We’re expecting our first child and want to upgrade to a bigger car. Right now, I have a Cadillac XT4, but we’re considering a 2020-2022 Ford Explorer ST because it ticks all the boxes for us:
3rd row
5-star safety rating
Fast
Decent interior
Good availability of parts, which should help with maintenance down the line
I plan to immediately replace the 10-inch vertical screen with the 8-inch horizontal one because I can’t stand the portrait mode.
Are there any maintenance issues or common problems with Explorers from these years that I should be aware of before buying?
I bought one because I have to commute into a big city often, and it’s much easier to handle than my F-150. I haven’t had it long enough to speak on reliability, but as long as you stay on top of maintenance, you should be fine.
There’s also a decent aftermarket for upgrades. I’ve done window tint, a cargo liner, and a trunk organizer to keep things in place while driving. The ST looks great right off the lot. Good luck shopping!
I got a 2023 ST at the end of 2023, and I absolutely love it. I had a 2021 Limited before. Personally, I prefer the larger screen, but that’s just my taste. It’s so fun to drive—my soccer mom car since my kid is 11.
Every year has its quirks. The 2020 and 2021 models have some common issues like flex pipe rattles, downpipe cracks, and front axle leaks. The 2022-2024 models don’t have those problems but lack some features people liked, like massage seats and cupholder lighting.
We sold our 2023 Explorer. The dealer was terrible to deal with for simple repairs, and the 10-speed transmission is already showing issues (I own a repair shop). With all the TSBs coming out, I wouldn’t get another one. If reliability is a top priority, stick with Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai.
Consider a late 2022 model. Also, look into trims like Platinum, Timberline, or the ST-Line—you wouldn’t need to downgrade the screen with those.
If speed is a priority, it’ll take some aftermarket mods to make the ST truly fast. The ST-Line might be a better fit if you’re looking for style without tracking it.