What is the best year for a Ford Explorer?

The Explorer's complaint history is one of the most volatile in the three-row class. Avoid 2013-2015 (2,214, 1,666, and 1,728 complaints respectively — the exhaust fume intrusion era), 2017 (1,648 complaints), and 2020 (1,136 complaints at the sixth-generation launch). The 2024 Explorer (16 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) is the best year on record by a wide margin. The 2023 (94, 10/10, 7 severe) is also strong.

How much does Ford Explorer insurance cost?

Explorer insurance averages around $2,461/year — roughly $205/month.

Is the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $76/year — $656 versus $732 for the Explorer. But the Explorer has a higher reliability score (7 vs. 6), lower major repair probability (14% vs. 18%), and much lower repair frequency (24% vs. 43%). More expensive annually, but a meaningfully lower risk and visit-frequency profile.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Ford Explorer?

Repair frequency of 24% is the lowest in the three-row segment — a significant positive. For 2023 and newer models, the Explorer's dramatically improved complaint trajectory makes extended warranty unnecessary. However, the severe documented complaint spikes across 2013-2015, 2017, and 2020 make coverage essential for used models from those years.

Is the GMC Acadia expensive to maintain?

The Acadia costs $734/year to maintain — $161 above the three-row segment average of $573. Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row class. Reliability score of 6 is below the segment average of 7. Repair frequency of 37% is slightly below the class average of 40%. Above-average cost and the highest major-repair risk in the segment.

What is the best year for a GMC Acadia?

The 2023 (38 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) and 2022 (45 complaints, 10/10 safety, 3 severe) Acadia are the cleanest years on record. Avoid 2017 (689 complaints — the second-generation launch) and 2014 (464 complaints). The 2022-2025 window is significantly better than the model's historical average.

How much does GMC Acadia insurance cost?

Acadia insurance averages around $2,242/year — roughly $187/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the three-row class.

Is the GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $78/year — $656 versus $734 for the Acadia. Both carry a reliability score of 6. The Traverse has a slightly lower major repair probability (18% vs. 19%), while the Acadia has a slightly lower repair frequency (37% vs. 43%). Neither is a standout value — the Traverse holds a modest cost advantage.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a GMC Acadia?

Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row segment. Extended warranty is worth considering for most used Acadia models, particularly those from the pre-2022 era. The 2022-2025 window carries lower risk, but the class-high repair probability still warrants careful consideration.

Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia

Two three-row SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Ford Explorer — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the GMC Acadia if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford Explorer	GMC Acadia
Annual maintenance	$732winner	$734
5-year total cost	$3,660winner	$3,670
Reliability score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	14%winner	19%
Cargo space	85.3 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$41,300winner	$43,800
Best years to buy	2010, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford Explorer	GMC Acadia
RepairPal score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	452.2	89.6winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2014, 2017, 2019
Value retained · 3 yr	72.5%winner	71.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	49.9%	51.5%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.6%winner	38.2%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford Explorer	GMC Acadia
Engine	14.1%	12.4%winner
Electrical	4.1%winner	13.2%
ADAS	3.3%winner	5.8%
Brakes	1.7%winner	3.4%
Suspension	2.5%	—winner
Steering	22.1%	10.5%winner
Fuel system	2.8%	2.3%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.6%	1.5%winner
Glass/Windows	3.0%	—winner
Airbags	2.6%winner	19.3%
Lighting	—winner	3.6%
Seatbelt	—winner	1.6%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Ford Explorer	GMC Acadia
Avg annual premium	$2,461	$2,242winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Ford Explorer

$732/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

GMC Acadia

$734/yr maint · 6 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Explorer costs $732/year to maintain — $159 above the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 24% is well below the class average of 40% — the lowest in the three-row segment. Reliability score of 7 matches the segment average, and major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% norm. Well above-average cost, but notably fewer unscheduled shop visits than class rivals.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →