westcedar

I am looking to move on from my 2010 Q5 for a bit more room. I got a 2017 q7 Premium Plus (cold weather) as a loaner and loved it. They are selling this and other loaners so I can get for under $60k with about 5k miles.

But I am doing my homework. Going to test drive an XC90, used Mercedes and used Porsche.

My question is on the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum (don't shoot the questioner). I have read that this is model approaches the Q7 and other luxury brands so thought I would give it a drive to see as there is a considerable cost difference both in upfront and operating.

Anyone else test drive the Explorer?

dhc8guru

I looked at the 16' Explorer. On the surface the appearance is nice but when you get down to the details, its obvious where's the cost savings come into play. Hollow buttons, parts bin sharing with lessor models cheaper carpet, leather and plastic choices. Not saying bad, just not refined.
In perspective, consumer reports gave it an overall rating of 64 and the Q7 an 87.
On the road test the Explorer got a 67 and the Q7 got a 96 which is the highest rating for it class.

Blackcoco

I just happened to rent the Explorer Titanium for a few days through work. The appearance like the other said is nice but once you drive the new Q7, the Explorer can not compare in term of features, ride quality, and handling.

ven7782

Agree with all the above. The Q7 is in a different class altogether. Once you drive the Q7 you will not be pleased with the explorer.

Zoich

They will make a million explorers. You will not have any residual value or resale value left. So be smart and buy one if you have to as a preowned if that's what you end up choosing. :-)

crownroyal

Love the captains chairs in the explorer but the ride was awful! Very rough over all roads and I don't mean bumpy... unrefined. I think the CRV's and Rogues have a more refined ride then the Explorer.

Eppieguy

A friend of mine bound an Explorer and he hates it. He's came out of an Edge and he doesn't even want to drive the Explorer anymore, he bought another car to drive until the lease is up on it.

westcedar

UPDATE, the Explorer Platinum was not bad. Had all the options, and was about $12k less than the Premium Plus & Cold Weather Package Q7. Factoring a $12k difference it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

That being said, I did not have the Wow factor I had when test driving the q7. Going to pass on the Explorer (xc90 next), but it was defiantly work the trip. As mentioned above, if I could pick one up in a few years used that would be worth it.

zekeman

If you like the XC90 a lot, be sure you go to the Volvo forums and read up on the 90 before you decide to buy. Lots of problems with the car right now - one of the reasons I bought the Q7.

RJC 1

The new Q7 is using the new MLB-Evo platform which is shared with the new $250,000.00 Bentley SUV and the all new 2018 A8 to be released next year (amongst other high end VAG vehicles)...it is far superior to most anything out there let alone the new explorer.