I’m coming from a Honda Accord that gets great fuel mileage, and I’m thinking of buying a used Ford Explorer, possibly a 2021 or 2022 model with low mileage. I’m curious about the reliability of the Ford Explorer. Specifically, will the new EcoBoost engine last for at least 150,000 miles? Are there a lot of electronic problems I should be aware of?
I came from a 2017 Sentra (had to trade in my Wrangler Unlimited for it after a divorce). I test drove a 2021 XLT with the turbo 4 engine, and it was… okay. I ended up going with a 2018 XLT with the 3.5L V6 and cloth seats, and I love it. It drives way better than I expected, and I’m up to 90k miles with no major issues so far. The seats are more comfortable than leather ones I tested, and overall, it just feels great to drive. It wasn’t even on my radar initially, but now I’m glad I chose it.
@Shiloh
Thanks for the thorough comment! I’ve been hearing a lot of people talking about electronic problems, and I need something with good mileage since I drive about 70 miles a day. I’m considering the EcoBoost for better mileage, and I’m hoping the engine has been improved over the years. When you bought your Explorer, how many miles did it have? My Accord is a 1.5L turbo and has been solid at 70k miles.
@Fallon
I got mine about 3-4 months ago with 84k miles. The V6 and turbo 4 both put out around 300hp, but the turbo 4 didn’t feel as responsive as the V6. Still, it was plenty for me.
Shiloh said:
@Fallon
I got mine about 3-4 months ago with 84k miles. The V6 and turbo 4 both put out around 300hp, but the turbo 4 didn’t feel as responsive as the V6. Still, it was plenty for me.
I was really impressed with the turbo’s output when I tested it. It felt pretty responsive, so I think it might work well for me overall.
@Fallon
Sounds like it’s a good fit for you. I think you should go for it!
I’ve owned both a 2013 Ford Explorer and a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Explorer was comfortable, and I liked the technology, but the engine gave out at 210k km, and it had some leaking issues. On the other hand, my Toyota Highlander has been running smoothly at 290k with only a small leak in the AC condenser. If reliability and fuel efficiency are your main priorities, the Toyota is better, but I did enjoy the Explorer as a family SUV.
@Zach
That’s a great reference point! It’s making me reconsider. I think I’ll take my time and wait for the right one, as I’m not in a rush.
I have a 2023 with the 2.3L turbo engine, and it’s much more responsive than the V6 Explorer we traded in. I recently took it on a road trip from Kentucky to Canada with four adults and a full trunk, and it had no issues with power at all. It ran 80+ mph with no problems. My gas mileage is around 26-27 mpg. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the ride is smoother than my previous Fusion or any other Explorer I’ve driven.
@Aza
That’s really encouraging! I was hoping to hear something positive. I’ve also seen many complaints about electronic issues on various forums, so I wonder if those are just isolated problems or if they are more common. What do you think?
TL;DR: I have a 2022 Explorer ST-Line with 34k miles. No major issues so far. I took it on a 10k mile road trip, and the only issue I encountered was brake fade coming down Teton Pass. The dealer checked it out and found no problems. I love the driver assist features, especially the intelligent cruise control and lane keep assist. The seats are made of fancy vinyl (ActiveX), which is easy to clean and doesn’t feel like vinyl. There were a couple of recalls, including a camera glitch, but everything’s working fine now. I’m hoping it’ll make it to 150k miles with proper care.
@Jaden
I have a 2023 Timberline with similar features, and I absolutely love the intelligent adaptive cruise control. It makes my commute so much easier, and the power is great for passing. I also prefer the turbo 4 because it gives good fuel mileage without compromising too much on power. So far, it’s been a fantastic vehicle for my needs.
@Jaden
Thanks for the detailed response! My main concern is the reliability, especially with all the reports about electronic issues. Do you think those issues are just isolated cases, or should I be worried about them long-term?
I just bought a 2020 ST with the tech package, and I’m blown away by the quality and high-end features. I never expected a truck with massage seats and a projector light on the ground when you open the door. Plus, the 400hp engine is amazing!
@Floyd
That’s great to hear! The ST looks incredible, but my main concern is long-distance cruising, and I’m not sure how the EcoBoost engine performs for that. I’ve been hearing about some new issues with the engine, and I’m wondering if that’s something to be cautious about.
@Fallon
The EcoBoost engine bugs were mostly ironed out by the mid-2010s. They’ve been around for a while now, and I’d recommend keeping up with regular maintenance like oil changes every 5000 miles. If you can, buy the warranty for peace of mind—preferably a 10-year one based on the mileage you expect to drive in that time. It’ll cover the electronics and turbo components.
@Aza
Thanks! That’s good to know. Do you have a preferred warranty provider, or do you think the dealer’s warranty is enough?
Fallon said:
@Aza
Thanks! That’s good to know. Do you have a preferred warranty provider, or do you think the dealer’s warranty is enough?
I recommend getting the Ford ESP warranty, but you don’t have to buy it from the dealership where you purchase the vehicle. I bought mine online through Lombard Ford for a much better price. They often send out coupons that can save you $300 or more.