Which Explorer should I choose?

I’ve got three options, and they’re all around the same price:

  • 2016 Platinum (white, tan interior) with 82k miles
  • 2021 Limited (gold-ish, black interior) with 93k miles
  • 2018 Sport (white, black interior) with 98k miles

All have AWD. I’m used to the 2013-2018 models from past experience and the specs on the 2016-2018 seem pretty similar. I’m just having trouble deciding. Any owners out there with advice to share?

I’d go with the 2021, just to get the RWD instead of FWD.

Westley said:
I’d go with the 2021, just to get the RWD instead of FWD.

Just to clarify, the newer models (Generation 6) are RWD-biased AWD vehicles. The main drive is the rear axle. It seems to ride better than Generation 5, and it doesn’t have the PTU failure issues from the earlier models.

I’d pick the 2021 because I’ve enjoyed our 2022 more than our 2019. Plus, the 2021 has the 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder, so no need to worry about the expensive water pump and timing chains replacement that comes with the 3.5 engine.

@Blair
I drove my uncle’s 2019 Sport and compared it to my 2022 XLT. I’m probably biased, but my XLT handles and drives much better.

@Blair
You’re trading off water pump issues for potential turbo longevity problems.

Hart said:
@Blair
You’re trading off water pump issues for potential turbo longevity problems.

That’s true, but I’ve had good luck with my Ecoboost engine. My water pump went out at 135k miles, but I’m still on the original turbos at 184k miles.

@Blair
Nice! I’m hoping for the same luck with my Ecoboost engines.

I have a 2017 higher trim XLT V6 with a 3rd row and hitch receiver. I really like the V6. It’s been around for a while, it rides smooth at all speeds, and I get about 21mpg combined. The Ecoboost didn’t have enough power for me on the highway, and the V6 handles better. I also think the older gen has more cargo space. The 3.5L engine has just as many issues as any other, but I think American carmakers get too much credit for reliability compared to VW or Kia.

If I were you, I’d pick the 2016, just for the lower miles. The other two are pretty high-mileage, especially the 2021. I have a 2021, and I love it, but it’s not nearly as high mileage as these.

Storm said:
If I were you, I’d pick the 2016, just for the lower miles. The other two are pretty high-mileage, especially the 2021. I have a 2021, and I love it, but it’s not nearly as high mileage as these.

I thought my 2021 had high miles with 40k! Those are really high for used cars.

@Cairo
Yeah, but technically, the 2016 is still below average for its year. Our 2021 just hit 30k, and we bought it recently with just over 28k.

I have a 2018 Sport (white with black interior), and I love it, but the gas consumption is pretty high. The pickup is awesome, but I’m filling up more often than my neighbor with a regular engine. Still, it’s fun to ‘race’ my husband’s F150 with the same engine. If you keep the speed down, it won’t be much of an issue though.

@Zora
Who won the race?

Haru said:
@Zora
Who won the race?

Haha, me with my lead foot. But he babied his truck, so it wasn’t a true race. His was a 2015 F150 in mint condition when he traded it in for a 250.

@Zora
Nice! I always want to race my wife in her Edge, but no luck.

Haru said:
@Zora
Nice! I always want to race my wife in her Edge, but no luck.

Doesn’t the Edge shut off at red lights? That’d be an easy way to beat it off the line!

Zora said:

Haru said:
@Zora
Nice! I always want to race my wife in her Edge, but no luck.

Doesn’t the Edge shut off at red lights? That’d be an easy way to beat it off the line!

Nah, it’s almost 10 years old. Low mileage and in good shape though.

Except for the 2021, you’re likely dealing with the water pump replacement, which is known to happen anywhere from 80k to 150k miles or more. The 90k+ mileage cars were probably traded in because they’re approaching 100k miles and need major maintenance, including fluid changes and the serpentine belt. I doubt the transmission fluid has been changed in any of them. I’d go for the newer vehicle since it was probably mostly highway miles, meaning less wear and tear. The key is finding the one that feels the newest and shows minimal wear.

I have a 2019 Sport, and I love the handling, the pep, and the AWD.