2017 Ford Explorer Road Test and Review

2017 Ford Explorer Platinum exterior front angle ・ Photo by Ford

The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum has come a long way from the first body-on-frame SUVs to wear the Explorer name back in the 1990s: Indeed, it offers the kind of modern-day technologies that were unheard of more than 25 years ago, along with a powerful turbocharged engine and a wealth of available luxury features. But there also are similarities, since the new Explorer still provides a robust maximum tow rating, a highly capable terrain-management system, and three rows of flexible and versatile seating.

Which brings us to something else the new Explorer has in common with the old—incredible popularity. As folks may recall, the original Explorer helped kick off the SUV craze when it first launched, while today, the next-gen version has been the best-selling three-row sport-utility for six years in a row. Nor is that streak likely to end this year.

Pricing

The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum is one of the most luxurious SUVs offered by a non-luxury brand, complete with supple leather seating, a high-powered EcoBoost engine, and the latest SYNC infotainment technology. Of course, the Platinum model’s MSRP also reflects its premium positioning: After a $265 bump for the new model year, the starting price has reached $53,235. That, in fact, puts it roughly between the similarly equipped 2017 GMC Acadia Denali and Acura MDX. Yet there’s not much else rough about the Explorer Platinum, and its blue oval badge is one of the few things that prevents it from being considered a “real” luxury player. Shoppers also should know that the entry point to the Explorer lineup—despite its own $610 price increase for 2017—remains at a much more affordable $31,660. As for the rest of the roster, pricing is as follows: XLT, $33,775; Limited, $41,675; and Sport, $45,355.

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Power, Performance and Fuel Economy

The powertrain for the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum is a particular highlight for customers, and its heart and soul is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Not only does it deliver best-in-class output—365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque—but it also enables a 7,500-lb. tow rating and surprisingly decent fuel-economy grades. Consider: The EPA rates the Platinum powertrain, with standard all-wheel drive, at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined; for comparison, an all-wheel-drive 2017 Chevy Traverse, carrying a weaker V6, is rated at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway/17 mpg combined. Further, the Ford AWD setup is the brand’s “Intelligent 4WD System with Terrain Management,” which furnishes four dedicated driving modes to handle a variety of challenging surfaces. And on dry pavement, the standard sport-tuned suspension sharpens Explorer reflexes considerably. Hill-descent control, hill-start assistance and trailer-sway control are included as standard equipment as well.

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Exterior Design and Lighting

Although it doesn’t always get its due, the Explorer is a fairly stylish take on the typical three-row SUV. For instance, it was among the first vehicles with hidden rear roof pillars, and the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum builds on that appearance up front with a model-specific satin-chrome grille and 20-inch machine-faced wheels with a bright finish and dark-painted pockets. LED signature lighting, taillamps, and automatic low-beam headlamps are all included as standard equipment, as are power-folding, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors. Even the dual exhaust tips get a premium treatment, as they’re cleanly built into the Explorer’s rear fascia. An extra standard advantage at the rear of the Platinum trim is a power-operated, hands-free rear liftgate: With the keyfob nearby, such as in the owner’s pocket or purse, the gate can be opened with a subtle foot movement under the rear bumper.

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Interior Design and Capacities

The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum earns significant luxury credibility in its cabin, where the standard Nirvana leather seating includes multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and elegant quilted inserts with micro perforations. In the second-row bench, heated outboard seats are standard, and the third row is a split 50/50 bench with a one-touch power-folding capability. Keeping all rows comfortable is a dual-zone climate system with rear auxiliary climate control.

Ford also caters to customers with two interior color themes in the Explorer Platinum: Ceramic or Ebony. Next, a heated shift lever and leather-wrapped steering wheel—with real wood for the top of the tiller—furnish additional premium touches. Storage-wise, the Explorer serves up 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43.9 behind the second row and 81.7 in total. The Explorer has an especially roomy third row for passengers, with an advantage in legroom over most mainstream rivals.

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Infotainment and Audio Technologies

A SYNC 3 infotainment center is standard on the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, and it includes voice recognition, a capacitive touchscreen, high-speed processing power, and integration with Siri, Apple’s virtual valet service. Ford also boasts that it can automatically update SYNC software over the Wi-Fi network, so that it’s easy for owners to stay on top of the latest improvements. The system has navigation functionality, backed by three-dimensional mapping and a 5-year complimentary subscription to the SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link service; SiriusXM Satellite Radio also is on board. Ensuring an incredible listening experience from that and every audio source is a standard Sony audio system. With 500 watts of power, a 14-channel amp, and 12 speakers—subwoofer included—this setup incorporates two advanced technologies: Clear Phase audio and Live Acoustics functionality. They work together to minimize distortion and, according to Ford, “enhance sound presence for a crisp and clean [result]."

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Safety Ratings and Technology

The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum has a 5-Star Overall Safety Score from the NHTSA, plus three of its “Recommended Safety Technologies” as standard equipment: a rearview camera system, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. For the Explorer Platinum, lane-departure warning is then paired with lane-keeping assistance and bolstered by adaptive cruise control, brake support, reverse sensors, and Ford’s BLIS blind-spot monitor system with cross-traffic alert.

While those driver-assistance measures may be helpful, they’re not exactly unexpected. Where the Explorer stands out—safety-wise—is with bonus touches like inflatable seatbelts for the second-row outboard seats and the Ford MyKey system. The industry-first seatbelts combine the benefits of traditional belts and airbags, while MyKey is a suite of functions designed to help less-experienced, younger drivers learn responsible road manners. For example, owners can use the system to limit the vehicle’s top speed, mute the audio system unless the front safety belts are buckled, and provide an early warning when fuel levels are getting low.

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Available Equipment

Ford also showcases a number of premium options for the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, including an appropriately named high-end exterior finish known as White Platinum. Smoked Quartz and Ruby Red are other added-cost exterior colors. To keep the Explorer clean regardless of hue, owners can order a rear bumper protector and splash guards. Inside, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available, and it features dual screens mounted on the back of the front-seat headrests. On the menu for second-row upgrades are bucket seats with a roomy center storage console. Meanwhile, to better handle gear, organizers can be ordered for the rear cargo hold, and three differently sized, roof-mounted cargo boxes—from Thule—are available. There’s even an actual in-vehicle safe that protects valuables with 12-gauge cold-rolled plate steel and a pry-resistant three-point locking system.

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Other Cool Info

It’s also worth noting that the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum has been joined by a new premium alternative for the new model year. The XLT Sport Appearance Package supplies a jolt of upscale style in a more affordable Explorer trim. Key details include 20-inch Magnetic Gray wheels (which are set off by using the same color for the vehicle’s grille, mirror caps, and rear appliqué) and then relying on Ebony Black for the body-side cladding. The cabin raises the bar for front-row comfort with Dark Earth Gray leather seats that are accented by Salerno leather bolsters, Miko suede seatback uppers and inserts, and Umber contrast stitching and door trim. An Explorer hood badge and logo floor mats complete the picture. Not part of the package, but required with it, is an enhanced equipment bundle with SYNC 3, heated front seats, the handsfree liftgate and more—for a two-package MSRP of $5,475.

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Final Thoughts

As automakers continue to focus their efforts on crossovers and SUVs, it can be harder and harder for the individual entries to stand out from the crowd with competitive advantages. However, the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum gets the job done with specialities that range from EcoBoost engines to inflatable seatbelts to the MyKey system. Moreover, the Explorer also has a distinctive road presence, with an aggressive and eye-catching design, a twin-panel moonroof, and a larger footprint than its direct rivals from Toyota or Honda. That makes the Explorer well worth exploring if you’re in the market for a three-row crossover.

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