford. One thing I would like is a bit more space in my car. The space I have no is okay but a little more would be nice.
accountCircle Kimberly K on June 10, 2021
I love my ford explorer it is the best.
I have had no problems with my vehicle. It is easy to haul in and comfortably seats 7. The gas mileage while traveling is a plus. I love the ford pass rewards program and like the reminders on vehicle maintenance. I received four free oil changes when purchasing my vehicle.
accountCircle Matt K on June 7, 2021
Ford explorer 10/10 would recommend.
Ford explorer is one of the smoothest cars I have driven and have had little to no problems with almost 100k miles! Also is a big vehicle so there is room in the back and the middle row has lots of leg room as well. On top of all that it looks amazing!
accountCircle Lindsey Z on June 4, 2021
Ford explorer sport is worth the splurge.
Overall I really like my explorer. One downfall is that the bucket seats in the second row do not have armrests. The sport model with the bucket seats is very convenient for kids abs car seats. The cruise control with automatic adjustment is amazing and the parking sensors/cameras are a life saver. We are very happy with our purchase.
accountCircle Jennifer J on June 2, 2021
Luxury and style with affordability.
Pretty terrible on gas but other than that it is great. The tires went very quickly but the ride is smooth and the extras on the car like the heated and cooled seats are definitely a huge plus. I also enjoy the back up camera and the additional safety features like the blind spot feature.
accountCircle Kiepe T on May 22, 2021
In conclusion, it is one of the best automobile in the world.
My ford escape 2019 is really a good SUV automobile with good speed. It is also a hybrid automobile. It has inbuilt GPS navigator, portable TV, rear camera and other good functions as well. With the features and specs, it is a good value for money and it worth its price.
accountCircle Jane K on May 13, 2021
Top notch vehicle. Fully equipped to let the driver ride in luxury and comfort.
This vehicle has all the bells and whistles. The platinum version makes this car top notch. This care is too smart. Censors all around the car prevent collisions. Not only is this vehicle clean and sleek design on the exterior this make and model allows you to travel in ultimate comfort. The vehicle is equipped with massagers and heat warmers. The climate controls are quite as advanced. The size of the vehicle is perfect for a growing family.
accountCircle Kelly M on April 28, 2021
Convenience and comfort with plenty of room.
My explorer is the perfect family and work car with 3rd row seating, captains chairs in the 2nd row and lots of other features for convenience— several oversized cup holders, USB plugs and a/c controls in front and back and amazing panoramic moon roof. Also like the ford pass option in the media screen as well as the ability to play Pandora and other apps instead of traditional am/FM.
accountCircle Karli B on April 22, 2021
Ford explorer 2019. Not for a family of 6.
Comfort. Wish it was a little bigger. The third row does not have enough leg room to fit anyone but a three year old. Wish it had captain seats. It drives really good though. The gas mileage is great. I haven't had any performance issues. Not great for a family of 6.
accountCircle Javier C on April 19, 2021
The space is what’s caught my attention.
Really comfy lots of room for guest and legs hate the price though. I love the 3 row option really comes in handy. Mine has built in hotspot which comes in handy for long trips. We have taken it up to the mountain to Vegas and has performed as it should.
accountCircle Millicent H on April 16, 2021
Amazing family car, great for road trips.
I love how spacious the explorer is. I have taken it on many road trips and really like the feature for different terrains. It is great on gas for an SUV. The third row fold/ stow option is very convenient. When I have my hands full it is nice to be able to kick under the car to open the back hatch.
accountCircle Malachi S on April 6, 2021
Thoughts on 2019 ford explorer.
What I love most about my vehicle is that it drives really smooth, really good on gas, fit a family of 5, and many other things. The seats in the car are really comfortable and the leather is amazing especially easy for stains to come off. The trunk part has a lot of space as well and good for traveling.
accountCircle Elizabeth C on April 4, 2021
Amazing vehicle! Must buy!
Amazing. No complaints at all. Great gas mileage. I do wish I would have got bucket seats but other than that nothing I would change. It has the remote start which I love especially on hot days. It has the button to close the back lift which I love and is so easy when you do not have the hands to shut it. Plenty of room for a total of 7 people.
accountCircle Candice A on March 31, 2021
A very spacious backseat!
This car is very reliable and comfortable. It is very spacious and easy to convert the third row down for added trunk space. There is plenty of legroom in the back seat which is a plus for long drives. I wish that it had an automatic start like most of the ford base models.
accountCircle Margaret G on March 27, 2021
More space needed in back seat when two car seats are installed.
Back seat too small with two car seats. There needs to be more leg room. No room if driver side is pushed back. Middle seat in back seat is very uncomfortable due to the seat belt placement. There also needs to be better rear ac options. Like the way it drive through.
accountCircle Joseph D on March 26, 2021
The vehicle is a great edition for anyone looking for a car for their family.
The car runs great. You feel like you are on a cloud when driving even over the largest holes and bumps. The steering wheel has a great feel to it and the functionality of the dashboard utility and cabin utility is fantastic. The apple car play is also a great touch to the UI system. It helps a lot when going on a trip and having your phone fully accessible.
accountCircle Desire W on March 24, 2021
The Ford Explorer is a great purchase and worth the money
The Explorer XLT is a smooth ride vehicle as if you are riding on cloud 9. It's roomy and spacious. Nice to have a 3rd row of seating for when we travel. The body style looks like a luxury vehicle.. Only negative is SYNC has to be resynced a lot. There is plenty of storage in the front
accountCircle Emily B on March 20, 2021
What they could do better with the explorer from a busy mom's point of view.
I enjoy my vehicle. I wish I had splurged and bought the sport edition because I feel that the limited does not have as much power as it could have. The seats are easy to use but I wish that there's was more storage. The pocket in the center console is too narrow and deep that I find it hard to not lose things in the hole. There is not a great place to mount a cell phone but I like that the phone syncs with the car and google is compatible. I wish there was still a place for at least one CD or a way to download music to the car so I do not have to stream all the time.
accountCircle Julie E on March 15, 2021
Safety standards all electronics devices.
My car is perfect and safe I love all the computerized options tailgate lift heated seats and air conditioned seats. We purchased this make and model as it had the best reviews for safety and most options more than any other SUV out there verses suburban, Tahoe this car is very reliable and luxurious.
accountCircle Kara S on March 13, 2021
A mom's dream car in an SUV form.
I love my explorer. My favorite part is how much room I have in the back for groceries and toting people around. The thing I dislike the most is that there wasn't an option for second row bucket seats. It is hard for people to access the third row seats when they are in use.
accountCircle Miles G on March 11, 2021
Highly user friendly and great handling. Show Stopping audio quality.
The vehicle is very smooth handling and the center console is spacious. The driver's seat is very adjustable. The center display and on board computer is very user friendly and high tech, the audio control is very precise and the bass is very good. The apple play is very functional and useful. The Bluetooth capabilities are very versatile and responsive. My personal favorite addition is the unlocking whenever you grab the handle and have the keys on your person paired with the push to start means you never have to take the keys out to start or gain entry to the car, as well as auto locking when you walk away with the keys.
accountCircle JA A on March 4, 2021
Perfect car for on the go!
I feel super safe in this car. It has all of the features I want and enough room to store anything. It wears really well (I have light cream colored seats) and drives incredibly well in any season. I never worry about having to leave my house when it is snowing or raining because I know the car will perform well.
accountCircle Belle J on March 4, 2021
So good looking it might be against the law.
Handles well in all types of weather and road conditions. Is quite reliable never had any issues with it. Have had an explorer previously and it was also very reliable. There was several recalls on the seat belts so they were replaced twice. The car looks nice... Except at night when I am driving behind people they slow down because they think I am the police.
accountCircle Cynthia M on February 25, 2021
Great performance vehicle 2019 ford explorer lt.
Love the comfort of my ford explorer. Roomy and drives excellent. Love the features and performance that the ford explorer delivers. I love the feature of the passenger bucket seats and the option of the fold down of third row seating. The driver assist feature is one of my favorites.
accountCircle Leonardo P on February 15, 2021
Interior space and seven passengers.
Bad finishing, we had troubles with the rear suspension, we have to take it to guarantee for changing some suspension parts. The carpet in some places were bad finished. I expected a better performance because of the turbo, but is kind of powerless in the first gears.
accountCircle willie T on February 13, 2021
It is the vehicle of my dreams.
My vehicle has enough room for my family and extended family that is why I love my vehicle so much. My kids enjoying riding in the vehicle I take long drives in my vehicle as well. The only problems is the interior should be made with more sturdy material the outside look expensive but, not the interior.
accountCircle Frank T on February 11, 2021
Small problems but the car is very comfortable and easy to drive.
The navigation should be updated automatically. Instead, I have to look and find out if the updates are available and then download them to the car. The lights on the stick shift sometimes go out and that makes it difficult to determine what gear the car is in at night.
accountCircle Kylie M on February 5, 2021
Why we love the 2019 Ford Explorer!
I love my Ford Explorer! I have 5 active kids and it is the perfect fit for us! I drove a 4 door sedan before this and the difference in space is incredible. I currently have a large backwards facing car seat that barely fit in my smaller car. When I moved it over to my explorer I was amazed at how much room I still had. I currently get 18.1 MPG which for an SUV I feel like is pretty reasonable. The third row is a blessing! Before I bought the explorer I wanted to make sure the 3rd row actually had enough room for a teenager to sit in the back and not room for a small child to sit comfortably, so I myself got in the back and sat for awhile. I am 5'6 and there was plenty of room for my legs in the 3rd row seat. Room was the most important factor when I was looking for a new vehicle and we definitely found it in the explorer. There are also so many awesome features! One of my kids actually call it 'the spaceship car'. The large display screen makes controlling everything such as climate, Bluetooth, radio, etc a breeze. The vehicle itself has Wi-Fi capabilities. It has a back up camera and beeps when you get too close to something. It also has a front camera that you can turn on when slowly pulling up to something such as a parking barrier to make sure you don't hit it. The explorer warns the driver when another vehicle is coming up beside you so that you don't change lanes until the vehicle passes you. The room and safety features of this vehicle is what totally sold us on the Explorer, not to mention how nice they look on the road! I couldn't have picked a better vehicle for my family of 7! We love it.
accountCircle Ashlee S on February 3, 2021
More comfortable seating and arm rests.
My car has a third row but it only seats 2 people. I wish it sat at least one more. I have captains chairs and so if it sat one more than it would hold 7 people comfortably. The captains chairs do not have arm rest which when you ride in those seats you do not have a place for your arm. Seat belt in captain's chair locks up to easily.
accountCircle Sheila A on January 31, 2021
Classy, fully loaded, comfortable performance vehicle.
Classy color, sporty look with turbo charger that results in amazing speed and performance. Inside luxurious leather heated and cooled leather seats.Fully loaded with safety features including pre collision alert, lane alignment, and doze alert. The backup and front camera have great view and multiple alerts.
accountCircle Phyllis F on January 30, 2021
Ford created a great vehicle to drive in the city or take long trips!
This is my 2nd explorer! My other explorer was 2012. Love these cars! They are dependable! It is a nice ride and just love all of the extras!! It is easy to get into the middle row of the car! We lay the back row down so we can put groceries or whatever we are carrying.
accountCircle Taylor S on January 26, 2021
I love my 2019 ford explorer!
I love my 2019 ford explorer. I bought it black, and I got big black rims to go along with it. It is big enough to fit things I want to haul, but is still manageable to drive. I love the heated seats and the ac is great in the summertime! Also loved how affordable it was for an SUV.
accountCircle Amanda B on January 25, 2021
Love the side and rear view mirrors and sky light windows!
I love the leather interior and heated seats. Great rear view mirrors and side mirrors make changing lanes easy. East to park. Lots of legroom with adjustable chairs. Love the third bench for carpooling. I like the look of the exterior and smoothness of the ride. Have not yet been on snow or ice to see how it handles. Good storage in the back.
accountCircle Daniel S on January 25, 2021
The great SUV of a family of four.
The SUV is very strong and well designed. Also the stability is great on long trips. The SUV is made for a family to travel long distances. The room inside makes it great for fun times. Parking is great when in the city and also in parking garages. The gas miles is also good for a SUV of that size.
accountCircle Liz H on January 15, 2021
2019 white ford explorer XLT.
I like my car because it is very roomy. Drives smooth, and has good features. It is white and does not show dirt. I have had ford's for years and they are very reliable. The a/c works well. I like the side mirrors that show you when a car is coming up on you.
accountCircle Bryce H on January 11, 2021
My ford explorer 2020 is a reliable and amazing car.
There is one problem with my car, it is the seat coolers. I got the car brand new and the seat coolers would only work on the driver side of the car. Not the passenger. It performs really well especially inside of the operating system on the touchscreen. I can rely on this car.
accountCircle Ale D on January 7, 2021
I really like my car although there are a few minor problems.
I love the car! It is awesome however there are leaks in back seats of the car, the pre-collision assist goes off on its own when there are no cars around. The car is very comfortable and the features in the car are lovely. I personally really like and enjoy having this car.
accountCircle Jason L on January 5, 2021
I like the silver handles!
I love this car. It is a great car with a lot of room and a lot of seats. I would recommend to many people. If it is in their budget of course. But I think this is a pretty good car. Side note, it is on the bigger side and will be harder for inexperienced drivers to drive in.
accountCircle Jef S on December 30, 2020
Performance and family comfort.
Great size best seating. Very cool self parking features. Best software ever. Lots of charging ports in easy to assess areas. Great for long road trips. Grit performances. Super comfortable. Lots of (expandable) cargo space comes in really handy. Had to change the battery after 2 years.
accountCircle Priscilla F on December 24, 2020
More spacious newer explorers.
I like the explorer. The car rides smoothly on highway so that may be the only bad thing so far I have come across. And if it runs smoothly cannot be good cause you can then pass the speed limit by a lot. Third row is more spacious with the leg room.
accountCircle Amy B on December 20, 2020
3 row seating, good gas mileage and very roomy!
Performance of my car has been fantastic. I have had this car going on two years and I love everything about it! I have had nothing crazy happen. Great safety features, backup camera is amazing and plenty of airbags! There has been a recall or two on it but ford has been able to fix them quickly on notice! Gas mileage is decent I get 24.6 miles to the gallon!
accountCircle Ashlee B on December 17, 2020
2019 ford explorer is my new favorite thing to drive.
I have no complaints! I love the heated seats and steering wheel! It drives great and the safety features are top of the line! The third row seating is great for my family of 6 and it gets great gas mileage! Overall in thoroughly pleased with my vehicle!
accountCircle Josh T on December 15, 2020
Love the convenience of the third row seating!
The third row seating is extremely easy to unfold and fold which makes it convenient. I love having the heated seats and heated steering wheel. It is a very quiet and smooth ride. The only downside is the gas mileage is not the greatest but it is as to be expected for a bigger vehicle.
accountCircle Becky B on December 12, 2020
Excellent and comfy ford explorer.
Very comfortable with heated leather seats. Would like to have heated seats in the back and a better place to put my phone. Drives very nice and has a decent towing package. I wish it had a secret storage compartment to hide gifts or things I do not want my husband to know I bought.
accountCircle Katelyn A on December 10, 2020
The ford explorer is very comfortable and spacious for families.
The ford explorer is extremely comfortable, with great features. It is also the perfect amount of space. I have a 2 year old and a German shepherd, in the summer we travel to the lake every weekend with our son and dog and all of our bags and have plenty of space!
accountCircle Johnny T on December 3, 2020
Explorer review.Finding the balance between durability and power.
The 4x4 really does not activate. The seats do not relatively adjust for height. No backup camera. The brakes wear rather easily and the back seat room is insufficient for such a gas guzzler. Gas mileage is a real problem. The steering feels stiff and unadjusted.
accountCircle Meredith W on December 1, 2020
Attractive and roomy vehicle.
I love how roomy my explorer is. I leased my car to help haul three large dogs and it does that wonderfully. The look of it is great too. I have had some minor issues with a control module in the steering wheel and some other minor issues with the seat moving and things rattling randomly. Occasionally there are some transmission issues, mainly a rough shift here and there.
accountCircle Tina R on November 30, 2020
The explorer that has me exploring comfortably.
I love the size of my vehicle. It has 7 very roomy and comfortable seats. I do wish it had 8 but it was not available in the second row bench seats. It is great on gas mileage and easy to get in and out of. I also love that it has a full length sunroof for both front and second row seats.
accountCircle Molly F on November 28, 2020
Car seats do not fit when front seats are fully extended.
Performance wise it is a great vehicle. It is often mistaken for an unmarked police car. I like all of the bells and whistles (seat coolers, stow and go seating in the third row, captains seats). The only problem is that my child’s car seat does not fit behind the driver's seat when someone tall is driving (when the front seat is pushed all the way back). It is a big problem because I have two kids. My older child is squished behind the front seat, and I cannot fit my youngest child’s car seat behind the seat at all.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.