DecodedCars2010 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limited, Sport Trac P/U 4dr 4X4
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 193.7–210.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,630–4,753 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 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 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), 2% better than the 2010 standard pickup truck average of 16.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 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 4X4 | 210.2 in | 73.6 in | 72 in | 130.3 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 4,753 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 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -18% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -23% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer Sport Trac 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -4% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -18% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Ford Explorer under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Ford Explorer (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Ford Ranger | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2010 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2010 Mitsubishi Raider Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner · Apr 20, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V161000 · 33,256 vehicles
- Problem
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 FUSION, EXPLORER, EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, AND MERCURY MILAN AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN DECEMBER 15, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2010 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINERS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202, "HEAD RESTRAINT." THE RECLINER GEAR PLATE TEETH MAY BE OUT OF DIMENSION SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN LIMITED PAWL TO GEAR PLATE TOOTH ENGAGEMENT.
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEATBACK AND HEAD RESTRAINT MAY MOVE REARWARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL RECLINERS FOR BOTH POWER AND MANUAL SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2010 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 8 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 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 2010 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 →