Depending on the trim level, the 2019 Ford Explorer has a choice of three engines to choose from. With the base trim and XLT trim, you get a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine as standard under the hood producing a maximum of 290 HP and 255 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.3L turbocharged Inline-4 engine is available as an option with 280 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque. For the Limited trim, it is exactly the opposite. While the turbo-4 engine comes as standard, the 3.5L NA V6 is available as an option.
If you are not happy with these power figures, you have to opt for either the Sport trim or the Platinum trim which comes with a turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine producing 365 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque. While the naturally aspirated V6 and the turbo-4 engine are pretty competent on their own, the turbo V6 is the one to go for if you want to enjoy driving to its full potential, despite its slight disadvantage in terms of fuel economy. It is comparatively punchier, and it makes overtaking maneuvers more effortless than the other two engines.
Models
|
2019 Ford Explorer
|
2019 Honda Pilot
|
2019 Subaru Ascent
|
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
|
MSRP
|
$32,365
|
$31,450
|
$31,995
|
$29,930
|
Engine
|
3.5L V6
|
3.5L V6
|
2.4L turbocharged Flat-4
|
3.6L V6
|
Drivetrain
|
Front-wheel drive
|
Front-wheel drive
|
All-wheel drive
|
Front-wheel drive
|
Transmission
|
6-speed shiftable automatic
|
9-speed shiftable automatic
|
CVT automatic
|
9-speed shiftable automatic
|
Power (hp @ RPM
|
290 HP @ 6500 rpm
|
280 HP @ 6000 rpm
|
260 HP @ 5600 rpm
|
305 HP @ 6800 rpm
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
|
255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
|
262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
|
277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
|
260 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
8.2
|
6.3
|
6.5
|
6.7
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
16.3
|
14.8
|
15.1
|
15.2
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
NA
|
133
|
130
|
130
|
The 2019 Ford Explorer goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which makes it the slowest in the competition, and that too by quite a margin as well. This is a pretty good reason why you should opt for the trims with the more powerful turbocharged engines under the hood. With an increased power and torque output, the 0 to 60 mph time improves significantly to 6.3 seconds which makes it relevant in the competition. Among the competition, the Chevrolet Traverse stands as the most powerful vehicle in the lot. The Honda Pilot puts down the best quarter-mile number, while also featuring the greatest top speed.
How well does the 2019 Ford Explorer handle?
With a MacPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a multi-link setup at the back, the 2019 Ford Explorer feels like a typical big SUV while going around the corners. It does not feel particularly light on its feet, and with the significant body roll around corners, you are sure to feel the mass of the SUV shifting from one side to another.
This is one of the reasons why you should get the AWD variant, particularly in the Sport trim, which comes with AWD as standard and offers a stiffer suspension setup. This compromises the ride quality on bad roads, but makes the SUV significantly easier to maneuver around sharp corners and hairpin bends. The optional performance tires have a good grip and make it feel less floaty. The electric steering system is well-tuned and provides decent feedback from the road as well.
Braking Performance
Braking is one of the departments where the Ford Explorer genuinely manages to impress, especially being a big and heavy 3-row crossover SUV. The 12.8” brake rotors both at the front and back might not be the largest disks in the competition, but the braking system is one of the more competent ones in this segment. The brake pedal has a linear response to it, which makes it easy to use both the tight city traffic conditions, as well as while cruising on the highway as well. The 2019 Ford Explorer manages to stop from 60 to 0 mph in a staggering 108 feet, showcasing supercar-level braking performance.
Models
|
2019 Ford Explorer
|
2019 Honda Pilot
|
2019 Subaru Ascent
|
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
12.8
|
12.6
|
13.1
|
NA
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
12.8
|
13.0
|
13.0
|
NA
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
4453
|
4036
|
4430
|
4362
|
60-0 (feet)
|
108
|
129
|
117
|
130
|
With a 108 feet braking distance from 60 mph to a standstill during panic braking situations, the Ford Explorer dominates over the competition, which is a bit of a surprise considering the fact that it is one of the heavier SUVs in the segment. The closest braking competitor to the Ford Explorer is the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which manages a braking distance of 117 feet. On the other end of the spectrum, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse offers the worst braking prowess, struggling to stop itself over a distance of 130 feet.