The Ford Explorer is one of the more successful automotive nameplates in existence these days, having helped to reinvent the SUV segment when it debuted some time ago. That continues after the Explorer received a refresh for the 2025 model year that ushered in a host of updates ranging from minor exterior styling revisions to a rather notable interior redo and the addition of the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment software. Now, the Ford Explorer has received a rather notable accolade after topping Consumer Reports‘ list of mid-size three-row SUVs, too.
In its latest list of the best American cars, SUVs, and trucks on the market, Consumer Reports placed the Ford Explorer atop the mid-size three-row SUV segment after that model secured an overall score of 68 out of 100, coupled with above average road test scores and average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores. The winners on this list are determined merely by their overall score, but it’s also relegated only to models produced by American-founded and -based companies.
As such, every vehicle that made the cut here has achieved CR‘s “recommended” status, but not all are actually produced in the U.S. It’s an interesting turn of events for the Ford Explorer, which was highlighted as a “model to avoid” back in 2023 by the same organization. At that time, CR said that while the pre-refreshed model “ranks near the bottom in the three-row category, it outsells the excellent Kia Telluride by more than two to one. It handles with relative agility, but an overly firm ride, rough shifts, and a noisy engine hurt the Explorer’s road-test score. Plus, reliability is well below average.”
Then, this past December, the Ford Explorer was re-added to Consumer Reports‘ list of recommended vehicles after the refreshed 2025 model managed to improve its reliability ratings from below average to average or better, which also improved its overall score and helped it achieve this latest accolade.
Comments
Seems like CR can’t make up their minds.
They respond to their subscribed readers. So more readers like the new Ford Explorer over the previous generation. That is fair news.
2025 is not a new generation.
I wouldn’t touch an explorer with a 10 foot pole. Just about every week I see another recall on this vehicle. The latest recall for missing transmission bolts. Seriously, how does this stuff get past QA (if they have any QA)?. For 50K, my money is going toward a Toyota or Honda.
Currently own a 2024 Explorer Timberline 2.3L with 11,000 miles been really great no complaints. Everyone always comments how goodit lookes.