EXPERT REVIEW · THREE-ROW SUV

2026 Ford Explorer review

Ford Explorer: the family hauler that doesn't feel like one. Illustrative review

8.0/10 OffLot expert score

The 2026 Ford Explorer is a strong contender in its class. Ride stays composed on rough pavement; well-organized infotainment. Price climbs fast with options and touch-only climate controls on some trims, so test the trim you'd actually buy. Starting around $42,000, it lines up with most direct rivals.

What's good

Ride stays composed on rough pavement
Well-organized infotainment
Roomy second row and flexible cargo floor

What to check

Price climbs fast with options
Touch-only climate controls on some trims

Best for: Families who need all three rows. Starting MSRP: $42,000.

Owner reviews · 4.0 of 5 from 3 owners

★★★★☆Dwayne D. · Columbus, OH · 20 months owned

Good, not perfect

Bought it for the school runs and road trips and it has handled everything so far. Fuel economy has been close to the sticker in mixed driving.

★★★★☆Omar P. · Columbus, OH · 11 months owned

Solid, with a few quirks

Bought it for the school runs and road trips and it has handled everything so far. Fuel economy has been close to the sticker in mixed driving.

★★★★☆Hannah R. · Phoenix, AZ · 5 months owned

Solid, with a few quirks

Replaced an older Ford with this one. Big step up in cargo room; I'd like a little more power from the base engine.

Price trend · used Ford Explorer, 12 months

Average used asking price in the OffLot demo index: $27,863 · +2.05% last 30 days · +5.97% year over year.

Manufacturer videos

Manufacturer perspective · 2025

Ford Motor Company · features

The New 2025 Ford Explorer® | It's All In The Name

Official manufacturer video. Promotional, not an independent review; equipment shown varies by trim.

Metadata & embed markup checked 2026-10-15. Playback availability checked separately; can change.