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 Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

At $492/year the Crosstrek sits just $26 above the subcompact segment average of $466 — essentially at par on sticker cost. Where it distinguishes itself is frequency: a 13% repair rate versus the segment average of 20% means fewer unscheduled shop visits per year. Combined with a 7% major repair probability (below the 9% class average) and a 9/10 reliability score, it's a strong long-term ownership choice.

What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2023 Crosstrek stands out with only 32 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and just 4 severe issues — the cleanest year in its recent history. Avoid the 2019 model, which had 276 complaints. The 2023–2025 window represents the most refined version currently available on the used market.

How much does Subaru Crosstrek insurance cost?

The Crosstrek averages about $1,968/year to insure — roughly $164/month — making it one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs to insure. Its strong safety ratings and low theft profile keep rates competitive across most driver profiles.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

The HR-V is cheaper by about $191/year — $301 versus $492 for the Crosstrek. The HR-V also leads on reliability (10 vs. 9) and major repair probability (5% vs. 7%). The Crosstrek's counterargument is standard AWD, which the HR-V doesn't offer — a meaningful difference depending on where and how you drive.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Probably not. A 7% major repair probability and 13% repair frequency both sit below the subcompact segment average, and a 9/10 reliability score puts it in low-risk territory. If buying a 2019 model used, some coverage is worth considering given elevated complaints that year — otherwise, self-insuring makes more financial sense.

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Crosstrek

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 Subaru Crosstrek — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Ford Explorer	Subaru Crosstrek
Annual maintenance	$732	$492winner
5-year total cost	$3,660	$2,460winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	9 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	14%	7%winner
Cargo space	85.3 cu ftwinner	54.7 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$41,300	$27,600winner
Best years to buy	2010, 2023, 2024	2021

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Ford Explorer	Subaru Crosstrek
RepairPal score	7 / 10	9 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	452.2	—
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2018, 2019, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	72.5%	90.5%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	49.9%	71.2%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.6%	59.5%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Ford Explorer	Subaru Crosstrek
Engine	14.1%	10.7%winner
Electrical	4.1%winner	10.1%
ADAS	3.3%winner	10.4%
Brakes	1.7%	1.6%winner
Suspension	2.5%	1.0%winner
Steering	22.1%	3.1%winner
Fuel system	2.8%	—winner
Tires/Wheels	1.6%winner	2.2%
Glass/Windows	3.0%winner	33.0%
Airbags	2.6%	1.4%winner
Lighting	—winner	2.5%

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	Subaru Crosstrek
Avg annual premium	$2,461	$1,968winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Ford Explorer

$732/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 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 →