Ford Explorer ST… worth it?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m thinking about getting a Ford Explorer ST. Does anyone here own one or have any experience with it?

Good car? Bad car? Pros and cons? Let me know what you think!

2

It’s a sharp-looking SUV, quick for its size, and handles bad weather pretty well.

4

Do you really want to spend $62k on an Explorer?

5

Leif said:
Do you really want to spend $62k on an Explorer?

At that price, you could rebuild a Jasper engine or transmission ten times over. That’s if the body holds up!

6

Leif said:
Do you really want to spend $62k on an Explorer?

If you’re paying $62k for an ST, you’re overpaying by about $10k. There are too many sitting on lots now, and I’ve seen fully loaded ones going for $53-54k.

7

I’ve got a 2021 Explorer ST and really enjoy it. It’s fast for an SUV, has comfy seats, and almost as much space as my wife’s minivan. Highway fuel economy is decent for its size, and it handles snow and bad roads like a champ. I towed a U-Haul trailer across Canada, and it barely felt like it was back there. It’s rear-wheel biased, so it feels sportier compared to other SUVs.

That said, there are some downsides:

  1. It’s direct-injected, which means carbon buildup on the intake valves over time. I added a catch-can to help, but walnut blasting is inevitable.
  2. The stock 21-inch wheels are expensive to replace—$2000+ for new tires.
  3. No wireless Apple CarPlay, which feels cheap at this price point.
  4. Panoramic sunroof lowers the roof rail capacity to just 75 lbs, so rooftop cargo options are limited.

Overall, I like it, but if I were buying again, I might consider the Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid or an Expedition.

8

The ST is the perfect size for me. It fits my family of five plus our German Shepherd and still feels sporty and fun to drive. My biggest gripe is the suspension—it can be rough at times, and I wish it had adjustable air suspension.

Also, the shift timing in Normal mode isn’t great; Sport mode feels much better.

Oh, and it looks way better than most of its competitors. I’d recommend it if you need a family hauler but still want something fun.

9

I had a 2020 ST. It was fun and fast, with great extra features. When we went to get a 2023, we opted for the Timberline instead since we realized we didn’t need all the extras.

10

The 3.0L engine isn’t really necessary. I’d go with the ST-Line or a high-package XLT instead. You’ll save on gas and upfront costs.

For the price of the ST, you might as well consider an Expedition.

11

Reagan said:
The 3.0L engine isn’t really necessary. I’d go with the ST-Line or a high-package XLT instead. You’ll save on gas and upfront costs.

For the price of the ST, you might as well consider an Expedition.

Though, to be fair, a similarly equipped Expedition is going to cost a lot more.