Model research hub
Ford Explorer
Car and Driver says the Timberline has been transformed into the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, with Ford adding the Explorer ST's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, an engine you could never get on a Timberline, churning out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend says for 2026 the Explorer's available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is actually down 15 horsepower across the board to 385, since Ford is now only building it in the 50-state emissions-compliant tune after offering a non-CARB version with 400 hp the year before; it calls the Explorer Tremor a credible competitor Ford has brought to the three-row SUV off-road market. MotorTrend separately says pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor starts at $50,160, including all-wheel drive, all of the Tremor equipment, and a standard equipment level similar to the hot-rod ST.
Timberline becomes Tremor
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Timberline has been transformed into the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, with Ford adding the Explorer ST's mighty twin-turbocharged V6, an engine you could never get on a Timberline, to the slate of options; this EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 churns out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
A 15-hp drop for emissions compliance
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says for 2026 the Explorer's available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is down 15 horsepower across the board to 385, since Ford is now only building it in the 50-state emissions-compliant tune, after offering a non-CARB version with 400 hp the year before, calling the Explorer Tremor a credible competitor Ford has brought to the three-row SUV off-road market.
Pricing and equipment
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says pricing for the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor starts at $50,160, and that includes all-wheel drive, all of the Tremor equipment, and a standard equipment level similar to the hot-rod ST.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor have?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says 385 hp in the current 50-state emissions-compliant tune, down from 400 hp the prior year.
How much does the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor cost?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says it starts at $50,160.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is built around 2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, rated at 300–400 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Ford Explorer is published to tow is up to 5,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns and 98 owner complaints for the 2025 Explorer.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Explorer uses a 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder standard, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 available on ST and Platinum. Seating splits between a seven-passenger bench and six-passenger captain's-chair layout.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Ford Explorer model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ford Explorer | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 2025 record → | |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 2020 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Ford Explorer.
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer, was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
- Safety
- Undergoing development during the late 1990s, the third-generation Explorer adopted safety features in response to the tread separation controversy that affected the previous-generation model line. Along with the deletion of the Firestone Wilderness AT tires, to further reduce rollover risk, the front and rear axles were widened (the latter, coinciding with the introduction of independent rear suspension). As an option, AdvanceTrac was introduced as a stability control system.
Source: Ford Explorer (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Ford Explorer at a glance
- Production
- 1990–present
- Model years
- 1991–present
- Class
- Compact SUV (3-door/Sport) (1991–2003), Sport-utility vehicle#Mid-size SUV, Mid-size SUV (1991–2010), Mid-size crossover SUV (2011–present)
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame (1991–2010), Unibody (2011–present)
- Predecessor
- Ford Bronco II
- Successor
- Ford Territory (Oceania)
Ford Explorer generations
The Ford Explorer has been redesigned in 1995, 2002, 2006, 2011, gaps of 4, 7, 4, 5 years, an average of 5.0 years between generations. The current generation (fifth generation, U502) began in 2011.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | UN46 | 1991–1995 | The Ford Explorer was introduced in March 1990 as an early 1991 model to replace the Bronco II. |
| Second generation | UN105/150 | 1995–2002 | For the 1995 model year, Ford released a second generation of the Explorer. |
| Third generation | U152 | 2002–2006 | The third-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in January 2001 for the 2002 model year. |
| Fourth generation | U251 | 2006–2011 | The fourth generation Explorer entered production in July 2005 for the 2006 model year. |
| Fifth generation | U502 | 2011–present | The fifth generation 2011 Explorer featured a unibody structure based on the D4 platform shared with the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT — a modified version of the D3 platform. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Ford Explorer overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (32 campaigns across the latest model years)
- September 2026, Air Bags:Frontal. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. The active vent on the passenger side may not open as intended, preventing the air bag from deploying properly. Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power. Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- August 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine. The engine connecting rod bearings may seize, which can result in engine failure. Consequence: Engine failure can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing oil…
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Ford Explorer, most often about electrical system (23), unknown or other (17), service brakes (16).
Year by year
The Ford Explorer across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Ford Explorer | 19–23 | $2,800–$3,400 | 8 | |||
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 19–24 | $2,600–$3,300 | 6 | 13 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 20–24 | $2,600–$3,100 | 6 | 20 | 95 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Ford Explorer | 20–24 | $2,600–$3,100 | 8 | 10 | 19 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 20–27 | $2,300–$3,100 | 17 | 15 | 106 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 19–27 | $2,300–$3,300 | 15 | 24 | 258 | |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 19–27 | $2,300–$3,300 | 10 | 26 | 413 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 19–28 | $2,250–$3,300 | 6 | 33 | 1,198 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | 18–22 | $2,850–$3,450 | 7 | 6 | 291 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 18–22 | $2,850–$3,450 | 7 | 7 | 723 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 18–22 | $2,850–$3,450 | 7 | 14 | 1,689 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 18–22 | $2,850–$3,450 | 7 | 15 | 5 stars | |
| 2015 Ford Explorer | 18–23 | $2,700–$3,450 | 6 | 9 | 1,773 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Ford Explorer, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 6 to 8 | 21.5 to 21.0 | ||
| 2025 to 2026 | 22.0 to 21.5 | Labels: Explorer Tremor AWD | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 8 to 6 | Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI | Labels: Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer Timberline AWD; Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI, 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; FFV; Fuels: Gasoline or E85 | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 17 to 8 | 23.5 to 22.0 | Labels: Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer Platinum HEV AWD, Explorer Platinum HEV RWD; Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start, 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; without Stop-Start | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 15 to 17 | 23.0 to 23.5 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; without Stop-Start | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 10 to 15 | Labels: Explorer Platinum HEV AWD, Explorer Platinum HEV RWD; Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 6 to 10 | 23.5 to 23.0 | Labels: Explorer Timberline AWD; Transmissions: Automatic 10-spd | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 7 to 6 | 20.0 to 23.5 | Labels: Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer RWD; Engines: 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; FFV, 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S10); Drives: Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Labels: Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer AWD FFV, Explorer FWD; Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl FFV, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S6); Drives: All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2015 to 2016 | 6 to 7 | 20.5 to 20.0 | Engines: 2.3L 4-cyl SIDI | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd |
Buying used
What the Ford Explorer recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | trailer hitches; visibility (windshield); engine; 7 more | None |
| 2025 | 20 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); back over prevention (software); equipment (other); 12 more | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2024 | 10 | hybrid propulsion system; equipment (other); seats (mid/rear assembly); 5 more | None |
| 2023 | 15 | back over prevention (sensing system); power train (automatic transmission); engine and engine cooling; 8 more | None |
| 2022 | 24 | fuel system, gasoline (storage); structure (frame and members); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 13 more | None |
| 2021 | 26 | engine; air bags (side/window); back over prevention (software); 13 more | None |
| 2020 | 33 | power train (automatic transmission); seats (front assembly); electrical system (wiring); 16 more | None |
| 2019 | 6 | seats (front assembly); structure (body); equipment (electrical); 1 more | None |
| 2018 | 7 | fuel system, gasoline; seats (front assembly); structure (body); 2 more | None |
| 2017 | 14 | engine and engine cooling; seats (front assembly); wheels (hub); 5 more | None |
| 2016 | 15 | parking brake; fuel system, gasoline (storage); engine and engine cooling; 7 more | None |
| 2015 | 9 | parking brake; suspension (rear); wheels (hub); 3 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| structure | 1,542 | 23% | 2017 (660) |
| unknown or other | 1,374 | 21% | 2015 (400) |
| power train | 981 | 15% | 2020 (483) |
| engine | 777 | 12% | 2017 (237) |
| electrical system | 562 | 8% | 2020 (183) |
| steering | 453 | 7% | 2015 (345) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Ford Explorer trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 310 | 4,360 | 5,000 | – | $40,260 |
| ST-Line | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 310 | 4,360 | 5,000 | – | $45,995 |
| Tremor | 4WD | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 385 | 415 | 4,755 | 5,000 | – | $50,995 |
| Platinum | 4WD | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | 300 | 310 | 4,360 | 5,000 | – | $52,455 |
| ST | 4WD | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 385 | 415 | 4,688 | 5,000 | – | $55,455 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Ford Explorer model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 5 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–385 | 4,360–4,755 | 5,000 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2026 | 5 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,360–4,688 | 5,000 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,303–4,631 | – | 18.6–20.2 |
| 2024 | 8 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,345–4,701 | 5,300–5,600 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2023 | 10 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.3-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,345–5,076 | 5,000–5,600 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2022 | 10 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.3-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,345–5,076 | 5,000–5,600 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2021 | 9 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.3-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–365 | 4,345–5,076 | 5,000–5,600 | 17.9–20.2 |
| 2020 | 6 | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) / 3.3-liter V6 (Hybrid) / 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 300–400 | 4,345–5,076 | 5,000–5,600 | 18.6 |
| 2019 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / 3.5-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 290–365 | 4,443–4,901 | 5,000 | 18.6 |
| 2018 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L | 290–365 | 4,443–4,901 | 5,000 | 18.6 |
| 2017 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L | 290–365 | 4,385–4,901 | 5,000 | 18.6 |
| 2016 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 / V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L | 290–365 | 4,385–4,901 | 5,000 | 18.6 |
| 2015 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 / 3.5-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | 290–365 | 4,432–4,882 | 5,000 | 18.6 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Ford Explorer.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2025 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2023 | 0W-30 | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2017 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2016 | 5.7 qt | – | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Ford Explorer: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2019 Ford Explorer : 6 recalls on file (average across published years is 16.0).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2021 Ford Explorer : 26 recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera and powertrain.
- 2020 Ford Explorer : 33 recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera and powertrain.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | not available | engine cooling, visibility/wipers, seats, engine |
| 2025 | 20 | 95 | powertrain, engine cooling, seats, backup camera |
| 2024 | 10 | 19 | equipment, seats, backup camera, hybrid propulsion |
| 2023 | 15 | 106 | backup camera, equipment, seats, powertrain |
| 2022 | 24 | 258 | backup camera, powertrain, fuel system, equipment |
| 2021 | 26 | 413 | backup camera, powertrain, engine, equipment |
| 2020 | 33 | 1198 | backup camera, powertrain, seat belts, seats |
| 2019 | 6 | 291 | structure, seats, equipment, suspension |
| 2018 | 7 | 723 | structure, seats, fuel system, equipment |
| 2017 | 14 | 1689 | suspension, structure, seats, wheels |
| 2016 | 15 | not available | structure, suspension, seats, wheels |
| 2015 | 9 | 1773 | suspension, wheels, parking brake, powertrain |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ford Explorer model years 2016, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Ford Explorer?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2019 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2021, 2020 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Ford Explorer model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2021 Ford Explorer has 26 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, powertrain, engine; The 2020 Ford Explorer has 33 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, powertrain, seat belts. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Ford Explorer model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2019 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls on file: below this model's own average of 16.0. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Ford Explorer by model year?
2026: engine cooling, visibility/wipers, seats, engine. 2025: powertrain, engine cooling, seats, backup camera. 2024: equipment, seats, backup camera, hybrid propulsion. 2023: backup camera, equipment, seats, powertrain. 2022: backup camera, powertrain, fuel system, equipment. 2021: backup camera, powertrain, engine, equipment.
Q05Why do some Ford Explorer model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Ford Explorer model years 2016, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Brakes, tires and steering, Transmission and drivetrain, Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Climate and electrical, Hybrid and electric vehicles.
2021 Ford Explorer owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Transmission and drivetrain and Engine and cooling and Buying, records and recalls.
2020 Ford Explorer owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Transmission and drivetrain and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Ford Explorer is most often compared with.
Nearest Ford models
Other Ford models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Explorer come in?
The 2025 Ford Explorer (three-row SUV) comes in 4 trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST.
Q02What are the 2025 Explorer trims?
The 2025 Ford Explorer trims are Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST, listed from the entry Active up to the top ST.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Explorer use?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is built around 2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6, rated at 300–400 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Explorer have?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is rated at 300–400 horsepower (2.3L turbo four-cylinder or 3.0L twin-turbo V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer is offered with FWD / AWD.