REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOAlexander Hamilton / PexelsOur verdict
7.2 / 10The Explorer is Ford's definitive family hauler — a seven-seat SUV that balances genuine off-road capability, a punchy 2.3L EcoBoost and a spacious cabin at a price no European rival can match. The ST's 400 hp V6 adds genuine performance credibility, while the Terrain Management System handles UAE dunes with aplomb. Refinement trails European competitors but the value proposition is hard to argue with.
Who it's for — Families of up to seven needing a versatile, go-anywhere SUV at a mainstream price point; buyers who value practicality and towing ability over premium badge cachet.
PROS
- +Strong 2.3L EcoBoost suits everyday and off-road use equally well
- +Competitive entry price vs. European three-row rivals
- +Al-Futtaim Ford service network is wide-reaching across the UAE
- +Terrain Management System with dedicated sand mode — genuinely useful in UAE
- +ST delivers genuine 400 hp performance for AED 245k
CONS
- –Interior quality lags behind Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride at similar money
- –Fuel economy on the 3.0L V6 ST is noticeably thirsty in city driving
- –Third-row legroom is tight for adults
- –Resale values softer than Toyota and Kia equivalents in UAE market
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
8 airbags — front, side, curtain and knee (driver)
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
With stop-and-go and lane centring
Lane-keep aid and lane-departure warning
With cross-traffic alert — standard from Active
Surround-view camera system with split-view display
Ultrasonic rear parking sensors — all trims
Front parking sensors
Ford Roll Stability Control integrated with AdvanceTrac
Direct tyre-pressure monitoring system
COMFORT
Three-zone automatic climate control — all trims
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory
Standard on all GCC trims
Driver and front-passenger ventilation
Standard Active and above
Hands-free foot-activated liftgate
Fixed panoramic glass roof
Available six-seat layout with captain's chairs in row 2
Selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand
Firmer tuned suspension with sport-calibrated steering
Performance exhaust with configurable sound modes
Interior ambient LED lighting
INFOTAINMENT
12.0" SYNC 4 touchscreen with over-the-air update capability
12.3" fully digital instrument cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
Built-in navigation with live traffic
Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker audio system
Qi wireless charging pad — all trims
USB-A and USB-C ports front and rear
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required)
Rear USB-C ports for device charging; screen mirroring supported
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 156,300 | AED 228,000 | AED 245,000 |
| POWER | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 8.2 s | 8.2 s | 5.4 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 11.5 L/100km | 11.5 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| DRIVE | AWD | AWD | AWD |
Ford
Trucks and V8s are durable and hold value; some smaller models are less robust.
American workhorse engineering — strongest on its pickups, big SUVs and the Mustang.
In the UAE — Big body-on-frame Fords suit UAE roads and keep their value.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
RENT FROM
Rental partners coming soon
Warranty — 3 years / 100,000 km · Ford Protect extended warranty available. Roadside assistance included for warranty period.
Frequently asked
How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost in the UAE?+
The Ford Explorer ranges from AED 156,300 (Explorer Active) to AED 245,000 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Ford Explorer worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Ford Explorer 7.2/10. The Explorer is Ford's definitive family hauler — a seven-seat SUV that balances genuine off-road capability, a punchy 2.3L EcoBoost and a spacious cabin at a price no European rival can match. The ST's 400 hp V6 adds genuine performance credibility, while the Terrain Management System handles UAE dunes with aplomb. Refinement trails European competitors but the value proposition is hard to argue with.
Who should buy the Ford Explorer?+
Families of up to seven needing a versatile, go-anywhere SUV at a mainstream price point; buyers who value practicality and towing ability over premium badge cachet.
What are the pros and cons of the Ford Explorer?+
Pros: Strong 2.3L EcoBoost suits everyday and off-road use equally well; Competitive entry price vs. European three-row rivals; Al-Futtaim Ford service network is wide-reaching across the UAE; Terrain Management System with dedicated sand mode — genuinely useful in UAE; ST delivers genuine 400 hp performance for AED 245k. Cons: Interior quality lags behind Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride at similar money; Fuel economy on the 3.0L V6 ST is noticeably thirsty in city driving; Third-row legroom is tight for adults; Resale values softer than Toyota and Kia equivalents in UAE market.
Is the Ford Explorer reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Ford has average reliability and average resale in the UAE. Trucks and V8s are durable and hold value; some smaller models are less robust.
How fast is the Ford Explorer?+
The Ford Explorer makes 300 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 8.2s (top speed 200 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Ford Explorer?+
The Ford Explorer returns about 11.5 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Ford Explorer have?+
The Ford Explorer seats 7, with 515 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Ford Explorer in the UAE?+
Available from Al-Futtaim Ford. 3 years / 100,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Ford Explorer?+
Cross-shop the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevrolet Traverse.