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Buying a Ford Explorer Might Be the Only Way You’ll Get a PlayStation 5

If you’ve tried to score a brand-new PlayStation 5 this holiday season, chances are you left empty-handed. It seems Ford of Spain recognized this and decided to act with an unusual sales strategy connected to the Explorer. According to CarBuzz, Ford of Spain has decided to give anyone who buys a brand-new Explorer a free …

If you’ve tried to score a brand-new PlayStation 5 this holiday season, chances are you left empty-handed. It seems Ford of Spain recognized this and decided to act with an unusual sales strategy connected to the Explorer. According to CarBuzz, Ford of Spain has decided to give anyone who buys a brand-new Explorer a free Playstation 5. However, as you’d expect, this deal isn’t as sweet as it seems on the surface.

Can I get a PlayStation 5 with my Ford Explorer in the U.S.?

Unfortunately, the short answer is no. The American carmaker hasn’t announced the Playstation 5 deal for the Ford Explorer in the U.S. However, that may not be a terrible thing in the end. In the U.S., the Explorer is priced low enough to be a contender as your all-in-one vehicle.

However, thanks to import and tax laws, a European Explorer does not have a base price of $32,225. In fact, a quick visit to Ford’s Spanish website reveals the SUV has a base price of 79,350 €. Convert that into U.S. dollars, and you get a shocking base price of $97,064. When you consider that the American carmaker’s Spanish division is offering a $399 gaming console as an incentive, chances are it may not end up being the most convincing incentive.

Despite this, Hindustan Times reports that several buyers have decided to purchase a Ford Explorer to take advantage of the current offer. Although price scalpers are at an all-time high, this is undoubtedly the most expensive way to get a brand-new PlayStation 5.

Would an Explorer make a good holiday gift?

Ford Explorer Hybrid SUV on display at Brussels Expo
The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

PlayStation 5 aside, let’s look at whether or not a Ford Explorer would make for a great holiday present. For starters, being in the U.S. means you can buy the SUV for $32,225. From there, you can opt for more luxurious trim levels, such as the Limited for $45,705 or even a sporty model with the ST at $52,605. However, you may want to hold off before pulling the trigger.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Ford Explorer is amongst the worst brand-new midsize SUVs the publication has tested. The main problem areas have to do with predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. In terms of reliability, it seems the 2021 Explorer struggles with major areas such as its engine, transmission, drive system, paint, power equipment, and in-car electronics.

To assess owner satisfaction, Consumer Reports runs a survey asking owners what they think of their SUVs to generate a score. In this regard, the Ford Explorer scored quite poorly as well. Although Consumer Reports state no specific reason, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that the dissatisfaction could come from owners’ issues.

Take a look at these SUVs instead

An image of a 2021 Hyundai Palisade on the road.
2021 Hyundai Palisade | Hyundai

If the Ford Explorer reliability ratings put you off slightly, don’t worry; other options are available. According to Consumer Reports, the best-midsized SUVs you should look at are the 2021 Kia Telluride, 2021 Hyundai Palisade, 2021 Toyota Highlander, and 2021 Mazda CX-9. Aside from offering excellent value, these SUVs excelled both in the owner satisfaction and overall reliability categories. Additionally, some of these are available at a lower price than the Explorer.

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