Overview
It can be overwhelming to choose from a wide selection of generations when selecting your new vehicle. Below is a quick guide of what to expect inside and out for each generation of the Ford Explorer. Let’s take a look.
First Generation: 1995-2001
Originally created to replace the Bronco, the Ford Explorer arrived with a sleek exterior design, ample cargo room and smooth handling. The trims for this generation: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited. It is powered by a 4-liter V-6 paired to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic that makes 160 horsepower. Fuel economy is 18/22 mpg. It seats 5 with vinyl and cloth materials throughout and a 60/40 split rear bench. Technology includes AM/FM radio and 2 speakers along with remote keyless entry. Safety features are ABS, a panic alarm and airbags.
Second Generation: 2002-2005
This generation improves handling with a new frame and independent rear suspension along with a new available third row to seat 7. Trims are the same as the generation before: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The engine is also the same but now generates 210 horsepower and gets 17/21 mpg. The seats are made of cloth upholstery and have 4-way adjustability along with a 60/40 split rear bench and cupholders. Technology includes 4 speakers, AM/FM radio and a remote keyfob. Safety features are also the same with ABS, a panic alarm and airbags.
Third Generation: 2006-2010
For this generation, the Ford Explorer is redesigned with niceties like a chrome grille and fog lamps on the XLT and heated memory seats on the Limited. Trims are: XLS, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Power is the same 4-liter V-6 that makes 210 hp and gets 15/21 mpg. The interior is also the same but with added wood and leather materials on the top trim and 45.1 cubic feet in cargo volume. Technology includes MP3, 4 speakers, AM/FM radio and remote keyless entry. Safety features remain the same.
Fourth Generation: 2011-2019
This generation adds more standard luxury features like 17-inch wheels and MyFord driver tech on the base trim to 20-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and more on the top trim. Also, the first second-row inflatable seatbelts were added in 2011. Trim levels were consolidated down to base, XL and Limited. Two engines were made available: a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower and a 2-liter inline-4 that makes 237 hp. Both can be had with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed Selectshift transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and fuel economy is 17/25 mpg.
Seating 7 with an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, the Ford Explorer continues to offer a 60/40 split rear bench and leatherette materials throughout. Cupholders in the front and back, 6 speakers, 4 power outlets, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM and an entertainment system are also part of the interior. Safety features include ABS and a panic alarm.
Fifth Generation: 2020-Present
This generation is a complete refresh with rear-wheel drive standard and available all-wheel drive. It includes 4 different powertrains to choose from, standard captains chairs and its first hybrid engine. Trims include: Base, XLT, Limited, ST and Platinum. The engine options are:
- 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 300 hp; tows 5,600 lbs; 24 mpg
- 3-liter twin turbo V-6; 365 hp; 5,600 lbs; 20 mpg
- 3-liter twin turbo V-6; 400 hp; 5,600 lbs; 20 mpg
- 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid; 318 hp; 5,600 lbs; 20 mpg
Inside is standard seating for 6 unless you forgo the captains chairs and opt for a bench to seat 7. Cargo volume is an impressive 87.8 cubic feet. Technology features include: an 8-in touchscreen, SYNC3, Apple carplay/Android auto, Waze tech, 6.5-inch driver info display and a 12.3-inch digital display. There is also a plethora of safety features: automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane keep assist.