Ford Explorer Model Years and History

The Ford Explorer adds a new 4x4 Tremor trim to the lineup for 2026 but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.

The Ford Explorer gets a refreshed exterior, and a new trim lineup for 2025.

The Ford Explorer carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

The Ford Explorer carries over with minimal changes for 2023.

The Ford Explorer carries over with minimal changes for 2022.

For 2021, the Ford Explorer gets minor updates after its refresh in 2020. The XLT now comes with heated seats and adds an optional Appearance Package. Top trim levels also come with updates interior finishes and there are several more wheel options along with more paint choices available.

The Ford Explorer returns for 2020 with its most extensive changes in nearly a decade. Replacing the outgoing 3.5L V6 is a new more powerful and capable 3.0L Ecoboost V6 making 365 horsepower all based on a newly optional rear-wheel-drive platform. Coupled together with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that allows for better gas mileage and towing capacity, the new Explorer platform is set to impress. A new ST model takes this added powerplant to greater levels producing a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a unique sport tuned ST chassis. The Explorer's newly minted silhouette features an athletic stance with sculpted angular lines, and a revamped front grille. Inside a comfortable and spacious interior with improved cargo capacity plays host to a plethora of smart technologies and smart design to make every drive more enjoyable.

The Ford Explorer returns for 2019 with a reshuffled feature lineup and a couple of new trim packages. An XLT appearance package called "Desert Copper" comes with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, black door trim panels and unique inserts. A new Limited Luxury Package includes multicontour leather lined front seats with micro-perforation; as well as a leather steering wheel. In addition, paddle shifters are now standard on Sport and Platinum trimmed Explorers, while heated second row seats are an option on the Sport trim. The XLT trim on the other hand, gets a power liftgate as standard for 2019.

The Ford Explorer remains essentially unchanged for 2018, getting some design tweaks including 2 new paint colors: Platinum Dune Metallic and Burgundy Velvet Metallic. An integrated 4G hotspot has been added and new package combinations round out the changes.

The Ford Explorer remains essentially unchanged for 2017, save for a new Sport Appearance package that makes its debut this year. The new package includes exterior enhancements such as stylish grey wheels, a matching grey grill, black exterior cladding and grey leather interior.

For 2016, Ford has increased the optional EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from 2.0 liters to 2.3 liters. The result is a gain of 30 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque -- to 270 hp and 300 lb-ft, respectively over 2015. Fuel economy remains unchanged, with best-in-class 28 mpg returned on the highway. More importantly, Explorers fitted with that engine can now be optioned with four-wheel drive and a tow package, which were previously unavailable with the EcoBoost. Aesthetically, the Explorer has freshened exterior styling and a slightly revised interior. Finally, a new Platinum trim adds several luxury features, including quilted leather seating, brush aluminum accents and ash wood inlays.

The Ford Explorer is essentially unchanged for 2015. The Limited trim will offer optional adaptive cruise control and second-row heated seats.

The Ford Explorer is essentially unchanged for 2014. There are a few new colors and Limited models now come standard with heated second row seats. Otherwise the vehicle remains identical to last year's model.

The Explorer got a redesign in 2011 and additional powertrain options in 2012, but enters 2013 with no significant changes.

The roomy Ford Explorer utility vehicle is back for its second model year since a complete redesign, and it sees few changes other than the addition of a fuel-efficient new 4-cylinder engine to the lineup. The new 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder provides performance of a base-level V6 combined with the fuel efficiency of a four, Ford claims. Also for 2012, the Explorer gets an expanded exterior color palette, including Ginger Ale Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, Cinnamon Metallic and Black.

The Explorer has been on the mid-sized SUV scene for nearly two full decades and has come to define the segment. The Explorer gets a thorough revision for 2011, with more fuel-efficient engines, a weight-saving design, the addition of advanced safety systems and a strong slate of technology equipment. A new V6 engine is expected to deliver 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, and the available EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine should do 30 percent better. The exterior facelift the Explorer received isn't all for looks, it also improved aerodynamics to assist in lowering the gas mileage. The overall quality of the Explorer has been improved this year, visible in details like tight margin gaps. Engineers also worked to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness in the cabin to produce the quietest Explorer yet.

The venerable Ford Explorer has been the best-selling SUV since its birth in 1990. The Explorer is more powerful, safer and more comfortable than ever. These days, the Explorer looks less like a large SUV and more like a station wagon and similar to many of its fellow car-utility vehicles. The Explorer sees few changes for 2010.

Ford's tried-and-true Explorer sees a minimum of changes for 2009. Big news is a feature called Trailer Sway Control, which works with Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system to counteract the erratic motions of the vehicle if a trailer begins to pitch. The system actively brakes individual wheels or reduces engine torque to help the driver regain control. Sirius Travel Link is now a feature of the optional navigation system, and provides real-time updates of traffic and weather. And the XLT package is now available as an all-wheel-drive model, in addition to its placement in the lineup on rear- and four-wheel-drive Explorers.

For 2008, Ford added a new full-time all-wheel drivetrain to the lineup mid-model year. Also, the XLT now features folding power mirrors with integrated approach lamps as standard, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Eddie Bauer trim gets a freshening with new two-tone bumpers and 20-inch wheels, in addition to other decorative touches. The Limited is mostly the same as last year while adding a HomeLink universal garage door opener and power-adjustable pedals. Side curtain air bags are standard on all Explorer trims for 2008. Ford's new Microsoft-developed SYNC media system is now available as an option on the XLT trim, and is standard on all higher trims. It integrates a voice-activated interface with portable music player connectivity.

The Explorer underwent a full redesign for 2006. With the 2007 version, Ford has eliminated the XLS trim level and now only offers XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited configurations. Side curtain airbags have been made standard on the Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels, and all trim levels now feature an audio input jack. On the XLT, some equipment that was standard in 2006 has been made optional for 2007, including the power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, security approach lamps, illuminated visors, overhead console, and rear map light. For 2007, the Limited adds such standard equipment as auxiliary rear air conditioning, a third row seat, reverse sensing capability, and 18" aluminum wheels. As in years past, the Explorer's body is a traditional SUV, while the Explorer Sport Trac trades the enclosed rear cargo area for an open bed. The Sport Trac is available in all the same trims as the Explorer, with the exception of the Eddie Bauer line. A new Ironman option package is available for the XLTs, offering several cosmetic changes--including a unique Orange Frost paint--for an appropriately athletic look.