carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $34,863–$44,448 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 Ford Explorer S at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.3/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $34,863–$44,448, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Ford Explorer S is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Ford Explorer S ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,863 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Explorer S model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $45,454 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $44,131 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $42,806 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $41,482 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $40,159 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $38,835 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $37,510 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $36,187 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $34,863 | |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $33,539 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $32,214 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.