The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that’s an attractive option for families in Brewster, New York, needing a vehicle with plenty of passenger and cargo space. Another benefit of the 2023 Ford Explorer is its durability and longevity. But how long can the Explorer last? Our experts here at Brewster Ford have created this guide to the 2023 Explorer’s expected life span, including some tips on how to get the most out of your vehicle. Feel free to contact us with any questions about vehicle maintenance or repairs, or reserve an appointment at our Ford service center.

What Is the Estimated Life Span of the Ford Explorer?
A Ford Explorer can last anywhere from 10 to 17 years and get up to 80,000 to 200,000 miles. Some owners have even reported achieving 300,000 miles in their Explorer. If you’re trying to get the longest life out of your Explorer, it’s best to aim to drive around 12,000 miles per year since covering significantly more than this can result in your Ford wearing out more quickly.
You can expect your Explorer to require more maintenance and repairs as it ages. There are some standard maintenance thresholds to keep in mind. For example, it’s typical for Explorers to need major performance maintenance somewhere around the 150,000-mile mark. Around 200,000 miles, you may need to replace the timing chain or belt. We’ll detail the important maintenance areas you should pay attention to later.
What Factors Influence the Explorer’s Life Span?
Your local environment can significantly impact your car’s durability. For example, the cold weather we experience in winter here in Brewster means dealing with salt on the roads to melt the ice that would otherwise make driving dangerous. While salt helps make the roads safer, it can cause extensive corrosion on the undercarriage of your Explorer. You can avoid this by regularly washing your car with water to remove the salt from its bodywork and other components. This step should help prevent damage to parts that could prove expensive to repair.
Your driving style is another factor that could affect your vehicle. Traveling at high speeds requiring you to regularly slam on the brakes or other poor driving habits take their toll on a vehicle. Your Explorer may experience quicker wear on its brake pads, damage to other braking components, and added pressure on engine components. That’s before we even start talking about the increased risk of accidents with reckless driving.
A final point to keep in mind is where you drive. If you spend most of your time on city roads, you’ll have to brake and accelerate more often than on the highway, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Over time, this type of driving can wear on your vehicle. Excessive wear and tear may also be problematic if you regularly travel over mountain passes since the engine will be under greater strain when climbing steep gradients.
Can Maintenance Improve the Explorer’s Longevity?
Sticking to a routine maintenance schedule is the most effective way to ensure your 2023 Explorer has a long working life. The factory warranty will protect your Explorer during the first three years you own it. This warranty covers defective or damaged parts resulting from poor workmanship. You may want to take out an extended warranty after the factory warranty expires.
Common maintenance tasks can help protect your Explorer’s components from excessive wear and tear. For example, regularly changing the engine oil will protect engine parts against unnecessary friction caused by contaminated oil. When debris from worn parts or dirt from an external source contaminates the oil, it loses its lubricating abilities.
Regularly inspecting the brake pads and replacing them when appropriate is also crucial since worn pads can result in serious damage to other parts of the braking system that are expensive to replace or repair.
As your vehicle gets older, you’ll want to pay close attention to any indications that it needs maintenance, including warning lights on the dashboard, strange noises when you’re driving or braking, and problems with your vehicle’s performance.
Preventive maintenance is the most effective, which means scheduling repairs before a problem gets serious. One of the most effective ways to practice preventive maintenance is to have a regular multipoint inspection at a reliable dealership, where a trained service professional can examine all your Explorer’s main components.
Key Points About the Ford Explorer
The 2023 Explorer is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven people. If you have a young or growing family, the Explorer’s large interior dimensions and lengthy average life span make it a great choice if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle that can fit your needs for years to come.
Behind the third row of seats, you’ll find 18 cubic feet of storage, which is enough for a load of groceries or your kids’ soccer gear. You can transport bulkier items with the third row down, which creates more than 47 cubic feet of cargo room. In terms of infotainment, the Explorer has an 8-inch display and offers a 14-speaker stereo system.
There’s no shortage of configuration options for creating a personalized cabin. You can swap out the second-row bench seat for two captain’s chairs for more comfort, although this reduces the capacity to six people. You can also step up to a higher trim level to access more luxurious materials and upscale features, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a moonroof.
Test-Drive Your Ideal 2023 Explorer Today at Brewster Ford
Are you ready to learn more about the 2023 Explorer or get behind the wheel of Ford’s favorite midsize SUV? You can browse the available models in our online inventory or swing by our Brewster dealership to check them out for yourself. If you have any questions about the Explorer or its features, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team at Brewster Ford is extremely knowledgeable about the Ford lineup. We’ll be delighted to help you complete your purchase, including introducing you to our competitive auto financing deals.


