The Ford Explorer, a long-standing leader in the SUV segment, has earned a significant accolade by topping Consumer Reports’ list of recommended American midsize three-row SUVs. This recognition comes after a successful refresh for the 2025 model year, which brought updates to the Explorer’s exterior styling, a notable interior redesign, and the introduction of the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment software. These enhancements appear to have resonated with Consumer Reports, leading to the Explorer’s improved ranking.

Consumer Reports’ latest list highlights the best American cars, SUVs, and trucks, with the Ford Explorer leading the mid-size three-row SUV category. The Explorer achieved an overall score of 68 out of 100, combined with above-average road test scores and average predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. The ranking is based solely on the overall score and includes only models from American-founded and -based companies, although not all listed vehicles are necessarily manufactured in the U.S. All vehicles on the list have earned Consumer Reports’ “recommended” status.

This achievement marks a significant turnaround for the Ford Explorer, which was designated a “model to avoid” by Consumer Reports in 2023. At that time, the organization cited concerns about the pre-refreshed model’s overly firm ride, rough shifts, noisy engine, and well below average reliability. Despite these criticisms, the Explorer remained a top seller, outselling even highly-rated competitors.

The Explorer’s resurgence in Consumer Reports’ rankings is attributed to improvements in its reliability ratings. The refreshed 2025 model achieved an upgrade from below average to average or better reliability, which in turn boosted its overall score and paved the way for its top ranking in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. This turnaround demonstrates the impact of Ford’s updates and reinforces the Explorer’s continued relevance and appeal in the competitive SUV market.