DecodedCars2009 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited, Sport Trac P/U 4dr 4x2, Sport Trac P/U 4dr 4X4
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 193.7–210.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,515–4,630 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints21 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 152 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Ford Explorer is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (4.6L 8-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,630 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), 4% better than the 2009 standard pickup truck average of 16.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Explorer →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 72.8 in | 113.8 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 4,630 lb | 52/47 |
| Sport Trac P/U 4dr 4x2 | 210.2 in | 73.6 in | 72 in | 130.3 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 4,515 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport Trac P/U 4dr 4X4 | 210.2 in | 73.6 in | 72 in | 130.3 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 4,619 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -13% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -10% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -15% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Ford Explorer under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ford Explorer (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Ford Ranger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Mitsubishi Raider Pickup | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Ford Explorer.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Explorer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2023 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 113 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 456 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,249 |
| 2019 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 300 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,484 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →