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The 2023 Ford Explorer is a reasonably solid SUV, even if it is a bit flawed. However, several used Ford Explorer models from recent years may even be better in some regards. Not only are these used Ford SUVs reliable, but they offer impressive performance and modern features. 

Here are 3 of the best modern used Ford Explorer model years. 

The 2019 Explorer is solid

2019 Ford Explorer
2019 Ford Explorer | Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Though the Ford Explorer 2022 is a beloved recent model, it’s still pretty new. Because of this, the 2019 Explorer is considered the best modern used model. According to Edmunds, this model Ford Explorer XLT comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 with a maximum output of 290 horsepower. It uses a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission to deliver power to the front wheels. 

Regarding speed, the 2019 Explorer accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 5.7 and 7.5 seconds. In addition to being relatively quick, this Ford SUV is pretty safe. The NHTSA gave it a five out of five-star safety rating. The SUV got perfect scores for the frontal and side crash tests. The 2019 Explorer also has excellent reliability ratings. 

The 2016 Explorer is excellent

2016 Ford Explorer
2016 Ford Explorer | Matt West/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

The 2016 is another of the best-used Explorer models. The Ford Explorer 2016 XLT trim also comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a similar horsepower rating. Like the 2019 Explorer, this one has much more powerful trims for those wanting more speed. This model is also reasonably fuel-efficient, with its 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.

The great thing about the Ford Explorer 2016 is that it’s reliable. JD Power gave it a 71 for reliability; while not the highest score, it’s still pretty solid. According to reports, the vehicle should easily reach 200,000 miles before any real problems. Not every used Explorer is great, but this one can be trusted to last.

2013 is also a great model year

A blue 2013 Ford Explorer
2013 Explorer | Alan Look/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Ford Explorer 2019 performs similarly to the 2019 and 2016 models. Still, the Explorer XLT is also the most popular for this model year. However, the fuel economy is slightly different, with 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway. The downside is that this model is less reliable than the others, but it will still experience a decent life.

The Ford Explorer has been on the market for quite a while now. It’s far from a perfect SUV, but some models stand out for the right reasons. Of course, there are other great ones, but these are solid modern options used Explorer models.

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