Much improved interior! Once again, I'm really impressed by the quality of your content. Well researched, photographed, edited, and presented. You two are a fantastic team. Thanks for continuing to produce top-quality reviews.
I have a 2023 ST and i absolutely love it. Handles and rides great and even tows my 20 foot bass boat with 300 merc racing motor as good as any truck ive ever owned.
2018 Sport with 3.0 Twin Turbos. Love this vehicle. Powerful, fast and fun to drive. Maybe too much fun - Had Pathfinder, BMW and two Silverados try to run from me uphill and flat. Easily pulled away. Still managed over 20 mpg driving this way. Never any mechanical issues.
I have a '17 Platinum. Excellent highway vehicle and a bit of a boat in tight city driving. Drove a new ST lately - the stiff suspension made for tight cornering and so was surprised when it wallowed through the pylons. The big horsepower is unbeatable on long up-hills where the hybrids can't compete.
I know Andrea says she loves speed and testing the high performance versions of these suvs (MDX, Explorer) must make her smile, but I do think these reviews are a little less useful then when you review the more popular trim levels with substantially different engines. Thanks for the reviews.
We would love to review all the trims, but it really comes down to what the manufacturer offers us. It's not a personal choice to drive the ST, it's fun but we are also happy to review the base model. More people buy the base powertrain, but it wasn't an option for us at this drive event. We were just happy to be able to access the new Explorer and put out a review.
It looks so good, they did a nice job on this design. It is unfortunate that only the Platinum gets the projector lamps... this should be standard, especially for the pricing of these trims. It is also sad to see it lost the rear amber turn signals, and the hybrid. Ford better bring the hybrid engine back. Great review as always!!
Great review, and so glad to see they saw the light on the interior (the cockamamie vertical infotainment tablet). Ditch the dial-o-shifter once and for all for a regular/traditional PRND+/- one and I'm all in!
That vertical infotainment screen last model was a dealbreaker for me. I'm glad automakers aren't chasing Telsa anymore (though physical buttons still seem to be disappearing).
welcome to the Biden/Harris economy.....they printed ~2Trillon dollhairs just so everyone gets a shot of Our useless money.....enjoy the trip south to brokeville
My sister is thinking of a wagoneer or the new expedition when it comes out. She’s worried about jeep reliability. Is ford expeditions any better than the wagoneer from a reliability standpoint? I know neither is great but she needs a full size and sequoia is a joke from the size aspect so options for full size aren’t great. What’s more reliable in your opinion?
Is the Bluecruise 1.2 on 2025 Explorers going to be upgraded to 1.3/1.4? I'd sure hope so as they're asking for a subscription to use the damn thing. If its not going to get updates, I'd feel robbed. Basically keep paying more money for the honor of using an older system. This wouldn't be an issue if subscription wasn't required and I could pay for it once and that'd be it.
@blairbelch9807 The Tahoe is even bigger than the Traverse. The Traverse competes with the Explorer but we chose four vehicles that compete with the Explorer that are the same size.
We had a 2018 Explorer with the V-6, wanted to trade for another one but no way with a 2.3. The V-6 models were way to expensive. Decided on a Honda Passport ; better resale anyway.
I am surprised they didn’t recommend Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander. Please also talk about reliability, service, problems in the past, improvements , resale value when you trying to help out consumers with your content.
Because Toyota reliability has went straight downhill with engine and transmission failures, turbo issues and air bag failure and plus deteriorating interior
In the US, you can't get the bench seat on the Platinum with the V6, your stuck with the turbo 4. Why do some companies limit the seating with the engine? Like on GM's full size suvs you can't get the diesel engine and the bench seat in the XL version, but you can in the short version. Makes zero sense to me.
I’ve never been a fan of domestics…as seen by my user name…but lately the big three have been having a lot of quality issues. Yep, they’re great when they’re new off the line…it’s years later when you need that long term reliability that they become the problem. Zach, Andrea….it’s about time you throw in a few long term reliability reviews in your journalism reviews. Not everyone can afford a new car these days and used cars are all they can buy. Keep up the great reviews.
Strongest Explorer was the Phev in Europe. Combined 455 hp if I remember right. Based on ST. Too low E range and high price was the reason not selling too well.
Great looking vehicle and Fords have become just as reliable as Honda or Toyota. We bought a brand new Ford edge in 2017 and have had to do nothing to it but brake pads.
When you use Apply Car play and Waze, does the map utilize the entire screen? Thats the big downside of the 2023. The screen is vertical like an iPad and waze only uses the top half.
You said “if you remember 1990 and 91…”. I remember it well. You both look too young to remember that time well. You’re right. Explorers were the rage.
Just bought a platinum(2025) one yesterday, finally it is back to being a high end ford. The earlier ones were so fugly we said NOPE.. We started looking a a Lincoln Nautilus
Almost died driving the original Ford Explorer by driving it at the speed limit on a Colorado freeway. The vehicle’s suspension was wildly soft and springy nearly losing control bouncing over a roughly graded overpass. The new sounds better but with the larger wheels how well will it handle pot holes?
How would you compare the basic model with the basic VW Atlas? It's the new choice for Police cruisers. If the cops like it - I like it...think about the old Crown Vic...they were damned near bulletproof. Great video.
That trim recall is no joke. I had a rental and the trim flew off the A pillar while I was on I-8. I looked in my side mirror in horror at it spun thru the air and hit a State Trooper vehicle right in the grill. The engine block on my 96 cracked for no apparent reason. Nope..not doing it.
8:05 "awh la cort". Cute. Other than that, the Explorer is a very desirable vehicle, along with other SUV's in the same category but, who the #%$@ can afford them!
I just returned my 21 ST after 3 year (lease). It was a QA nightmare. Not confident that anything in Ford’s quality culture has changed. And the price on this is crazy at over $60k in the US. Fun ride but it’s like lipstick on a pig. Unless build quality is better, it’s a big no for me.
@@dhlee627 all window switches peeled (Ford called it cosmetic), electrical problems with power and heated seats, back up camera, TPMS, vehicle built with single bolt rear axle (out of spec, requires dual). I don’t have it anymore, but I believe it is part of the ecoboost engine recall. We always felt the engine sounded off, but could never isolate anything. I could go on, but I think you get the jist. I would also note that all of these issues except camera Ford has never stepped up to take ownership. They admitted that quality during the pandemic was not a priority. Despite this, they never stood behind their product.
$3,800 hundred dollars just for water pump and timing chain a a full week at the shop to get it done no thank you I pass , but one thing Kia telluride and Hyundai palisades did a great job copying explorer body style 😂😂😂 but way to expensive 😂😂😂
On the old 3.5 V6 fwd applications. If you got the f150, expedition, mustang you got an external water pump not an internal one. I would consider an older expedition just for that.
Man, I hate those Ford gauges with the *giant* MPH and RPM numbers. It looks so ridiculous. 0:58 What's the point of a digital cluster you can't customize? The interior is improved, but still looks cheap and plastic compared to all the competition.
Ford frustrates me as I have driven them through work for the last 20 years Edge/ Explorer. Great seats and drives well; bridges the gap between crossover and truck. Designs are sharp but the quality is awful. They were all leased for good reason, after 3 years the rattles takeover and the interior starts falling apart. I will pay more for quality as I buy imports for personal use due to quality.
We picked four competitors that go up against the 2.3L Ecoboost powertrain. This ST powertrain is quite special, not many competitors in the non-luxury category.
Much improved interior!
Once again, I'm really impressed by the quality of your content. Well researched, photographed, edited, and presented. You two are a fantastic team. Thanks for continuing to produce top-quality reviews.
I have a 2023 ST and i absolutely love it. Handles and rides great and even tows my 20 foot bass boat with 300 merc racing motor as good as any truck ive ever owned.
2018 Sport with 3.0 Twin Turbos. Love this vehicle. Powerful, fast and fun to drive. Maybe too much fun - Had Pathfinder, BMW and two Silverados try to run from me uphill and flat. Easily pulled away. Still managed over 20 mpg driving this way. Never any mechanical issues.
Yeah I had a 2018 3.5L Twin Turbo Sport. Great vehicle!
I have a '17 Platinum. Excellent highway vehicle and a bit of a boat in tight city driving. Drove a new ST lately - the stiff suspension made for tight cornering and so was surprised when it wallowed through the pylons. The big horsepower is unbeatable on long up-hills where the hybrids can't compete.
I know Andrea says she loves speed and testing the high performance versions of these suvs (MDX, Explorer) must make her smile, but I do think these reviews are a little less useful then when you review the more popular trim levels with substantially different engines. Thanks for the reviews.
We would love to review all the trims, but it really comes down to what the manufacturer offers us. It's not a personal choice to drive the ST, it's fun but we are also happy to review the base model. More people buy the base powertrain, but it wasn't an option for us at this drive event. We were just happy to be able to access the new Explorer and put out a review.
I was stumped on the color I want and after watching this which shows different colors at different angles I've made up my mind. Ty!
Which one did you end up with? I still cant decide lol. That red looks striking, but thinking of carbon gray.
It looks so good, they did a nice job on this design. It is unfortunate that only the Platinum gets the projector lamps... this should be standard, especially for the pricing of these trims. It is also sad to see it lost the rear amber turn signals, and the hybrid. Ford better bring the hybrid engine back. Great review as always!!
Excellent review. Each time, all the time.
They should miniaturize this look , and put it on the Escape .
Ford used to do this with the older model Escapes, I had a 2008 escape loved it. Then they went to that dumb egg shape.
Finally your review ! I was waiting for this review to drop as I am considering ST Line, love the looks hopefully the SUV is reliable.
GL if you're looking for reliability. On the bright side repairs for you will be cheaper.
Good review, Always liked the Explorer as I had a few along the way.
Great review, and so glad to see they saw the light on the interior (the cockamamie vertical infotainment tablet). Ditch the dial-o-shifter once and for all for a regular/traditional PRND+/- one and I'm all in!
That dial shifter is horrible. Ford doesn't realize how bad it is
I have a brand new 2025 and put BFG AT on it. This thing will be unstoppable in the snow.
That vertical infotainment screen last model was a dealbreaker for me. I'm glad automakers aren't chasing Telsa anymore (though physical buttons still seem to be disappearing).
Yes! I Will Not buy a vehicle with an appendage like that on the dash. It needs to be integrated.
Wow it looks so much better and I was able to sit in one and those seats are amazing.
I laughed when you pumped your muscles! 😂 Not bad vehicle. Lots of room interior. Too bad no hybrid. Great video Andrea! 💪🏻💪🏻☕️☕️
Glad you enjoyed the review!
@@andreaspencer9813 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️
Thanks Zack and Andrea!
I have ST-line , and absolutely love it ! This is my fifth Explorer in a row. By far the best !
It handles so well and that transmission is terrific.
When is a hybrid coming?
Dammn that engine sounds great❤ 😂 way to floor it Andrea😊
It’s fake sound!!! Can you believe it!
@@heartoftherobotexcept it’s not.
@@jmw2224 it is fake....watch a video of it accelerating from outside.
I have one, and have disabled the inside noise! It is dead silent now! 100% piped in noise from speakers ,like most cars newer than 2000 also do!
THE PRICE OF VEHICLES IS INSANE!
welcome to the Biden/Harris economy.....they printed ~2Trillon dollhairs just so everyone gets a shot of Our useless money.....enjoy the trip south to brokeville
Reckless government spending and giving money to unwanted newcomers has consequences. Your dollar is now worth 15 cents
@@BrianWaller-qe7grcentral American and Venezuelans loved your comment 😂😂😂
@@BrianWaller-qe7grstupid comment
Yes it may have begun the SUV craze in the 90s, but I never see Gen 1 Explorers still on the road. Gen 1 4runners? They are still very common.
"Premium fuel is recommended"----that's interesting. I did not know this about this new Explorer. Good review. Thanks.
That's generally true for all turbos.
Had one as a rental. Only 20 k kms. The transmission was done.
Yeahh I work at a car rental company and the explorers transmissions feel wonky after 15k miles LOL
Nicknamed for the transmission…..Ford Exploder !
My sister is thinking of a wagoneer or the new expedition when it comes out. She’s worried about jeep reliability. Is ford expeditions any better than the wagoneer from a reliability standpoint? I know neither is great but she needs a full size and sequoia is a joke from the size aspect so options for full size aren’t great. What’s more reliable in your opinion?
Nice car❤!
Great review! It stands out among the competiton except the CX90
Does the ST and Platinum models come with paddle shifters on the wheel? If not, how do you control the gears in case of hilly areas?
Andrea, I LOVE ❤️ 😍 the wheels 🛞 on the 2025 Civic Hybrid. Each one looks like they have Little Rockets in the wheels 🛞 😊. 🇺🇸🇨🇦
A lot of them will be parked in front of Tim Horton’s or Dunkin Donuts! Lol 😂
Support Law Enforcement…buy them a donut! 🍩 😊
The Greatest SUV
@12:36…I don’t think I’ve ever even SEEN one of the new Nissan Pathfinders. Traverse or Highlander is a more realistic comp. IMO.
Would you go with this or the urban hyundai palisade ?
6:08 Can you see the monster with his singular upper tooth grinning at you? That shelf is handy but I can't unsee it!
I would be curious to know your thoughts on the suspension driving a platinum with the same V6. Hopefully you'll be able to try the Platinum also.
Is the Bluecruise 1.2 on 2025 Explorers going to be upgraded to 1.3/1.4? I'd sure hope so as they're asking for a subscription to use the damn thing. If its not going to get updates, I'd feel robbed. Basically keep paying more money for the honor of using an older system. This wouldn't be an issue if subscription wasn't required and I could pay for it once and that'd be it.
I don't know about that, Ford just said, it's 1.2. Maybe it will get an update at some point.
I’m holding off until late 2025-26 Mitsubishi outlander or Acura RDX ❤
Premium fuel in our mid tier SUV. Just what we've been wishing for.
87 octane required, premium preferred.
I'm surprised you didn't compare the Explorer to the Chev Traverse? Aren't they direct competitors?
No. The Chevy is only in competition with rusted out vehicles found in scrap yards.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a lot bigger than this. It competes with the Grand Highlander and Atlas.
@@andreaspencer9813 So which Chevrolet competes with this? The Tahoe?
@blairbelch9807 The Tahoe is even bigger than the Traverse. The Traverse competes with the Explorer but we chose four vehicles that compete with the Explorer that are the same size.
@@andreaspencer9813 What about the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee? If I was a Ford shopper, I would look at other domestics first.
Thanks for the excellent review!
Ford gets exterior design right!!
So happy to see improved interior!
very handsome SUV inside out.... Love the butch look.
Will you review the platinum? I’m driving the Pathfinder, it’s a bit shorter, which I prefer.
Wouldn’t the ST V6 be more compared to the Durango RT TnG? With all the performance enhancements?
We had a 2018 Explorer with the V-6, wanted to trade for another one but no way with a 2.3. The V-6 models were way to expensive. Decided on a Honda Passport ; better resale anyway.
I am surprised they didn’t recommend Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander. Please also talk about reliability, service, problems in the past, improvements , resale value when you trying to help out consumers with your content.
Because Toyota reliability has went straight downhill with engine and transmission failures, turbo issues and air bag failure and plus deteriorating interior
@@natelove187in your opinion
@@navboparai2586 I own a 2022 Toyota and my driver seat 💺 broke at 34,000
@@navboparai2586is it an opinion when toyota had to do a stop sale on several models and is replacing over 100k engines in their vehicles?
In the US, you can't get the bench seat on the Platinum with the V6, your stuck with the turbo 4. Why do some companies limit the seating with the engine? Like on GM's full size suvs you can't get the diesel engine and the bench seat in the XL version, but you can in the short version. Makes zero sense to me.
In Canada, you can't get a bench seat on the Platinum V6 model either.
So Zach, the Ford Explorer ST OR the Dodge Durango R/T ( year or so ago with the Hemi V8) ?!?!?!?
V8 is too thirsty.
Great platform.
Interestingly, no mention of Hyundai Palisade in the list of alternatives!
I love the old look of explore new look more like van
Looks really nice! Would never get one. Too many better equipped options in the market to spend that kind of money on an Explorer. Pass….
There really aren't. You can't beat the 2.3L Turbo and the 10 speed. That's not found in many other competing options.
Plus, being RWD is a nice, rare selling point for enthusiasts @newpylong
You guys need to review the new Volvo EX90 (and the updated XC90).
Please reassure me and confirm this thing still has proper separate brake and amber rear turn signals.
I’ve never been a fan of domestics…as seen by my user name…but lately the big three have been having a lot of quality issues. Yep, they’re great when they’re new off the line…it’s years later when you need that long term reliability that they become the problem. Zach, Andrea….it’s about time you throw in a few long term reliability reviews in your journalism reviews. Not everyone can afford a new car these days and used cars are all they can buy. Keep up the great reviews.
the screen is in landscape mode again, portrait was best, looks like theyy messed it up again
I'd like you to compare a 2010 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin with V8 and navigation against a new midsize Ford like the Ranger or Maverick.
New Explorer, same issues?
Looks nice and much improved interior. Now they need to bring the hybrid back!
400 HP family hauler is hard to argue with. What other maker offers anything similar tbh.
Strongest Explorer was the Phev in Europe. Combined 455 hp if I remember right. Based on ST. Too low E range and high price was the reason not selling too well.
It´s a good one
M almost sold for Mazda cx90
Great looking vehicle and Fords have become just as reliable as Honda or Toyota. We bought a brand new Ford edge in 2017 and have had to do nothing to it but brake pads.
When you use Apply Car play and Waze, does the map utilize the entire screen? Thats the big downside of the 2023. The screen is vertical like an iPad and waze only uses the top half.
I love Andrea's evil driver laugh and smile. Need a collection of it ))
You said “if you remember 1990 and 91…”. I remember it well. You both look too young to remember that time well. You’re right. Explorers were the rage.
And this one saying, don’t go with cloth, go with leather seating what’s wrong with cloth seating?
Land Rover was once owned by Ford. Just FYI.
Fun fact: the 3L engine is also an "Eco-Boost" engine. Eco-Boost is just Ford's nomenclature for twin-turbo and direct-injection.
Correct
Ecoboom
Just bought a platinum(2025) one yesterday, finally it is back to being a high end ford. The earlier ones were so fugly we said NOPE.. We started looking a a Lincoln Nautilus
Almost died driving the original Ford Explorer by driving it at the speed limit on a Colorado freeway. The vehicle’s suspension was wildly soft and springy nearly losing control bouncing over a roughly graded overpass. The new sounds better but with the larger wheels how well will it handle pot holes?
No comparison.
Honda Pilot any day.
Or Highlander/Grand Highlander.
Starting at 55k is a deal breaker for many/most.
How would you compare the basic model with the basic VW Atlas? It's the new choice for Police cruisers. If the cops like it - I like it...think about the old Crown Vic...they were damned near bulletproof. Great video.
That trim recall is no joke. I had a rental and the trim flew off the A pillar while I was on I-8. I looked in my side mirror in horror at it spun thru the air and hit a State Trooper vehicle right in the grill. The engine block on my 96 cracked for no apparent reason. Nope..not doing it.
A quick jb4 on it for more fun
8:05 "awh la cort". Cute. Other than that, the Explorer is a very desirable vehicle, along with other SUV's in the same category but, who the #%$@ can afford them!
Remember when the Explorer was an SUV, then they threw a tall hatchback body on the Taurus platform, then whatever this this is.
Ford owned Land Rover before they sold it to TATA. So the look/geometry is legit
Looks good. I just wish they'd get rid of that ST badge. I still think of that as a Focus and Fiesta thing.
Talk about how police can access the cameras on the vehicle to monitor you the driver or others around you without you knowing
Good review of essentially an over priced mall crawler, marketed to suburban soccer mom style families.
$1200/month for 100 centuries, great deal
Hmmmmmmmm I was waiting to see the Grand Highlander on the competitors screen!
We picked vehicles that are about the same size, the Grand Highlander Traverse and Atlas are bigger than this.
You mean the Grand Highlander that was recalled and had a halt put on production so that it's not even available right now?
@@markh4750 lol oh
I just returned my 21 ST after 3 year (lease). It was a QA nightmare. Not confident that anything in Ford’s quality culture has changed. And the price on this is crazy at over $60k in the US. Fun ride but it’s like lipstick on a pig. Unless build quality is better, it’s a big no for me.
What were the top three QA issues you experienced?
Explorer is poorly rated by Consumer Reports
@@dhlee627 all window switches peeled (Ford called it cosmetic), electrical problems with power and heated seats, back up camera, TPMS, vehicle built with single bolt rear axle (out of spec, requires dual). I don’t have it anymore, but I believe it is part of the ecoboost engine recall. We always felt the engine sounded off, but could never isolate anything.
I could go on, but I think you get the jist. I would also note that all of these issues except camera Ford has never stepped up to take ownership. They admitted that quality during the pandemic was not a priority. Despite this, they never stood behind their product.
‘21 is right in the heat of the Covid situation-production up, quality down, people “working” from home. I’d expect things to be stabilized by now.
@@GHinWI the same issues I experienced are still there - even in 24 model years.
Surprised Andrea didn't wear a color matching top with the car's paint!
We were on the road for this one and I didn't know what colour options would be there. What can you do....
$3,800 hundred dollars just for water pump and timing chain a a full week at the shop to get it done no thank you I pass , but one thing Kia telluride and Hyundai palisades did a great job copying explorer body style 😂😂😂 but way to expensive 😂😂😂
On the old 3.5 V6 fwd applications. If you got the f150, expedition, mustang you got an external water pump not an internal one. I would consider an older expedition just for that.
FORD: Fix Or Repair Daily.
Always like the design but the burned many times with Ford. Quality suck, warranty thru dealer sucks.
Man, I hate those Ford gauges with the *giant* MPH and RPM numbers.
It looks so ridiculous. 0:58 What's the point of a digital cluster you can't customize?
The interior is improved, but still looks cheap and plastic compared to all the competition.
Still hate the lazy tablet-on-the-dash styling.
no digital rearview mirror in this class? wth.
Ford frustrates me as I have driven them through work for the last 20 years Edge/ Explorer. Great seats and drives well; bridges the gap between crossover and truck. Designs are sharp but the quality is awful. They were all leased for good reason, after 3 years the rattles takeover and the interior starts falling apart. I will pay more for quality as I buy imports for personal use due to quality.
Becareful they have been known to grenade the engines.
Is this priced like F-150? Jack the msrp then offer Employee pricing and discount 10k off. 😂 No thanks…
Get the ST in black and you have your very own Police Interceptor...
The four to consider are very far behind in terms of power.
We picked four competitors that go up against the 2.3L Ecoboost powertrain. This ST powertrain is quite special, not many competitors in the non-luxury category.
@andreaspencer9813 It's not always easy pick identical cars. I would like to see you pick a favourite from the four.
Is that the problematic 10 speed trani made with GM?
it's a pitty, no more to be sell in Europe :(
no matrix lamps ? poor
I don’t like the oversized grill. Why does ford always have to mess up the styling?