Which Ford Explorer Version Should You Buy?
The Ford Explorer catalogue covers nine generations from 1990 onward, including SUV 3-doors and SUV 5-doors bodies. The best version depends on the required balance of performance, economy, drivetrain and weight.
The Ford Explorer catalogue covers nine generations from 1990 onward, including SUV 3-doors and SUV 5-doors bodies. The best version depends on the required balance of performance, economy, drivetrain and weight. Among the supplied figures, the sixth-generation 3.0 plug-in produces the highest output at 457 hp and 825 Nm, while the facelifted sixth-generation 3.0 AT reaches the highest measured speed at 255 km/h. For economy, the 3.0 plug-in records 3.1 l/100 km combined. Buyers seeking a simpler historical specification can look toward the naturally aspirated 4.0 and 4.6 versions, while the later 2.3 AT offers lower displacement with up to 300 hp.
Ford Explorer generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from 1990 to 1994, is listed as an SUV 3-doors with nine modifications. Every listed version uses a 3,958 cc Gasoline engine rated at either 160 hp and 305 Nm or 165 hp and 316 Nm. Choices include 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT with RWD or AWD. The transmissions are either 4-speed Automatic or 5-speed Manual.
The second generation ran from 1994 to 2001 as an SUV 3-doors and contains 22 modifications, of which 12 are shown in the supplied catalogue. It expands the choice beyond the 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT to the 4.9 AT. Outputs span 160–210 hp, while torque ranges from 305–373 Nm. RWD and AWD remain available, with 4-speed or 5-speed Automatic gearboxes and a 5-speed Manual.
The third generation, covering 2001–2006, is an SUV 3-doors with 12 modifications. Its catalogue adds the 4.6 AT, 4.6 MT and 5.4 AT alongside the 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT. Power extends from 212 hp to 304 hp and torque from 344 Nm to 495 Nm. Depending on the version, transmission choices include 4-speed, 5-speed and 6-speed Automatic units or a 5-speed Manual.
The fourth generation, offered from 2005–2011, changes to an SUV 5-doors and has eight modifications. Its 4.0 AT and 4.0 MT versions deliver 208–212 hp, while the 4.6 AT delivers 292–295 hp. This generation includes RWD and AWD, 5-speed or 6-speed Automatic transmissions, and a 5-speed Manual.
The fifth generation ran from 2010–2016 as an SUV 5-doors with eight modifications. Its 2.0 AT produces 240 hp and 366 Nm; naturally aspirated 3.5 AT specifications range from 249–294 hp and 345–346 Nm; turbocharged 3.5 AT versions reach 345–360 hp and 475–485 Nm. Every listed fifth-generation version uses a 6-speed Automatic, with FWD or AWD depending on the specification.
The fifth-generation restyling covers 2014–2018 and remains inside the fifth-generation family. It has seven SUV 5-doors modifications: 2.3 AT and 3.5 AT versions with 249–365 hp and 345–476 Nm. A second restyling covers 2017–2020 and adds six SUV 5-doors modifications. Its 2.3 AT develops 284 hp and 420 Nm, while its 3.5 AT versions provide 249–370 hp and 346–475 Nm. Both restylings retain a 6-speed Automatic and offer FWD or AWD according to version.
The sixth generation ran from 2019–2024 as an SUV 5-doors with six modifications. It offers 2.3 AT and 3.0 AT Gasoline versions, a 3.3 V6 Hybrid, and a 3.0 Plug-in. Outputs range from 300–457 hp, torque from 422–825 Nm, and every listed version uses a 10-speed Automatic. RWD and AWD specifications are represented.
The sixth-generation restyling began in 2023 and remains listed without an end date. It comprises four SUV 5-doors modifications: the 300 hp 2.3 AT in RWD or AWD form and the 400 hp 3.0 AT in RWD or AWD form. All four use a 10-speed Automatic.
Ford Explorer engine options and specs
Repeated names are separated by generation, output and drive so that each catalogue specification remains identifiable. Displacement is shown exactly in cubic centimetres because nominal version names do not always match the recorded capacity.
| Generation and version | Output | Displacement | Fuel; cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 4.0 AT | 160 hp; 305 Nm | 3,958 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| First, 4.0 AT | 165 hp; 316 Nm | 3,958 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, 4.0 MT | 160 hp; 305 Nm | 3,958 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second, 4.0 AT | 160 hp; 305 Nm | 3,958 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Second, 4.0 AT | 208 hp; 339 Nm | 3,996/4,015 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Second, 4.0 MT | 160 hp; 305 Nm | 3,958 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second, 4.0 MT | 208 hp; 339 Nm | 3,996/4,015 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Second, 4.9 AT | 210 hp; 373 Nm | 4,942 cc | Gasoline; 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Third, 4.0 AT | 212–213 hp; 344 Nm | 3,998 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Third, 4.0 MT | 212–213 hp; 344 Nm | 3,998 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Third, 4.6 AT | 242 hp; 380–382 Nm | 4,601/4,605 cc | Gasoline; 8, V-shaped | No | 4/5-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Third, 4.6 MT | 242 hp; 380 Nm | 4,601 cc | Gasoline; 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Third, 5.4 AT | 304 hp; 495 Nm | 5,408 cc | Gasoline; 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 4.0 AT | 208–212 hp; 328–344 Nm | 3,990/3,998 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 4.0 MT | 212 hp; 344 Nm | 3,998 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD/AWD |
| Fourth, 4.6 AT | 292–295 hp; 406–435 Nm | 4,601 cc | Gasoline; 8, V-shaped or Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 AT | 240 hp; 366 Nm | 1,998/1,999 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 3.5 AT | 249–294 hp; 345–346 Nm | 3,496/3,497 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth, 3.5 AT | 345–360 hp; 475–485 Nm | 3,496 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.3 AT | 280 hp; 422 Nm | 2,300 cc | Gasoline; 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 3.5 AT | 249–290 hp; 345–346 Nm | 3,496/3,497 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 3.5 AT | 345–365 hp; 475–476 Nm | 3,496 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 2.3 AT | 284 hp; 420 Nm | 2,261 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 3.5 AT | 249–294 hp; 346 Nm | 3,496 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD/AWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 3.5 AT | 370 hp; 475 Nm | 3,496 cc | Gasoline; 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Sixth, 2.3 AT | 300 hp; 422 Nm | 2,261 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Sixth, 3.0 AT | 400 hp; 547 Nm | 2,956 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Sixth, 3.3 V6 | 318 hp; 437 Nm | 3,340 cc | Hybrid; 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Sixth, 3.0 | 457 hp; 825 Nm | 2,956 cc | Plug-in; 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Sixth restyling, 2.3 AT | 300 hp; 422 Nm | 2,261 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
| Sixth restyling, 3.0 AT | 400 hp; 547 Nm | 2,956 cc | Gasoline; 4, Inline | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | RWD/AWD |
Ford Explorer horsepower, performance and fuel economy
For outright performance, the sixth-generation 3.0 Plug-in is the strongest specification: 457 hp and 825 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 6 seconds, a top speed of 230 km/h and combined consumption of 3.1 l/100 km. At approximately 154.6 hp per litre, it also has the highest power per litre among the listed versions. Its kerb-weight-to-power ratio is approximately 5.23 kg/hp.
The sixth-generation and facelifted sixth-generation 3.0 AT produce 400 hp and 547 Nm. Their measured 0–100 km/h time is also 6 seconds, while top speed rises to 255 km/h. Fuel consumption is not measured. The RWD version weighs 2,183 kg, equating to approximately 5.46 kg/hp; the AWD version weighs 2,243 kg, or approximately 5.61 kg/hp. AWD adds 60 kg without changing the recorded output or acceleration.
The sixth-generation 2.3 AT is the more moderate Gasoline option at 300 hp and 422 Nm. The RWD version reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and weighs 2,071 kg; the AWD version takes 8.5 seconds and weighs 2,131 kg. The same 60 kg AWD increase accompanies a 0.3-second acceleration difference. Both reach 214 km/h, while consumption is not measured.
The 3.3 V6 Hybrid supplies 318 hp and 437 Nm. Acceleration and top speed are not measured. Its recorded consumption is 8.7 l/100 km in the city and 8.4 l/100 km on the highway. Compared with the 300 hp 2.3 AT, it adds 18 hp and 15 Nm but carries a 2,251 kg kerb weight, which is 180 kg above the RWD 2.3 AT.
Within fifth-generation choices, the turbocharged 3.5 AT specifications are the performance leaders. The 370 hp fifth-generation restyling 2 version reaches 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and 238 km/h, with consumption of 14.7 l/100 km city, 10.7 l/100 km highway and 13.1 l/100 km combined. The 284 hp 2.3 AT AWD requires 7.4 seconds, reaches 221 km/h and records 13.1, 9 and 11.2 l/100 km respectively. Choosing the 2.3 AT instead gives up 86 hp and 55 Nm but reduces combined consumption by 1.9 l/100 km.
Earlier generations favour displacement over specific output. The third-generation 5.4 AT makes 304 hp from 5,408 cc, approximately 56.2 hp per litre. By comparison, the facelifted sixth-generation 2.3 AT makes approximately 132.7 hp per litre. Performance and consumption for the 5.4 AT are not measured.
Ford Explorer dimensions, weight and practical specs
The supplied data does not include exterior length, width or height, so those dimensions are not measured. It does provide mass, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheel sizes for many versions.
The facelifted sixth-generation 2.3 AT RWD weighs 2,071 kg, has 195 mm of ground clearance and a 67-litre tank. The 2.3 AT AWD weighs 2,131 kg, increases clearance to 205 mm and uses a 72-litre tank. Both list 255/65 R18, 255/55 R20 and 275/45 R21 wheels. Gross weight is not measured.
The facelifted sixth-generation 3.0 AT weighs 2,183 kg with RWD or 2,243 kg with AWD. Both list 195 mm of ground clearance, a 72-litre tank and the same three wheel sizes. Gross weight is not measured.
The sixth-generation 3.0 Plug-in is the heaviest recent specification at 2,391 kg kerb and 3,160 kg gross. Ground clearance is not measured. It has a 72-litre tank and wheel choices of 255/65 R18, 255/55 R20 and 275/45 R21. The 3.3 V6 Hybrid weighs 2,251 kg, uses a 68-litre tank and lists the same wheels; gross weight and ground clearance are not measured.
The fifth-generation restylings generally list 200–211 mm of clearance, 70-litre tanks and 245/60 R18 or 255/50 R20 wheels. Their recorded kerb weights range from 1,989 kg for the facelifted 2.3 AT FWD to 2,223 kg for the turbocharged facelifted 3.5 AT AWD. Gross weight is not measured.
Fourth-generation versions use an 85-litre tank, offer 208–230 mm of clearance and weigh 1,925–2,170 kg where measured. Gross weights range from 2,567–2,825 kg. Wheel sizes are not measured.
Third-generation specifications also use an 85-litre tank, and recorded clearance reaches 230 mm. Kerb weight ranges from 1,895–2,070 kg where measured, while gross weight ranges from 2,360–2,667 kg. Wheel sizes are not measured.
The second generation records 200–230 mm of clearance and 72-litre or 79-litre tanks. Kerb weight ranges from 1,670–1,891 kg where measured, and gross weight is 2,450 kg where supplied. Wheel sizes are not measured. First-generation ground clearance is 160 mm, tank capacity is 72 or 85 litres, and kerb weight, gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Ford Explorer version should you buy?
Choose the sixth-generation 3.0 Plug-in if the priority is maximum power, torque and the lowest recorded combined consumption. Its 457 hp output exceeds the 400 hp 3.0 AT by 57 hp, while its 825 Nm exceeds the 3.0 AT by 278 Nm. The trade-off is weight: at 2,391 kg, it is 208 kg heavier than the 3.0 AT RWD.
Choose the sixth-generation or facelifted 3.0 AT if acceleration and top speed matter more than measured economy. It matches the Plug-in’s 6-second 0–100 km/h result, reaches 255 km/h rather than 230 km/h, and weighs less. Consumption is not measured.
Choose the facelifted sixth-generation 2.3 AT RWD when lower weight is preferable to maximum output. It is 112 kg lighter than the 3.0 AT RWD, but gives up 100 hp and 125 Nm. Choose its AWD counterpart when the listed drivetrain and 205 mm clearance are more important than the RWD model’s 60 kg weight advantage and 0.3-second acceleration advantage.
Among the fifth-generation family, the 284 hp 2.3 AT AWD is the balanced measured-economy choice: 7.4 seconds to 100 km/h, 221 km/h and 11.2 l/100 km combined. The 370 hp 3.5 AT AWD is the quicker alternative at 6.4 seconds, but its combined figure is 13.1 l/100 km. The extra 86 hp cuts 1 second from the measured acceleration time while adding 1.9 l/100 km to combined consumption.
For a naturally aspirated choice with a Manual gearbox, look to the third- or fourth-generation 4.0 MT and third-generation 4.6 MT. Their consumption is not measured, so the catalogue cannot establish an economy advantage. The third-generation 4.6 MT provides 242 hp and 380 Nm against 212–213 hp and 344 Nm for the 4.0 MT: an increase of 29–30 hp and 36 Nm.
No supplied data covers prices, vehicles for sale, maintenance history, engine problems, engine-light faults or reliability. Those factors therefore cannot be used to rank these versions. On the measured specifications alone, the 3.0 Plug-in is the output-and-economy leader, the 3.0 AT is the top-speed choice, and the 2.3 AT offers the lightest current-generation specification.