Finding a balanced three-row SUV that packs a legitimate punch under the hood without breaking the bank often leads to a familiar crossroad. Among the sea of family haulers, the 2019 Ford Explorer Sport stands out as a unique remnant of an era where Ford decided to shove a high-output twin-turbocharged V6 into its flagship grocery getter. As the final iteration of the fifth-generation Explorer, the 2019 Sport represents the most refined version of a platform that defined the American crossover landscape for nearly a decade.

While the automotive world has moved toward smaller displacements and hybridized powertrains, the 2019 Explorer Sport remains a compelling option for those who prioritize mechanical grit and straight-line speed. It’s not just an XLT with a fancy badge; it’s a specific mechanical configuration designed to bridge the gap between a standard utility vehicle and a performance-oriented machine.

The Heart of the Beast: 3.5L EcoBoost Performance

The centerpiece of the 2019 Ford Explorer Sport is undoubtedly the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant delivers a robust 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Unlike the naturally aspirated 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 found in the base trims, or the smaller 2.3L four-cylinder engine, the twin-turbocharged unit provides a surge of low-end torque that makes the vehicle feel much smaller than its nearly 5,000-pound curb weight suggests.

On the road, this translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in roughly 6.3 seconds. For a vehicle designed to carry seven people, that performance is significant. The twin-scroll turbochargers minimize lag, providing a linear power delivery that is particularly useful when merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic on two-lane roads. The engine is paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. While some might view a six-speed as dated in an era of 10-speed gearboxes, the unit in the Sport is tuned for more aggressive shifting and includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for drivers who want manual control over their gear selection.

Fuel economy for this high-performance setup is rated by the EPA at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined 18 mpg. It is important to note that achieving the full 365-horsepower rating requires 93-octane fuel, though the vehicle will run on regular unleaded at slightly reduced power levels.

Handling Dynamics and the Sport-Tuned Suspension

Ford didn’t just stop at the engine when crafting the Sport trim. This model features a unique sport-tuned suspension system that includes stiffer dampers and specialized springs compared to the XLT or Limited trims. The goal was to reduce the body roll typically associated with top-heavy SUVs, giving the driver more confidence during cornering.

The steering system is an electric power-assisted unit (EPAS) with a faster ratio than the standard Explorer. This provides a more direct feel, though it remains a large vehicle that can feel cumbersome in tight urban environments. The Sport trim also comes standard with the Intelligent 4WD system and the Terrain Management System. This allows the driver to toggle between four modes—Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Grass/Gravel/Snow—optimizing the powertrain torque and braking systems to maintain traction on various surfaces.

One of the most appreciated features for those who actually use their SUVs for more than commuting is the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package. This allows the 2019 Sport to tow up to 5,000 lbs. When combined with the standard Trailer Sway Control, it becomes a capable platform for hauling boats, campers, or small car trailers, offering a level of versatility that many modern mid-size crossovers cannot match.

Aesthetic Identity: The Blackout Look

Visually, the 2019 Ford Explorer Sport is easily identifiable by its aggressive, "blacked-out" aesthetic. Ford replaced most of the chrome trim found on the Limited or Platinum models with high-gloss black accents. This includes the mesh grille insert, the roof-rack side rails, and the mirror caps. The liftgate applique also receives the black treatment, and the hood features the iconic "EXPLORER" lettering prominently displayed.

The vehicle sits on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, wrapped in P255/50R20 all-season tires. For those seeking even more grip, summer tires were an available option from the factory. The quad exhaust tips protruding from the rear bumper serve as a subtle nod to the performance under the hood, distinguishing it from the single-exit or hidden exhausts found on lower-tier models.

Interior Comfort and Packaging Quirks

Inside the cabin, the Sport trim offers a premium, albeit slightly aging, environment. It comes standard with perforated leather-trimmed seating featuring red accent stitching, which adds a bit of flair to the darkened interior. The front bucket seats are 10-way power-adjustable and include heating as standard, while the second-row seats often feature a center armrest with dual cup holders.

However, the 2019 Explorer is not without its interior flaws. Reviewers often point out the "awkward packaging" of this generation. The seats are positioned unusually far inboard from the doors, creating a wide doorsill that can be difficult to step over. Furthermore, the pedal box is somewhat narrow, which can be an issue for drivers with larger footwear.

In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers 21.0 cubic feet behind the third row, which is a deep well that is great for groceries. Folding the 50/50 split-fold-flat third row expands that to 43.9 cubic feet, and with all rear seats down, you get 81.7 cubic feet of total volume. While these numbers are competitive, some rivals in the large utility segment offer more efficient use of space, particularly in terms of second-row legroom and third-row accessibility.

Technology: The Reliability of Sync 3

By 2019, Ford had perfected the Sync 3 infotainment system, moving away from the much-maligned MyFord Touch. The Sport trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is known for its snappy response times and intuitive layout, making it one of the better interfaces available for this model year.

The audio experience is handled by a 12-speaker Sony premium audio system with HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. It provides a crisp, powerful soundstage that matches the vehicle's premium positioning. For those focused on connectivity, the FordPass Connect feature provides a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on long road trips.

In terms of driver assistance, the 2019 Sport can be equipped with the Safe and Smart Package, which includes:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support.
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).
  • Lane-Keeping System.
  • Rain-sensing wipers.
  • Automatic high-beam headlamps.

These features help modernize the 2019 model, making it a viable daily driver even by 2026 standards, where such technologies have become mandatory expectations for most buyers.

Safety Ratings and Considerations

Safety is a nuanced topic for the 2019 Explorer. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) testing revealed some vulnerabilities. Specifically, it received a "Poor" rating in the small overlap front passenger-side crash test and a "Marginal" rating on the driver-side equivalent. These results were a primary driver for Ford to completely redesign the chassis for the subsequent 2020 generation.

That said, the vehicle is built with a high-strength steel safety cage and includes several airbags, including a unique glove-box-door-integrated knee airbag for the front passenger and the Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags for all three rows. For families, the inflatable rear safety belts in the second-row outboard positions were an available option to help reduce the risk of injury during a collision.

The Secondary Market: Reliability and Maintenance

As a used vehicle in 2026, the 2019 Ford Explorer Sport requires a specific maintenance mindset. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is generally reliable but has a few known pain points that buyers should investigate:

  1. Water Pump Issues: This engine uses an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. If the pump fails, it can leak coolant into the oil pan, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. It is vital to check the service history for any signs of coolant loss or recent pump replacement.
  2. PTU (Power Take-Off Unit)：On 4WD models, the PTU is responsible for sending power to the rear wheels. In earlier versions of this generation, these units were prone to overheating and fluid breakdown. By 2019, the design was better, but regular fluid changes are still recommended to prevent premature failure.
  3. Turbocharger Maintenance: Like any turbocharged engine, regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil are non-negotiable. Inspect for any signs of oil leaks around the turbo lines or excessive smoke from the exhaust under heavy acceleration.
  4. Suspension Wear: Given the heavier weight of the Sport and its firmer suspension, components like ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts may wear out faster than on lighter sedans. Test drive for any clunks or rattles over bumps.

Comparison: Sport vs. Platinum

Prospective buyers often weigh the Sport against the Platinum trim. Both share the 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine and standard 4WD. However, the Platinum focuses on luxury over aggression. It features a dual-pane sunroof, real wood trim on the steering wheel, an all-digital instrument cluster, and Nirvana leather seats with massage functions.

The Sport is the better choice for someone who prefers a stiffer, more communicative ride and a darker, more modern aesthetic. If you value a soft, library-quiet cabin with every possible luxury bell and whistle, the Platinum is the better fit. However, from a value perspective, the Sport often holds its price well because its "Street Performance" persona remains popular with a wide demographic of enthusiasts.

Final Verdict

The 2019 Ford Explorer Sport is a polarizing yet impressive machine. It represents the end of an era—the final year of the front-wheel-drive-based, transverse-engine platform that dominated the 2010s. It lacks the rear-wheel-drive dynamics of the 2020+ ST models, but it offers a proven mechanical package that is easier for many independent shops to service.

It is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle, nor does it have the most modern crash test ratings. But if you need a three-row SUV that can tow a boat on Saturday and embarrass some sports sedans at a stoplight on Monday, the 2019 Sport is a sleeper hit. In the current market, it offers a level of raw performance that is becoming increasingly hard to find in the standardized world of four-cylinder crossovers.

For the buyer who understands the maintenance requirements of a twin-turbo V6 and appreciates the bold, blacked-out styling, this vehicle remains one of the most capable and entertaining ways to haul a family and their gear. It’s a muscular, unapologetic American SUV that delivers on its promise of power and presence.