Ford Explorer as Daily Driver
 

I've been looking at a 2016 Explorer w/ twin turbo 3.5. I have put 200k on an 08 GS350 and another 200k on a MBZ ML430 before that, and I think I want to go back to a mid size SUV. It'll be mostly freeway driving and occasional towing of the 911 or 356 on an al trailer.

Any strong opinions or real world experience?

How do you drive so many miles? That's about 25k a year?

It's probably more like 20-22k per year, and it's a bit less now, but living in So Ca I drive a lot for work, and I kept the last two vehicles for 8 years.

I had an older Explorer as my DD about 10 years ago. Pretty solid platform, crap mileage but reliable. At 100,000 miles it had a lot of little niggles like squeaks, rattles etc. but nothing serious.

I'll be going from a sedan to an SUV and losing a trunk. I'll miss that.

But it'll be nice for going out with other couples, and previous comment notwithstanding, the trunk on the GS barely will fit anything.

Oh you can carry a bunch of stuff in the Explorer, you just can't hide stuff like you can in a trunk.

Is that an Eco-Boost engine?

I have a 2000 Explorer that I am now using as a DD. With the 6 cyl motor it is averaging 18 mpg with mostly highway miles. It is the Limited model and has about every option offered at the time. Recently passed 110K miles. Did a new radiator and wp last year, suspension is very tired, HVAC fan control needed replacing, but otherwise it's running well. I hope to get another 100K out of it before done. It's probably worth $3-4K on the used market. Decent driver, handy with all the space and roof racks, other than the lousy MPG and smirks from folks in 'nice' vehicles I have no complaints.

I have an F150 with the same engine, 3.5 EB, and it has been a delight. Granted I bought it new, and only put 19k on it, but trouble free miles. We are considering an Explorer for my wife the end of the year. Done with the VW/Audi/BMW ****.

We have an F150 with the Ecoboost. With a 91 octane tune it is very quick and tows like a diesel. I love it, great truck and great motor. Definitely better than the base V6 that you can get with the Explorer.

Hey Matt, which tune did you go with? I am thinking about it hard.

-berk

Thanks for all the good info.

I am looking at the 365HP 3.5 - drove the standard version last night (no turbos) so I'm interested to see the difference today.

I am still looking for alternative choices and feel like I'm missing some:

- My ML never left me, but it went to the dealer a ton for misc glitches
- I drive onto construction sites some, so another MBZ doesn't fit well - that's just a personal hang up I know.
- I excluded Land Rovers for both of the above reasons
- I've never purchased a front wheel drive car, and the AWD I drove last night felt a bit like I remembered FWD cars do, and that's because an Explorer spends most of its time as FWD.
- Toyota Landcruiser - drove one, seems humongous and slow
- Lexus GX - RWD but lackluster in every regard but comfort, about the same price as a Platinum Explorer.

What am I obviously missing?

Those turbo engines seem like an unreasonable mechanical risk versus the mileage reward.

I would sleep better with a V8 than a turbo 6.

I could also be completely wrong.

We have a 2013 Explorer Sport with the 3.5 EB TT motor. Been trouble free for 38K miles, averages 18-19MPG combined, but does much better (22MPG) on long freeway trips.

Only complaint is there is a bit of turbo lag, which makes driving twisties a bit "interesting" if you are pushing it. Also, because you sit pretty far from the door (large gap to driver left) it makes it more difficult to park than my Suburban was, which is a bit odd.

I love my 2014 Escape turbo. Super nice car, rides great, quiet, plenty of pep!

I drove one of those 2 liter turbo Escapes and it was a rocket!! Just wouldn't work for towing a P Car + trailer unfortunately.

Have you considered a smaller truck, like a Tacoma?

I DD a Tundra with a lockable bed cover but it is a big ugly thing. My son doesn't like to drive it, preferring his Tacoma.

Just a thought...hard to go wrong with a Explorer.

I have a 2007 Explorer Sport Trac (the Explorer with the 4 foot pickup bed out back) with the 4.6 V8. It is my daily driver / tow vehicle. Had it since new, and it now has 130k miles on it without any major issues. Biggest issue I had was a warped exhaust manifold. Some other smaller issues, but at 130k miles on the clock, I expect my maintenance costs to start rising...

Gas mileage is dismal @ 17mpg highway. But it hauled my 944 to the track many times. I like the pickup bed for utility.

My truck did have the IRS - which makes the highway ride less choppy and more car-like. The newer Explorers are unibody (vs. my body-on-frame) so the ride quality should be even better.

Of the US Trucks, I'd say the Ford SUV's and pickups are tops.

My $0.42,
-Z-man.

I have a 2014 explorer 6cyl and average 18 mpg around town and low 20's on trips. Another nice thing is the 6cyl only requires 87 octane. I have had zero problems with both Explorers 2012 & 2014.

I really like the newer Explorers and Explorer Sports. I've driven and towed with the ecoboost V6 in an F150, and its fairly solid. Does fine towing a 22ft boat, and enclosed car hauler.

All the local PD's are going to explorers for their cruiser of choice, so it has to be at least somewhat durable. For light duty driving, I'd expect one to go 200k miles on scheduled maintenance only.