2019 Ford Explorer Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/ Holdback

Since it was first released in 2011, this generation's Explorer hasn't changed very much. The exterior had a facelift a few years ago, but that's the extent of the upgrades. Regardless, it's always remained competitive with its versatility and multiple engine choices. Without any significant changes, though, it gets harder to keep up with the evolving competition.

As the years pile on, the 2019 Ford Explorer continues to suffer in terms of third-row legroom. The handling also hasn't gotten any better. On the other hand, the new Explorer comes with a generous amount of technology but isn't complicated to use.

The Sport trim is where the 2019 Ford Explorer brags the most. It has sharper handling than the bottom trims, which can feel challenging to steer around the city. The twin-turbo V6 engine is indeed worth bragging about too, but you can only get that on the upper tiers.

What's New?
 
As previously mentioned, the fifth generation of Explorer released in 2011, and the 2019 Ford Explorer is part of this lineup. There are only a few small changes this year -- mainly concerning feature availability.

Styles
 
The Sport trim is undoubtedly the most impressive version of the 2019 Ford Explorer seven-passenger SUV. It's the easiest way to get the incredibly powerful twin-turbo V6 engine. Not only that, but you will get a quiet cabin ride along with a superior suspension.

Trims
 
In all, there are five trim choices for the 2019 Ford Explorer: the base, the XLT, the Limited, the Sport, and the Platinum. Each of these has different lists of features. The top two trims come with all-wheel drive, and the others have front-wheel drive as the standard choice with all-wheel drive as an upgrade choice. No matter what you pick, you'll get a six-speed automatic transmission inside your 2019 Explorer.

The base trim comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 290 horses and 255 pound-feet. As an upgrade option, the 2.3L four-cylinder turbo engine beefs up the torque at 310 lb-ft, but it drops 10 hp.

Next up is the XLT trim, which has only a few extra features above the base. Here, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and two choices of packages: the Driver Connect and the Safe and Smart packages. The first gives you the Sync 3 interface along with more USB ports. The second gives you adaptive cruise control, automatic wipers, and forward-collision warning.

The Limited trim will appeal to those who want even more luxury, like leather upholstery and premium audio. The standard choice for this trim is the four-cylinder engine, but you do have the option to switch it to the V6 engine.

If you value creature comforts instead, then the Sport variant has the features you want. Here, you get the 3.5L turbo V6 engine, a towing package, and a tighter suspension.

Finally, the Platinum level gives you the V6 turbo along with the looser suspension that the other trims offer. Besides this, you get the contents of the Safe and Smart package, along with premium leather upholstery and more.

Driving Impressions
 
Calling a model "Sport" isn't something unique to Ford, but the 2019 Ford Explorer actually delivers thanks to the 3.5L turbo engine, quick steering, and stiffer suspension. Throwing on the summer tires gives you even more performance and speed, too.

If you get the EcoBoost engine, note that it's far more about "boost" than it is about "eco." Whenever you apply pressure to the gas, there's an immediate source of power delivered. The six-speed transmission is smart about how it uses the available torque. Further, it takes only 6.3 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill, which is great for its segment.

The brakes, on the other hand, don't feel like they're going to work very well, but they do. It takes only 108 feet to come to a complete panic stop, but a lot of that is due to sticky summer tires, which aren't standard. Around town, you won't have trouble coming to smooth stops at the intersection.

The steering system has been tuned well; as soon as you make the turn, the motion follows. The 2019 Ford Explorer carries great heft at highway speed, but it's still light enough to get the job done in the parking lot with ease. We'd like better feedback, but it's still superior for the class, frankly.

With a stiffer suspension in the Sport, along with the sticky performance tires, you get a whole different Explorer. This setup reduces the body roll and allows the tires a firm grip. You'll hardly even notice if you strike a mid-corner bump with the sporty suspension.

As far as the gas pedal is concerned, it's a little abrupt when you start applying pressure. Adding adaptive cruise control is a blessing of precision; it will never vary by greater than 1 mile per hour. The engine power is always there, so you won't struggle to merge into traffic of all speeds.

Finally, off-road becomes possible with the Sport trim, equipped with all-wheel drive. Also, you can get the Terrain Management System, which permits you to swap between modes to handle various environments, like mud or gravel. Still, the setup is mostly for unpaved roads rather than true off-road.

Fuel Economy
 
XLT: 17 city / 24 hwy
Limited: 18 city / 25 hwy
Platinum: 16 city / 22 hwy

How to Calculate The Dealer Cost of a Ford Explorer

Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:

• Example: Base Ford Explorer invoice price + the dealer Invoice price of all the options + destination - Holdback = Total Dealer Cost.
• What is Holdback? A hidden amount that manufacturers give back to a dealer. It is a percentage of the MSRP or the Invoice price.

Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here)

Note: All Ford Explorer MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.