Ford Explorer for sale near Delavan, WI
The Ford Explorer is Ford's three-row family SUV — refreshed for 2025 with a new interior and updated technology, on the same rear-wheel-drive-based sixth-generation platform Ford introduced in 2020. The Explorer seats six or seven depending on second-row captain's chairs or bench, offers two engine choices (2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder or 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6), and is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive on every trim. At Kunes Ford of Delavan, the Explorer rotates through every trim from the base RWD up through the off-road Timberline, performance-tuned ST, and luxury Platinum and King Ranch. Walworth County families typically buy the XLT or Limited with the 2.3L EcoBoost and AWD for school runs, lake trips, and the four-hour drive to the U.P. The Timberline with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance handles unplowed Wisconsin winter roads and gravel without going Bronco-level capable. Call (262) 455-8480.
Explorer trim levels
Starting MSRP shown is approximate. Dino has the live number, current factory and Ford Credit incentives, and out-the-door pricing for every trim in stock. Call (262) 455-8480 for today’s deal.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Active | from $42k | Volume base trim. Cloth seats, three rows, 13.2-in Sync 4 screen, Co-Pilot360 standard. |
| ST-Line | from $46k | Sport appearance package on the Active mechanical base — body-color trim, sport seats. |
| Timberline | from $50k | Off-road focused. 8.7-in ground clearance, all-terrain tires, Torsen rear LSD. |
| Limited | from $52k | Leather standard, ventilated front seats, Twin-Panel moonroof, B&O audio. |
| ST | from $59k | Performance variant. 3.0L EcoBoost making 400 hp, AWD standard, sport tuning. |
| Platinum | from $58k | Luxury flagship. Quilted leather, massage front seats, 360° camera, 14-speaker B&O. |
| King Ranch | from $61k | Western leather-trimmed luxury. Standard 3.0L EcoBoost, AWD, captain's chairs. |
Explorer engines and drivetrains
- 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 (300 hp, RWD or AWD)
- 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (400 hp, AWD standard on ST and King Ranch)
Body and configuration options
- Three-row, six or seven passenger (captain's chairs or bench second row)
Towing and payload
- Max tow rating
- Up to 5,600 lbs (with tow package)
- Max payload
- Up to 1,200 lbs
Max ratings require specific configuration (engine, axle ratio, tow package). Dino will confirm the rating for the actual unit you’re looking at.
Explorer compared to the competition
Explorer vs Honda Pilot
Explorer has higher tow rating (5,600 vs 5,000), the Timberline off-road trim, and stronger performance with the 3.0L V6 option. Pilot counters with the TrailSport off-road variant, longer Honda reliability record, and lower cost of ownership.
Explorer vs Toyota Highlander / Grand Highlander
Explorer is RWD-based (more truck-like), has the V6 option and the Timberline trim. Highlander is more efficient (hybrid widely available) and has Toyota's reliability moat. Grand Highlander expands Toyota's third row but tops out at 5,000-lb tow.
Explorer vs Chevy Traverse
Traverse has more cargo room in the third row and behind it (it's bigger). Explorer has the higher tow rating, better road manners, and the off-road Timberline. Local Walworth County resale tilts toward Explorer.
How Explorer buyers around Walworth County use it
- Family daily driver for households with three or more kids — Limited or King Ranch with captain's chairs is the volume build.
- Lake-trip and tow vehicle for jet skis, small ski boats, light trailers under 5,600 lbs — XLT or Limited with the Tow Package.
- Snow-belt winter SUV — Timberline AWD with all-terrains handles unplowed driveways and Walworth County rural roads.
- Performance-luxury daily — Explorer ST for buyers who want a fast hauler and a near-luxury interior.
Explorer questions Dino hears most
- Ford Explorer vs Expedition — when does the bigger SUV justify itself?
- Explorer's third row fits children and short adults comfortably; Expedition's third row fits full-size adults plus cargo behind. Expedition tows 9,300 lbs vs Explorer's 5,600 lbs. Expedition is 12 inches longer and 4 inches wider — noticeable in Walworth County's older garages and downtown parking. Pick Expedition if you regularly haul six adults or tow over 6,000 lbs; otherwise Explorer is the smarter buy at $8-10k less and 3-4 mpg better fuel economy.
- Used Ford Explorer years to avoid?
- The 2011-2015 fifth-gen Explorer (the previous unibody platform) had documented timing-chain issues on the 3.5L Cyclone V6 and some exhaust manifold leak reports. The 2020 launch year of the current sixth-gen platform had widely reported software gremlins resolved through 2021-2022 updates. For pre-owned, target 2017-2019 fifth-gen for affordable reliability or 2021+ sixth-gen for modern features. Avoid the 2020 launch unless the deal is exceptional and the truck has been updated.
- Is the Ford Explorer Timberline enough off-road capability for Wisconsin?
- For 95% of Wisconsin off-pavement use — gravel roads, unplowed Forest Service roads, light trail use in the Kettle Moraine — yes. Timberline gets 8.7-in ground clearance (up from 7.9 standard), Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrains, hill descent control, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and skid plates. For serious rock-crawling or deep mud, step up to a Bronco Badlands. For winter unplowed roads and family-friendly capability, Timberline is the right Explorer.
- Ford Explorer ST — is the 400-hp version worth it?
- The Explorer ST adds the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp / 415 lb-ft), sport tuning, larger brakes, AWD, and quad-tip exhaust over the Limited. It's about $6k more than Limited. For families who want one vehicle that handles both daily duty and weekend canyon-runs (or just love the sound), ST is a justifiable jump. For pure family hauling, save the money on Limited and put the difference into the tow package and the panoramic roof.