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 Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?

The HR-V is one of the cheapest SUVs to own in any segment — averaging $301/year in maintenance, $165 below the subcompact average of $466. Its repair frequency of 10% is half the subcompact segment average of 20%, and its 5% major repair probability is well below the class norm of 9%. For pure ownership cost, nothing in the subcompact class touches it.

What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The 2021 HR-V is the strongest used pick from the second generation — 61 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and only 6 severe issues. Avoid 2023: it was the third-generation debut and drew 678 complaints as Honda worked through early transmission and infotainment issues. By 2025 that generation had settled to 36 complaints, making it a solid option for buyers who want the newer platform.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

The HR-V averages around $2,005/year to insure, or roughly $167/month. Its strong safety scores and low theft profile contribute to competitive rates. Actual quotes will vary by trim, model year, location, and driver history.

Is the Honda HR-V or Ford Bronco Sport cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance cost data isn't available for the Ford Bronco Sport, so a direct dollar comparison isn't possible. What the data does show: the HR-V's $301/year and 5% major repair probability are benchmarks that would be difficult for most rivals to beat.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

No. A 5% major repair probability — less than half the subcompact segment average of 9% — makes this one of the lowest-risk ownership propositions in the class. The one exception is the 2023 model year, which had significantly elevated complaints during the third-generation launch. For any other year, self-insuring is the better financial move.

Ford Explorer vs Honda HR-V

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

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Ford Explorer if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

Buy the Honda HR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford Explorer	Honda HR-V
Annual maintenance	$732	$301winner
5-year total cost	$3,660	$1,505winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	10 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	14%	5%winner
Cargo space	85.3 cu ftwinner	55.1 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$41,300	$28,600winner
Best years to buy	2010, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford Explorer	Honda HR-V
RepairPal score	7 / 10	10 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	452.2	147.9winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2022, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	72.5%	87.1%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	49.9%	71.3%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.6%	60.5%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford Explorer	Honda HR-V
Engine	14.1%	4.6%winner
Electrical	4.1%winner	10.6%
ADAS	3.3%winner	8.5%
Brakes	1.7%winner	3.0%
Suspension	2.5%	—winner
Steering	22.1%	9.2%winner
Fuel system	2.8%winner	7.4%
Tires/Wheels	1.6%	0.6%winner
Glass/Windows	3.0%winner	29.2%
Airbags	2.6%winner	3.5%
Seatbelt	—winner	0.9%

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	Honda HR-V
Avg annual premium	$2,461	$2,005winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Ford Explorer

$732/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 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 →