carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $42,403–$52,579 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Ford Explorer SL at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Value 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 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — 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 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $42,403–$52,579, 19 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 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 2019 Ford Explorer SL is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value 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 2019 Ford Explorer SL ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $42,403 starting price is about 18% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Ford Explorer SL scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.3 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $51,383 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $49,887 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $48,389 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $46,893 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $45,397 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $43,901 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $42,403 | |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $40,907 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $39,410 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $37,914 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $36,416 | Read review → |
We rate the 2019 Ford Explorer SL's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2019 Ford Explorer SL starts at $42,403 and ranges up to $52,579 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.