Frequently Asked Questions about the Ford Explorer in North Riverside, IL

What Ford Built Here

The Explorer is Ford's volume three-row SUV and one of the most consistently popular vehicles in the segment for over three decades. The current generation switched to a rear-drive-based architecture, which improves towing capability, handling balance, and the way the cabin is laid out compared to the previous front-drive-based platform. It's a meaningful improvement and gives the Explorer a different feel than its midsize three-row competitors.

Powertrain choices include the 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-four (300 horsepower), the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (365 horsepower in standard tune, 400 horsepower in ST trim), and a hybrid version pairing a 3.3L V6 with an electric motor for combined output and meaningfully better fuel economy. All pair with a 10-speed automatic, and intelligent 4WD is available across the lineup.

• Three powertrain options including a hybrid for buyers prioritizing fuel economy
• Rear-drive-based architecture improves towing and handling balance over the previous generation
• Available 4WD with seven selectable drive modes for different surfaces and conditions

Inside, the current Explorer is one of the more thoughtfully laid out three-row SUVs available. The available 13.2-inch portrait-style touchscreen runs SYNC 4 infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality on Limited and above feels properly upmarket, the second-row captain's chairs are comfortable, and the third row is competitive for the segment without being class-leading.

For Chicago-area families who need three rows of seating without stepping up to a full-size SUV, the Explorer hits a sweet spot in size, capability, and feature availability.

How It Actually Drives

The Explorer drives meaningfully better than the previous generation. The rear-drive-based platform gives it more balanced handling, better steering feel, and a smoother ride over the kind of broken pavement you find on side streets in older Chicago suburbs. It's not a sports SUV (the ST gets closer), but it doesn't feel like the bus that older Explorers did.

The 2.3L EcoBoost is more than adequate for daily driving and is the volume engine for good reason. The 3.0L V6 makes a noticeable difference in highway merging and when carrying a full load, and the ST's 400-horsepower output pushes the Explorer into legitimate performance-SUV territory. The hybrid is a balanced choice for buyers prioritizing efficiency without the all-electric Mach-E.

• Steering and handling are noticeably better than competitors in the front-drive-based segment
• BlueCruise hands-free driving (on equipped trims) handles long stretches of expressway between Chicago and northern suburbs
• Available 360-degree camera and parking sensors make navigating tight neighborhoods easier

Visibility is good for the size, the seating position is high enough to feel SUV-like without being awkward, and the available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is a real benefit on Chicago expressway traffic. Parking the standard Explorer is manageable in most situations, including older Cicero or Berwyn neighborhoods, though tight parking decks in the city require attention.

Real-world fuel economy in Chicago-area driving lands around 19-20 city / 26-28 highway depending on configuration, with the hybrid pushing into the high 20s to low 30s combined. For a three-row SUV, those numbers are competitive with anything in the segment.

Explorer Trims at a Glance

The Explorer lineup runs from the practical Active through ST and Platinum, with several specialized trims along the way. The right pick depends on your priorities for performance, off-road capability, or comfort.

Active and XLT cover the practical entry points with strong standard equipment. Limited adds leather, larger wheels, and more comfort features for a meaningfully more upmarket feel. Timberline brings off-road-focused upgrades including all-terrain tires, raised ride height, and additional underbody protection.

• Active and XLT cover the practical end with strong standard equipment and good value
• Limited adds leather and refinement for buyers prioritizing daily comfort
• ST delivers genuine performance with the 400-horsepower 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and sport-tuned suspension

Platinum and King Ranch sit at the top with premium materials, advanced driver-assistance features, and the most refined interior treatment. Most of our Explorer buyers in Hinsdale and Elmhurst land on Limited or Platinum, while families with active lifestyles tend to prefer Timberline for the additional capability.

Cross-shoppers usually weigh the Explorer against the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Mazda CX-90. Each has strengths. The Pilot and Highlander win on resale and proven reliability records. Telluride and Palisade win on interior space and value. CX-90 is more upscale-feeling. The Explorer wins on driving dynamics and on the breadth of its powertrain and trim options.

Why Buy from Zeigler Ford of North Riverside

The Explorer is one of our highest-volume models, which means we tend to keep a deep selection of trims, colors, and powertrains on the lot. If you have a specific configuration in mind, the odds are good we have it on the ground or can locate it through our dealer network without making you wait on a factory order.

Our team understands the Explorer lineup well enough to help you choose between trims based on what you'll actually use. The ST is fantastic if performance matters; if it doesn't, the price difference can go toward a higher trim level on the Limited or Platinum instead. Hybrid pays off for buyers with predictable commute mileage; for occasional drivers, the standard powertrain is often the smarter math.

• Deep Explorer inventory across trims, powertrains, and 4WD/RWD configurations
• Factory-trained Ford technicians experienced with the rear-drive platform and hybrid service
• Easy access from Chicago, Cicero, Oak Park, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and Lombard via I-290 and I-294

When the Explorer needs service, our service department handles routine maintenance and major work in-house. The rear-drive platform requires different service approaches than the previous front-drive Explorer, and our techs are trained on the current architecture.

Financing works the same as any new Ford. Apply online before your visit and we'll have multiple lender options ready when you walk in. Trade-ins are welcome on any make.

Making the Explorer Decision

The Explorer makes sense for buyers who need three-row capability, want the driving feel of a properly engineered SUV, and value powertrain variety. It sits in a competitive segment with strong rivals, but the rear-drive-based architecture and the breadth of the lineup give it advantages that show up in actual ownership rather than in spec-sheet comparisons.

It's also one of the more capable midsize three-row SUVs for towing and for off-road work (Timberline trim). For families who do active outdoor weekends, the Explorer covers more bases than most rivals. For families focused purely on suburban duty, the standard configurations are still well-suited to that use.

• Three-row capability with a usable third row for kids and shorter-trip adults
• Rear-drive-based platform delivers better handling and towing than front-drive-based competitors
• Powertrain variety including hybrid, ST performance, and standard EcoBoost options

If you're cross-shopping a midsize three-row SUV, the Explorer deserves a spot on your test-drive list even if you've assumed you'd land on a Pilot or Highlander. The driving experience is meaningfully different.

If you need genuine three-row adult comfort or serious towing, step up to the Expedition. If you want a smaller two-row, the Edge or Bronco might fit better.

Ordering, Availability, and Getting Your Explorer

Explorer availability is generally good. Ford produces these in volume and our allocation has been consistent, so we tend to have a working selection of trims, colors, and powertrains on the ground. Hybrid configurations and ST trims sometimes have longer wait times, but standard Explorers are readily available in most configurations.

Factory build times for special orders typically run 8-12 weeks. Our team can walk you through which packages are worth specifying versus which can be added later through our parts department. Some accessories like all-weather floor liners, cargo organizers, and roof rack crossbars are easier to add after delivery.

• Steady allocation across trims and powertrains means strong inventory at most times
• Factory orders available for buyers who want specific colors or option combinations
• Genuine Ford accessories available through our parts department for after-purchase additions

For buyers who plan to tow, our team can walk through hitch installation, trailer wiring, and brake controller setup as part of the purchase. The Explorer's towing capability is meaningful but matters most when the towing setup is properly configured.

Insurance and operating costs are reasonable for the segment. The Explorer's fuel economy is competitive, maintenance follows standard Ford intervals, and routine service is straightforward. The hybrid configuration has slightly higher purchase prices but lower fuel costs that pay off over typical Chicago-area mileage.

If you're ready to start the conversation, browse our current Explorer inventory online or stop by the showroom on Harlem Avenue. Reach out to our team if you want a specific configuration, and we'll either find it or get it ordered for you.