Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a BETTER midsize SUV to BUY than a Honda Pilot? 

My experience dealing with Ford has been awful. I bought a new, top of the line Explorer in 2021. Within six months ALL the electronics had failed. For example, the only entertainment option that worked reliably was AM radio. Even then, if I wanted to change the AM station I had to stop the car, turn off the engine, open the door, and start the engine again. That's because the touch screen would freeze after driving a few miles. The list of things that were wrong with the vehicle goes on and on. So I won't bore reader with the list. I took my car into the dealership at least four times to get the problem fixed. The dealership did work on my car, returned it to me, and told me the problem was fixed in each case. But it wasn't. Then they told me that they needed a part and weren't sure when they could get it. But Ford Explorers exactly like mine were rolling off the assembly line and being sold in dealerships all over. But apparently new buyers bring cash in. All past buyers have is a Ford warranty (i.e. promise). And that's not worth anything to the greedy people at Ford. I waited for six months for the part. And nothing. No part. No idea when it would come. So finally I hired a lawyer and went after Ford. Guess what. They found the part they needed. Long story short, Ford installed the part. Some of the problems were fixed. Some weren't. But I was exhausted and sick of driving a high defective and dangerous car. So last month I got rid of my USD 60,000 Ford Explorer Platinum at an enormous loss and bought a Jeep. Ford's motto is "Quality is job one." To most people that would imply Ford really cares about building good cars. Unfortunately that is not so. Ford cares about selling the unsuspecting public cars. Whether the car is any good or not doesn't really matter. "Quality is job one," doesn't mean their cars are good. It simply acknowledges that everything else (e.g. service, honor, accountability) are even lower in their value system.

As always a wonderful review!!!!!

As always a wonderful review!!!!! You always bring it !!!!!!

Hi Joe, I love the Dord Explorer XLT I love how Ford went over and be of when it comes to the design.

Somehow you bring the entertainment even with an SUV review! Thanks for the heavy lifting gentlemen!!!

I love the Explorer. I like how it looks and how it drives but if I had to choose I would take the Pilot without thinking it twice.

Both definitely have the pros and cons with them. I absolutely do love this explorer though.

My parents have the ford explorer they love it and now because of that, I'm looking at the ford mustang for myself!

I’m here with you Joe

That area in front of the center storage/armrest is for the PopTarts

so what’s the difference between the 2022 explorer xlt & this year’s explorer xlt?

Joe, 2024 is just a few months away. Mid cycle face lift. Because of that, I’m seeing the ‘23’s being heavily discounted here in Northern Virginia.

Is the water pump out in view or still internal ?

Turned in my 2017 explorer for a 2023 timberline explorer. Love it just hope it is as trouble free as my 2017 was. Only wish they kept the old 6 not sure about the 2.3 four only time will tell

Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the good 👍 work and I love the video 👍

I LOVE MY 2021 XLT!! I've owned several Explorer's, but this one, mine? I love it!! Never paid this much for a car, but well worth it!

The legend, Joe!

This is the SUV that people, with their sports cars are always keeping an eye out for during the night, if you know what I mean 😏

I just ordered a toyota grand highlander xle what do u guys think about it!???

Joe I like this suv. It’s quite nice and it’s simple,basic and straight forward.

I think it’s time for a redesign. The explorer really has evolved more then changed up a lot. I hope next generation it doesn’t look like previous generations

Joe I’m diggin that color also when are they gonna get rid of the back wiper the pop rod needs to go come on ford

I have an Ford Explorer Limited same color you filmed. The best SUV ever ❤

Love this SUV. Owned 2. Flawless . 💯

The attention to detail is unmatched.

The 2024 Explorer will certainly be a huge fresh upgrade. I believe they are bringing the design used for the Explorer in China. I love my edge and I hope they also bring the Edge from the Chinese market to the US.

Rated safer that highlander and pilot for rear passengers. iihs rating

This is like an orthopedic shoe, but with those air pockets in the sole for the technology.

AUTO UPDATE 8/3/23: 1. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe debuts Aug 10th 2. 2024 Acura ZDX debuts on August 17th 3. 2024 refreshed F150 debuts September 13th at 2023 Detroit Auto Show

I hate to even make a suggestion BUT many people prefer a better price vs EVERY CONCEIVABLE OPTION.....why review a standard /basic/lowest cost trim at all when it seems to upset you? Maybe just review the top trim, most loaded, most expensive models from all brands.....but I'm a retired drummer from Canada so what do I know....LOL. Cheers Joe.

Pretty sure xlt can come wit rear ac control but they remove it to save money and produce these quicker

I like that its full alluminium. No rusting like dodges or nissans

To the door panels @ 7:38 😂

Does the XLT trim on Ford SUVs = the same features as XLT on the 3 trucks ? On the trucks = every bell & whistle except leather seats. Catzkin covers much cheaper anyway.

I like the st the most but this looks nice ❤ better than pliot for sure. Rapid red looks great

Rims : Is there a optional polished aluminum version ?

I’m guessing that’s capable of towing a couple billion twinkies.

Nice video keep up the good work Joe

I saw a comment about switching the way they look. I suppose that would be cool but I cannot express how sexy this mid size SUV looks 😂 This dude is hilarious. Love it

You can't even buy an explorer because of the recall...at least that's how it was a week ago before when I went for a test drive.

Driving the explorer st with street pack. Damn this thing drives.

If the silver plastic was flat black then the chrome controls would be easier to see. The silver cheapens the look too.

Hey Joe! Any updates at all on the 2024 Explorer coming?

I always wanted a ford explorer

I bought one of the first Explorers back in the 90s. It sure has grown since then. It has morphed into a cop car. Most of the police around here now drive them. Just not a lot of pizzaz anymore IMO.

If you like recalls this is your brand

I would like to get my wife a new Explorer but the Grand Cherokee L has a much nicer interior. I can't speak to how they drive. Great review as always.

Ford should figure out how to do the basics like a reliable drivetrain. Crap engines, transmissions and 4wd.

LOVE the *color* ❤️❗️❤️❗️

Hot ( & humid ) in Florida on a sunny August day. Who woulda thunk. LOL

Ford Explore FOR SURE!!!! Great Review!!!!

Yeah, It's a better Ford SUV for me to buy.

Love my 2015 ford explorer I swear the new ones they back in looks kinda weird so I’ll keep mines until they change that back or jump and get something else maybe a BMW x3

Physical buttons are GOAT

Nice color!

Joe, how do you feel about the Explorer ST? Last I saw it was lacking in tech and materials/quality compared to import Euro/Asian brands

Is this base engine port and direct injection?

How bout that 24 Explorer ST update?

Have a 2023 Palisade Calligraphy and makes this Explorer look daaated.

tbh i'll wait for the updated model (2024) then compare

I think the I would consider this car when it gets redesigned because as is I think the Honda Pilot is way better, this care just kinda looks/feels cheap, and for 46 grand why I don't get no air vents in the middle row , ik it's not top trim but I shouldn't need to get the top trim when i'm already paying 46k, there's some car cheaper that look better, have better materials and have air so I won't overheat. Once again once they do the redesign which is definitely needed I will consider it.

It’s hard to choose. Honda Pilot has double wishbone front suspension, Explorer is longitudinally mounted layout though.

🇺🇸 *GREAT review* !! *LOVE all of the super content Joe and Steven* !! *When will we see the NEW Honda Pilot* !! #RaitisRides 🇺🇸.

Which came 1st, the minivan or the SUV ? How close ?

I sm happy with my 2023 Subaru ASCENT Onyx limited

front turn signal location is so terrible, should be on the very side of the front like those prado 2015 turn signal...... so other driver beside you can see it. i dnt understand actually.....

The 4 cyl gets 27 mpg on highway and only tows 5300. The 6 cyl motor does the specs you mentioned.

My favorite Ford SUV I definitely want to buy.

I will get this suv and go ranch!!

Hey, Joe how does this match up against the Toyota 4 runner, I would probably choose the 4 runner how about you.

This thing was definitely designed for incentives, then came covid. It is time for a refresh and updating materials. For a little less, you can get the hyundai/kia twins that feel like a class above. They are definitely nicer than a pilot on the inside as well.

Hey Joe, can you please turn down the color on the coolant. LOL

Here a SUV, there a SUV, everywhere an SUV. LOL

Sold my 2020 Explorer ST. Sluggish infotainment (sync3 is terrible), transmission trouble with less than 10k mikes, rear camera blue screen that I think still hasn't been fixed, terrible customer service at Ford corporate. My first American car purchase was a crappy experience. It still looks good, but I would never buy another one. I miss that turning radius, too!

Hey Joe ! 😎 I think there are better options than this. Pilot and others

I believe Ford lost big time against Honda pilot , thanks for great review and alot of thanks Steven😊

It is the most powerful and best SUV in the market.

TOYOTA LC 300...review pls😎

Ford needs to work on their interior design - like the dashboard and trims. It always has been a deal breaker for me.

Really like the look of the Explorer, but at the same time, really hope Ford can bring out the all-new generation of the Explorer as the interior has been out dated a while.

Boy does that look strange without a WeatherTech mat. Pets = barrier too

It’s go time! It’s Joe time!

Prop rod : Obviously you've never been hit on the head by a failed gas cartridge on the hatchback or hood. It HURTS ! Some vehicles have both from the factory. There's at least 2 companies that sell them as add-ons = back up

I still appreciate the clean design...but not the tail lights.

Honest review , I been using 2021 explorer with 4cylinder engine, it pretty good only for short trips, but not for long haul. engine is pretty small, If you want to get explorer get the v6, the car has so much flows specially the rubber sealing on the door, they are designed so bad they are ripped apart due to stepping on them. engine become laud in hot summer days and performance wise so bad, transmission is sluggish and sometime delay shifts. interior full of plastic so bad, the one electric thing I will say is bad are windows switches, sometimes they work sometimes they don't specifically for the front two windows, power lift gate button located on the lift gate stopped working for no reason, Air condition is bad in a hot day. The good side, cheaper than competition, you get more options for lower price specially on the alt trim level. have enough room, and head room, I'm 6.3 and I can say it's specious.

The new leaks for the redesigned explorer destroys the pilot.

The Ford Explorer XLT Sport is better higher top speed, sunroof and better outer appearance.

I like the color …. That’s about it 😅

I followed his suggestion and took 2 ibuprofen and now my headache is gone.

I thought about this but not sure about the interior. Too much cash for cheap looking materials. I have a ‘17 Escape. After fixing the coil pack issue, runs like a champ. Ford ecoboosts love to pop those things. The second key fob quit working.

2.3 + turbo which produces 300+ torque and hp?..... how? anyone can explain why other competitor with same engine and turbo producea only 200+ torque and hp...... Im amazed

Nope, it is not. 😅 Thank you though for another good review, Joe!

Great review. Seriously feels like a 37K option. Feels dated.

Pilot is the way to go.

they should have let you test the ST

its better to wait for what ever they have made for 2024. on the explorer..:)

Ford should be ashamed. When you make nothing but trucks and SUVs, they should absolutely be leading the pack in most categories.

Apple I47 : MSRP $4700. Local sales tax, shipping & handling may vary.

Overall you do a good job on your reviews. And you must be doing something right with over 1m subs. But maybe it's time to realize time is money and less is more. Either stop with the no longer funny (if it ever was) food jokes, or seriously cut back on them. Pringles? really? Cheapens the quality of your reviews IMHO.

The interior seems very outdated when compared to other vehicles in the segment.