A $51,000 Ford Explorer?

"Patrick Glace" (patrickglace)
04/05/2015 at 18:30 • Filed to: WTF

Alright guys, we all know Ford has been at the top of their game lately, but since when did the Explorer share pricing with the likes of the BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, etc.?

The Explorer is a handsome SUV, but worth the same money as a new X5? I don't think so, but I keep seeing them so maybe I'm the crazy one.

DISCUSSION (20)

Vicente Esteve > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:39

Its got a better engine, so I think its worth it.

bob and john > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:39

I can build a 60k explorer on the canadian site

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:40

Looks like a CHP cruiser to me... Easier to see now!

SlickMcRick > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:42

Hmmm fully loaded Explorer of base model X5 which still starts at a few grand more....I'll take the Ford. Also fun fact, they both come equipped with turbo 6 cylinder engines.

CB > bob and john
04/05/2015 at 18:45

But why take the 60K Explorer when you can get a Flex for the same price?

SonorousSpeedJoe > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:47

Per this article , about 25% of Explorer buyers in general make over $150k in annual income, so I guess it's got some luxury SUV chops. It also seems to be winning a few conquest sales from the other luxury brands, though it isn't a Lincoln.

bob and john > CB
04/05/2015 at 18:48

i would. i can get the flex in guard :D

DrScientist > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 18:52

ive never really been interested in bmw x5s, so i don't know the details of bmw suvs.

but have you compared the options list for a $51k explorer and a $51k x5?

my guess is you dont get much in the x5. i bet it may also be difficult to find a truly base x5 with no/limited options.

it's kind of the game that many marques play, bmw is a clear participant, where a loaded so-and-so actually is more expensive than the base of the next more exclusive model. then you get confused and the sales person pounces!

ranwhenparked > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:00

That's pretty high, but you can also option a Taurus up to over $43,000. This is the reason why midrange brands like Mercury got squeezed out. Between $40-50k Fords and $33k Lincolns, there just isn't much space left.

Patrick Glace > DrScientist
04/05/2015 at 19:07

You are correct about the base vs. loaded price point. My point is more: when did $50k for a mid-sized, non-luxury SUV become the norm?

PS9 > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:09

Both fully loaded Explorer vs. X5 reveals a $30k gap, and you can actually argue that the X5M is actually the top-of-the-line model there, which is 2x explorers in MSRP. Conversely, an Explorer new can be had for about $30k. You can't get an X5 for that unless you want to explore the used market instead.

Things have changed a lot since 1997; the average price for a car today is $30k. Luxury cars have become more expensive, and 'rubbish badge' cars come with options unheard of on non-luxury marquee before. Why pay BMW money for an Explorer? Inversely; Why get a stripped down X5 when you can get most of everything a $70k X5 has on it in an Explorer for $30k less?

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:10

I'm sure you get more with a loaded Explorer for 51k than you with a base X5 for 54k. And considering you can get a JCW Mini up to 50k, 51 for a loaded Explorer doesn't seem too crazy.

Patrick Glace > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
04/05/2015 at 19:12

I saw that earlier, a $50k Mini is absolutely nutty.

dogisbadob > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:14

Too bad no more Lincoln Aviator :(

Patrick Glace > SonorousSpeedJoe
04/05/2015 at 19:19

Very interesting.

Those would be good guesses, but that's not entirely the case. In fact, 15% of Explorer sales are coming from owners of luxury brands that largely include Audi, BMW , and Mercedes-Benz. Many certainly wouldn't have guessed owners of those prestigious, and very successful, luxury brands would be trading in for an Explorer, even if it is a higher-end Sport trim package

DrScientist > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:36

i suppose when they started adding the bells and whistles and options similar to those luxury SUVs.

i dont know how the interiors hold up after 10-15 years, but the interior of newer model "non-luxury" cars with all of the option boxes checked is a fairly nice place to be.

Patrick Glace > DrScientist
04/05/2015 at 19:47

I just looked at a 2012 Explorer at CarMax last weekend, interior seemed a little rough for 3 years. However, my local CarMax didn't seem to detail their inventory...

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 19:56

Since it became acceptable to have auto loans for 6 to 7 years long, to be honest.

Also there's also some blame to go around at the government level with inflation and all that.

My suspicion is that the sellers are going to be whichever models the captive finance companies are willing to do 0% APR deals on, and for how long.

(I took 0% for 4 years over 0.9% for 5 years with my Mini. Also it helped I was buying the previous model year car, and they wanted to move the inventory)

soundman98 > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 20:37

'round about the same time they re-designed the explorer.. my dad really likes this new body style, so he's been looking for a while.. i still get sticker shock looking at them.

and saying this just in case you haven't looked, though it's been in the press plenty—- pickup truck prices are just as incredible.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > Patrick Glace
04/05/2015 at 23:01

As others have said, the Sport model is the highest trim for an Explo. This includes the 3.5l Ecoboost, AWD, remote start, tuned suspension, leather, myfordtouch infotainment and climate controls, heated seats/steering wheel, etc. Which, for a 3-row seating SUV that starts off around mid 30k it can add up quickly.