When our family grew and we wanted to travel comfortably and comfortably, we opted for a large seven-seater SUV. After much comparison, we settled on a top-of-the-line 2019 Ford Explorer with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. It was a choice for space, technology, and that all-American flair. Three years and many road trips later, I can give a detailed and honest review of life with this "big brother" in the less-than-ideal conditions of American highways.
The 2019 Explorer's exterior has a solid, American-inspired look. It's neither a flashy European nor a rugged Japanese, but a well-built family car. A large grille, a massive, cube-shaped hood, and square lines—the design is classic and timeless. Our Explorer, finished in dark blue metallic with chrome accents, looks impressive. The bodywork is good: the panels are thick, and the doors close with a dull, expensive thud. However, the plastic trim on the wheel arches and along the lower body quickly picks up scratches from sand and gravel, ruining its appearance. Its dimensions are impressive: about 5 meters long and almost 2 meters wide. Parking in old courtyards is a nerve-wracking experience. However, on the highway, these dimensions provide a feeling of stability and security.
Ground clearance of 193 mm is average for its class. It's adequate for light off-roading and slush, but it's not designed for serious off-roading. This is a family crossover SUV, not an all-terrain vehicle. The LED headlights are bright and effective, but the headlights and taillights are rather simple and unadorned. Overall, the Explorer's appearance isn't eye-catching, but it commands respect for its solidity. It doesn't try to be the most beautiful; it strives to be the perfect vehicle for a large family.
The salon: a kingdom of space and practicality
You open the massive door and enter a world where cramped is an unknown word. The Explorer's cabin offers colossal space. We chose the version with camel leather upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. The first row features two enormous power-adjustable seats with memory, heating, ventilation, and even massage. You sit like you're in a business-class seat. The second row has three full-size seats. You can slide and recline the seatbacks. There's separate climate control and power outlets. The third row isn't for adults on long trips, but it's perfect for children or teenagers. And, importantly, you can get in there without breaking your back – the aisle is wide.
The quality of the interior materials is typically American: lots of soft-touch plastics and good-quality leather, but without being overly luxurious. Everything is firmly assembled, and no creaks have appeared after three years. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is massive, with numerous buttons. The instrument panel is fully digital and customizable. It can display navigation, entertainment, or vehicle performance data. The central element is the huge, vertical 10-inch touchscreen of the SYNC 3 system. The interface is logical, responsive, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below the screen is a row of physical buttons for the climate control, which is very convenient.
With all three rows in use, the trunk space is modest – just enough for bags. But fold the third row electrically (using a button in the trunk or a dashboard), and you have a huge amount of space. Fold the second row, and you practically own a minivan. This is the Explorer's main advantage for families: the ability to adapt to any needs. Soundproofing is excellent – the cabin is quiet even on the highway. The panoramic roof makes the interior bright and airy.
- The assembly is solid, without any play. Everything is designed for a long service life.
- Ergonomics: all the main switches are within easy reach. The driver's seat is widely adjustable.
- Multimedia: The SYNC 3 system is one of the best on the market. The 12-speaker Sony sound system delivers good, powerful sound.
- Climate control: three-zone climate control. There are separate control panels for rear passengers.
- Lighting: huge sunroof, lots of LED lighting around the cabin, individual lamps for passengers.
EcoBoost Engine and Handling: Power and Surprises
Under the hood of the Explorer – the famous 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine. It produces 365 horsepower and 475 Nm of torque. This is the heart of the beast. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 6 seconds, which is phenomenal for two and a half tons of metal. Overtaking on the highway is a joy: press the pedal, and this behemoth accelerates rapidly, accompanied by a pleasant bass exhaust note. But this power comes at a price: average fuel consumption is 14-15 liters in the city and 10-11 on the highway. That's with a relaxed driving style. If you let your right foot loose, the figures easily exceed 18-20 liters. The 70-liter tank seems small for such an appetite.
The engine is highly sophisticated and demanding. It thrives on high-quality fuel (98 octane gasoline only) and timely maintenance. Oil changes are strictly required every 10,000 km (or more often), and it's best to use only the Ford-recommended synthetic oil. The turbochargers and direct injection create increased stress. There haven't been any engine issues in three years, but I keep a close eye on its condition. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic. Its performance is mixed. On the highway, at steady speeds, it's excellent: the shifts are imperceptible, and the engine is always in the optimal RPM range for fuel economy. But in the city, especially in traffic, it can hesitate a bit when selecting a gear, and sometimes there are subtle but noticeable jolts during shifts. You get used to it.
All-wheel drive and road handling
The Explorer has all-wheel drive with a torque-distributing clutch. This system ensures confident handling on asphalt, wet roads, and light off-road conditions. There are several modes: Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Snow. Snow mode is excellent for starting on ice. However, don't expect miracles of off-road capability from it—this isn't a frame SUV with locking wheels. Handling is good for such a large vehicle. The steering is light and responsive. The independent suspension is tuned for comfort. It handles bumps well, soaking up potholes and joints. However, there is noticeable body roll in turns, and the Explorer doesn't appreciate dynamic driving—it's designed for a smooth, measured ride.
- Brakes: powerful, but due to the large mass, the pads and discs wear out relatively quickly.
- Tires: The stock 20-inch wheels with low-profile rubber look cool, but they struggle on our roads. I upgraded to 18-inch wheels with taller tires, and the ride comfort improved dramatically.
- Electric power steering: very light when parking, which is convenient, but at speed there is not enough feedback.
- Visibility: Thanks to the high seating position and huge mirrors, visibility is excellent, but the rear pillars are wide.
- Parking assistance system: 360-degree cameras and sensors are a must have for parking such a colossus.
Technology and security: electronic shield
The Explorer is loaded with electronics. The Co-Pilot360 system includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go (works flawlessly), lane keeping assist (slight steering input, can be turned off), and a forward collision warning system with automatic braking (triggered a couple of times, and it really helps). Blind spot monitoring with mirror displays and rear cross-traffic alert are very useful. There's even a road sign recognition system.
One of the coolest features is the PERP (Active Park Assist 2.0) parking assistance system. It not only finds a space but also parks the car completely parallel and perpendicular, using steering, gas, and brake inputs. It works incredibly precisely. For a car of this size, it's not a toy, but a necessity. Keyless entry, push-button start, and a power trunk with foot release—all of it is present and works flawlessly. In three years, the electronics haven't glitched a single time, which is a very good sign for a modern Ford.
Service and Reliability: American Realities
The Ford Explorer isn't a Toyota, and its approach to reliability is different. It's a complex, technologically advanced vehicle that requires careful and qualified maintenance. Scheduled maintenance at an authorized dealer is expensive—from 40,000 to 70,000 rubles, depending on the scope of work. Parts are expensive, but there are plenty of alternatives on the market. I found a good independent mechanic who specializes in Fords and use him for maintenance, which saves me 30,501 TP3T.
Over the past three years, there have been minor but annoying issues: replacing the tire pressure sensor (the system was constantly messing with my brain), a seized climate control flap motor (the repair cost 20,000), and an intermittent rain sensor error (it needs to be cleared). The engine and transmission have been trouble-free. The key is to regularly replace all fluids: in the engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, and cooling system. The manufacturer claims "lifetime" fluid changes, but that's just marketing. Change everything according to the schedule (60,000-80,000 km), and the car will last a long time.
Consumables worth paying attention to:
1. Air filter. A turbo engine is very sensitive to air purity. Change it every 15,000-20,000 km.
2. Spark plugs. On turbocharged engines with direct injection, their service life is approximately 30,000-40,000 km.
3. Fuel filter. Built into the fuel pump module, its condition affects the operation of the high-pressure injectors.
4. Battery. A huge number of electronics quickly drains even a powerful battery. Check the charge in winter.
5. Brake discs and pads. Due to their weight, they wear out faster than those on passenger cars.
Conclusions: Who is this big American for?
Ford Explorer This is a car for a large family who travels a lot by car and values space, comfort, and technology. It's not for singles or sporty drivers. It's for those who see a car as a mobile home, transporting what's most precious to them: family, memories, and leisure essentials.
It's thirsty, expensive to maintain, sluggish in the city, and requires careful maintenance. But it offers something more in return: a sense of security like a tank, living-room-like space, and technology that makes life easier. If you have a large family and ambitious plans, if you're willing to pay for comfort and freedom, and if you find a good mechanic to service it, the Ford Explorer will be an excellent, reliable, and highly capable family vehicle that will take you and your loved ones to any destination with maximum comfort and confidence.