When Ford shifted the Explorer from a traditional truck-based chassis to a unibody crossover platform for the 2011 model year, traditionalists grumbled. By 2013, however, the market had spoken. Families loved the car-like handling, spacious cabin, and modern tech. The 2013 Ford Explorer XLT sits squarely in the middle of the lineup, balancing affordability with features that buyers actually use. If you're looking at one on the used market today, you're getting a three-row hauler with decent capability, but you also need to know its mechanical quirks and fuel limitations.
Underneath the hood, the standard engine for the 2013 model year is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though intelligent four-wheel drive was a popular option for buyers facing winter weather. While some trims offered the punchy EcoBoost four-cylinder or twin-turbo V6, the XLT's base V6 remains the most common choice. It delivers predictable power for highway merging, though it feels heavy when you load all three rows with adults and gear.
Performance feels steady rather than sporty. The unibody architecture gives the Explorer car-like cornering composure that older truck-based SUVs could never manage. Body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle weighing over 4,500 pounds, and the electric power-assisted steering provides a light touch at low speeds while firming up on the highway. Ride quality leans toward comfort, soaking up rough pavement efficiently, though larger 20-inch wheel options can introduce a bit of firmness over sharp potholes.
Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive V6 model sits around 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, dropping slightly to 17 city and 23 highway if you opt for the four-wheel-drive system. These numbers reflect the era's standard for large V6 crossovers, but they lag behind modern four-cylinder turbocharged alternatives. If you do heavy driving, fuel costs will add up quickly compared to newer compact or midsize crossovers.
Inside, the XLT balances utility with mid-tier comfort. Cloth seats are standard, though many buyers upgraded to leather-trimmed upholstery. Legroom is generous in the first two rows. The third row works best for kids or shorter trips for adults, as floor height forces knees upward. Cargo space is practical: you get 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and a massive 80.7 cubic feet with all rear seats stowed.
Technology in 2013 was transitioning into the digital age, which brings mixed results. Many XLT models feature the MyFord Touch system with an eight-inch center screen and dual configurable displays in the instrument cluster. While innovative for its time, early versions of this interface are notoriously sluggish, prone to freezing, and frustrating to navigate using touch-sensitive center stack buttons. Later software updates helped, but many owners prefer simpler aftermarket head unit replacements if they buy these vehicles used today.
Common Mechanical Issues to Watch For
Buying a used vehicle means looking past the shine and checking service records. The 2013 model year carries a few known mechanical trouble spots that require careful inspection before you hand over cash.
- Water Pump Failures: The internal water pump on the 3.5-liter V6 is driven by the timing chain. If the pump seal fails, coolant can leak directly into the engine oil. Left undetected, this destroys the engine bearings. Replacing the water pump is a labor-intensive, costly job because the entire timing cover must come off.
- MyFord Touch Glitches: The infotainment system frequently freezes, drops Bluetooth connections, or fails to recognize USB devices. Check if the vehicle has received its final software updates or be prepared to live with an occasional reboot.
- Interior Door Panel Separation: The armrests and vinyl inserts on the door panels tend to peel away or warp over time, particularly in hot climates, requiring adhesive fixes or panel replacement.
- Steering Gear Wear: Some owners report loose steering feel or complete electronic power steering assist failure, which triggers dashboard warnings and requires replacing the entire steering rack assembly.
Value Retention and Used Market Outlook
When new, an Explorer XLT retailed in the low-to-mid thirty-thousand-dollar range, depending on options. Today, prices on the secondary market fluctuate based on mileage, maintenance history, and whether the vehicle spent its life in the rust belt. You'll typically find clean examples listed between seven and twelve thousand dollars.
Depreciation has leveled off, making it an affordable entry point for families needing three rows of seating without taking on a massive auto loan. Insurance costs remain reasonable, and parts availability is exceptional since Ford built hundreds of thousands of these crossovers. However, your total cost of ownership depends entirely on how well the previous owner maintained the cooling system.
For reliable safety data and official crash test ratings, you can check the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Database. To compare historical pricing trends and common vehicle complaints across model years, the Edmunds Used Car Guide offers thorough depreciation trackers and owner reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 2013 Ford Explorer XLT tow a camper?
Yes, when properly equipped with the optional Class III trailer tow package, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds. Without the factory package, towing capacity is limited, and adding aftermarket parts later doesn't increase the official rating due to transmission cooling limitations.
Is the four-wheel-drive system capable off-road?
It features Ford's Terrain Management System with selectable modes for normal, mud/rut, sand, and snow. While it handles unpaved forestry roads and heavy winter snowstorms with ease, it lacks low-range gearing and ground clearance for serious rock crawling.
How do I check if the water pump has been replaced?
Ask the seller for detailed repair invoices. Because the water pump is internal, visual inspection from above is difficult. If the vehicle has crossed 120,000 miles and service records don't show a pump replacement, budget for preventative maintenance or look for a different listing.
Does the XLT trim include backup cameras?
A rearview camera was available as an option or part of equipment packages on the XLT, but it wasn't strictly standard on every base-level XLT build. Always verify whether the specific vehicle you're inspecting has the camera and rear parking sensors installed.
