New Ford Explorer SUVs in Tunkhannock, PA
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ford Explorer in Tunkhannock, PA
What engines does the Ford Explorer offer?
Two main options. The 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four (around 300 hp) is the standard engine across most trims and the practical choice for daily-driver families. The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (around 400 hp) comes standard on the ST and Platinum trims and gives the Explorer noticeably stronger acceleration. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 to 5,600 pounds depending on engine and tow package.
Is the Explorer the right size for my family?
Depends on how often you fill all three rows. The Explorer's third row works for kids and shorter trips with adults; it is not designed for full-size adults on long highway runs. If you regularly need adult third-row space, step up to the larger Expedition. If you do not need a third row at all, the two-row used Edge is a smaller alternative. Explorer is the middle option and the bread-and-butter three-row family SUV for buyers who occasionally need the extra row.
Is AWD important for PA winters?
For Tunkhannock-area buyers, generally yes. Wyoming County winters bring real snow and ice, and many rural roads in the Endless Mountains see plowing later in the day. The Explorer's available AWD system handles those conditions well, particularly with proper winter tires. The fuel economy penalty over RWD is modest (1-2 mpg combined), and resale value benefits in our region. RWD-only Explorers work for buyers with garage parking and short, plowed commutes; for everyone else, AWD is the practical choice.
What is the difference between ST and Timberline?
Different trims for different buyers. The Explorer ST is the performance variant with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and aggressive styling treatments. It is genuinely quick and changes how the Explorer drives. The Timberline is the off-road-oriented trim with raised suspension, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential; it trades on-road refinement for trail capability. ST is for buyers who want family-SUV practicality plus performance; Timberline is for buyers who actually use the off-road capability for hunting access roads, fire roads, and unimproved approaches.
Can I schedule a test drive at Tunkhannock Ford?
Yes. Explorer trims drive notably differently from each other, especially the ST against a standard Limited or the Timberline against a Platinum. Use our online test drive scheduler to set a time, or contact our team directly. If you want to compare an Explorer against the larger Expedition or smaller Edge, tell us ahead and we will pull both for the visit.
Choosing the Right Three-Row Size?
Three-row SUV shopping has more variables than most categories: third-row use frequency, towing needs, AWD, and trim level all interact.
We help families across Northeast PA work through these trade-offs every week.
Reach out and we will help figure out whether Explorer is the right fit or whether something else works better.
Where the Explorer Fits in the Ford SUV Lineup
Ford has rebuilt its SUV lineup heavily over the past few model years, and the Explorer sits at the practical center of it. It is the mid-size three-row SUV: bigger than the two-row Edge and the compact Escape, smaller than the full-size Expedition. For Tunkhannock-area families who need three rows of seating but do not want the size, fuel costs, and price of a full-size SUV, Explorer is the typical answer.
The 2020 redesign moved the Explorer to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform, which improved towing, handling balance, and overall driving feel compared to the previous front-wheel-drive-based architecture. That redesign matters for current shoppers because the post-2020 Explorer drives notably differently than the older generation. The 2025/2026 refresh updated the interior with larger digital displays, simplified trim packaging, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on equipped trims.
- Mid-size three-row positioning between Edge and Expedition
- 2020 RWD-platform redesign improved tow and handling
- Recent refresh updated cabin tech and trim packaging
- BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available
For buyers who already drive an older front-wheel-drive Explorer, the post-2020 generation is worth a test drive even if you are not shopping seriously yet; the difference in how the vehicle drives is significant. Browse current new Explorer inventory, or check our used Explorer page for buyers prioritizing budget over latest model year.
Trim Landscape and What Each One Adds
Recent Explorer trims run Active (entry trim with cloth seats and core equipment), XLT (the volume seller with comfort and tech that most buyers want), Limited (leather and most of the comfort features), ST-Line (sport-styled appearance package on top of standard Limited equipment, no powertrain change), Platinum (luxury-focused with premium materials), ST (the 3.0L V6 performance trim), King Ranch (Western-themed leather treatment), and Timberline (off-road-oriented with raised suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires).
For most Wyoming County family buyers, Limited AWD is the trim that hits the sweet spot of equipment and value. ST is worth considering for buyers who specifically want the performance and are willing to pay the premium at purchase and at the gas pump. Timberline is the right call for buyers who actually use the off-road capability for hunting access in Wyoming and Bradford counties, fire roads on state forest land, or unimproved access to camps and cabins.
- Active / XLT: value-focused with cloth interiors
- Limited: leather and most comfort features, common volume trim
- ST-Line: sport styling without powertrain upgrade
- Platinum: luxury-focused with premium materials
- ST: 3.0L V6 performance variant, 400 hp
- King Ranch: Western-themed leather treatment
- Timberline: off-road suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires
Coming in with trim and powertrain preferences settled makes the matching process faster, since it narrows what we pull for test drives. We can put a Limited next to a Platinum or an ST next to a Timberline for back-to-back comparison if you are deciding between trims.
How the Explorer Fits Northeast PA Family Driving
The Explorer handles the practical reality of Northeast PA family driving well. Highway runs to Wilkes-Barre or Scranton are comfortable, local rural roads in the Endless Mountains are no challenge for AWD examples, and the third row gives flex capacity for carpools, grandparents in town, or hauling extra kids' friends to weekend events. Towing a small camper to Lake Wallenpaupack or pulling a boat to Harvey's Lake is straightforward with the 5,000-5,600 lb capacity properly equipped.
The real limit on the Explorer is the third row itself. It works for kids and for shorter trips with adults, but it is not designed for adults on long highway runs. If you regularly haul three rows of adult passengers (extended family driving together, hockey carpool with parents and kids), the Expedition is the more practical answer despite the higher price. If your third row is mostly a "just in case" feature that spends most of its time folded for cargo, Explorer is the right size.
- Composed at I-81 highway speeds with available BlueCruise
- AWD systems handle most PA winter conditions
- 5,000-5,600 lb tow rating for boats, small campers, and ATV trailers
- Third row works for kids and short trips, less for adult long-distance
For buyers stepping up from a smaller crossover because of growing kids or new towing needs, the Explorer is the typical move. For buyers whose families have outgrown three-row Explorers' practical capacity, the Expedition or Expedition Max is the next step.
Buying an Explorer at Tunkhannock Ford
Explorer shoppers usually have at least body style and trim level preference decided going in. Coming in with engine and AWD status also settled makes the test drive process more focused; we can pull the trims you are deciding between for back-to-back comparison rather than walking the lot. Our finance team handles Ford Credit alongside outside lenders, and pre-approval before the visit clarifies real spending range.
Trade-in valuations on Explorer trade-ins are strong, particularly on clean Limited and Platinum examples and AWD-equipped trucks. Use our online trade-in tool for a starting estimate, and we firm up the number with an in-person appraisal. Service after the sale runs through our service department, which handles Explorer maintenance and warranty work in-house, including the 10-speed transmission and EcoBoost engine work that some independent shops are not set up for.
- Multi-trim test drives to settle the trim selection question
- Pre-approval clarifies real spending range before shopping
- Strong trade-in valuations on clean Explorer examples
- In-house service handles all Explorer maintenance and warranty
Check current vehicle specials for what is priced aggressively right now, browse the new Explorer inventory, or stop by Tunkhannock Ford for a test drive when you are ready.