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Frequently Asked Questions about Ford Explorer

By Jason Farris, The Dealer For the People

What Is the Best 3-Row SUV Under $55K in Morristown, TN?

The best three-row SUV under $55K depends on your priorities. The Ford Explorer has the lowest starting price and strong towing, the Honda Pilot offers the most space with seating for eight, and the Toyota Highlander adds an efficient hybrid. All three have trims well under $55,000.

Quick-facts comparison for Tennessee families:

Starting Price: Explorer from about $38,500; Pilot from about $42,400; Highlander from about $45,900
Seating: Explorer seats 6 to 7; Highlander seats 7 (8 available); Pilot seats up to 8
Cargo Behind the Third Row: Pilot 18.6 cu ft; Explorer 16.3 cu ft; Highlander 16 cu ft
Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs on all three (3,500 lbs on the Highlander hybrid)
Efficiency: Highlander offers an efficient hybrid; Explorer and Pilot stick with gas engines

Shopping for a three-row SUV in Morristown, TN, and nearby Hamblen County communities like Russellville, Talbott, White Pine, Bulls Gap, and Bean Station? Good news: with a $55,000 budget, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot all give your family plenty of room, and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Farris Ford, your friendly, trusted dealership in Morristown, helps families compare all three. Our team loves finding the right fit, so come schedule a test drive near me and view all SUV for sale inventory with transparent pricing and flexible financing.

👉 Browse All Ford Explorer Inventory in Morristown, TN at Farris Ford - Morristown

Exterior Styling

All three SUVs look right at home on Morristown streets and Hamblen County roads. The Explorer has an athletic, modern stance, the Highlander keeps things clean and understated, and the Pilot brings a bold presence that stands out in any parking lot.

Which one suits you comes down to taste: sporty, classic, or tough. Each offers trims at a range of prices, so you can find a style that fits your budget.

Styling Highlights:

Ford Explorer: Athletic stance with available ST-Line and rugged Tremor styling
Toyota Highlander: Clean, understated design that ages gracefully
Honda Pilot: Bold presence with an available rugged TrailSport trim

Interior Comfort & Space

Families in Morristown and Bean Station will appreciate that all three offer three rows and plenty of comfort. The Pilot leads on space with seating for up to eight and 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row.

The Explorer seats six or seven and is praised for its roomy first two rows, while the Highlander seats seven, with an eighth seat available on select trims.

Interior Highlights:

Ford Explorer: Roomy front seats, available massaging seats, and a PowerFold third row
Toyota Highlander: Second-row captain's chairs with an available bench
Honda Pilot: Seating for up to eight and the most cargo room behind the third row

Performance & Capability

The Explorer brings a standard 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, with an available twin-turbo V6 for extra punch. The Highlander uses a 265-horsepower turbo four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive on gas models, plus an available hybrid. The Pilot delivers smooth V6 power at 285 horsepower.

All three tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers most boats and campers headed to Cherokee Lake. The Highlander hybrid is rated lower, at 3,500 pounds.

Performance Highlights:

Ford Explorer: The most available power of the three
Toyota Highlander: Standard all-wheel drive on gas models and an available hybrid
Honda Pilot: Smooth V6 power and up to 5,000 lbs of towing with all-wheel drive

Category	Ford Explorer	Toyota Highlander	Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP	From about $38,500	From about $45,900	From about $42,400
Seating	6 to 7	7 (8 available)	Up to 8
Cargo Behind 3rd Row	16.3 cu ft	16 cu ft	18.6 cu ft
Max Towing	Up to 5,000 lbs	Up to 5,000 lbs (gas)	Up to 5,000 lbs (AWD)

Technology & Safety

The Explorer comes with Ford's SYNC infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, plus Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.

The Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense, and the Pilot offers Honda Sensing along with larger standard screens, so all three help keep Hamblen County families protected and connected.

Tech Highlights:

Ford Explorer: Co-Pilot360 and available BlueCruise
Toyota Highlander: Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance suite
Honda Pilot: Honda Sensing and larger standard screens

Value & Ownership Costs

The Explorer has the lowest starting price of the three, leaving the most room under your $55K budget for upgrades. The Pilot sits in the middle with a feature-packed list, and the Highlander commands a higher starting price backed by Toyota's strong reputation for reliability.

The Highlander hybrid can save at the pump over time. Whichever you choose, compare monthly payments, fuel costs, and the trim features you'll actually use.

Value Highlights:

Ford Explorer: The lowest starting price and the most budget room
Toyota Highlander: Hybrid fuel savings and a strong reliability reputation
Honda Pilot: Standard seating for eight and generous features for the price

5 Morristown and Hamblen County Drives and Destinations Perfect for Any of These SUVs

Panther Creek State Park — Pack the family and gear for hiking and lake views near Morristown
Cherokee Lake near Bean Station — Enjoy fishing, boating, and waterfront views with room for everyone
Rose Center and Crockett Tavern Museum — Explore downtown Morristown's history and culture on a weekend outing
Backroads Through Russellville and Talbott — Take a relaxed country drive through East Tennessee scenery
White Pine and Bulls Gap Day Trips — Make small-town stops with the whole family along the way

👉 Apply for Financing in Morristown, TN at Farris Ford - Morristown

Why Buy from Farris Ford?

✔️ Great selection of three-row SUVs with frequent inventory updates
✔️ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, honest dealer practices Morristown drivers trust
✔️ Friendly, expert sales team ready to help you schedule a test drive near me and find your perfect fit
✔️ Flexible financing options tailored to your budget and family needs
✔️ Local commitment to Morristown and Hamblen County communities

Visit Farris Ford – Morristown at 1112 West Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN 37813, or call (423) 586-5520. Sales hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays.

So, which three-row SUV is right for your family? Honestly, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot are all excellent choices under $55K. The Explorer wins on starting price, the Pilot on space, and the Highlander on hybrid efficiency.

The best way to decide? Come see us and drive them all! Contact your friendly used car dealership near me today to schedule a test drive or view all SUV for sale inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ford Explorer

What Ford Explorer trims are available at Farris Ford – Morristown?

We have new 2026 and 2027 Explorers in stock, including the ST, ST-Line, Active, Platinum, and Tremor, plus pre-owned XLT models. Every new Explorer listed has a third-row seat. Browse the Explorer inventory to compare trims, mileage, and availability across Farris stores before you visit.

How many people does a Ford Explorer seat?

New 2026 and 2027 Explorers at Farris Ford – Morristown list seating for six, and all include a third-row seat. Most list captain seats. Our pre-owned 2021 XLT also seats six, while the pre-owned 2015 XLT seats seven. Check each listing to confirm the seating layout of the vehicle you want.

How much can a Ford Explorer tow and how much horsepower does it have at Farris Ford – Morristown?

New Explorer listings show a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and every one lists a tow package. The ST lists 400 horsepower, while the Active and ST-Line list 300. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available. Call (423) 586-5520 for details on a specific vehicle.

What features come with a new Ford Explorer?

Every new Explorer listed at Farris Ford – Morristown shows these features:

Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist
Blind spot monitor and collision warning
Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Rear A/C and Wi-Fi hotspot

Features vary by trim, so check each listing before you visit.

What maintenance does a Ford Explorer need at Farris Ford – Morristown?

Regular maintenance helps keep your Explorer dependable, and Farris service centers handle:

Oil changes and fluid checks
Brake service and tire rotations
Wheel alignments and battery testing

Factory-scheduled maintenance is available too. Service is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Can I get brake and tire service for my Ford Explorer in Morristown, TN?

Yes. Farris service centers handle brake pad and rotor replacement, tire rotations, and wheel alignments. Schedule your Explorer with Farris Ford – Morristown through our Morristown Ford scheduler or call (423) 586-5520. Service is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM.

What are the service and parts hours for Ford Explorer owners at Farris Ford – Morristown?

Service is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM, and the parts department is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM. Both are closed Saturday and Sunday. Visit us at 1112 West Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN 37813 to bring in your Explorer or ask about parts.

How can I estimate payments on a new Ford Explorer at Farris Ford – Morristown?

Use our car loan calculator to estimate Explorer payments by adjusting the price, down payment, APR, and loan term, with terms from 36 to 96 months. Estimates are for illustration only, and actual rates and terms depend on available lender programs and your credit.

Can I trade in my vehicle toward a Ford Explorer at Farris Ford – Morristown?

Yes. Start with our trade-in value tool, and your trade-in can go toward your down payment to lower the amount you finance. Trade-in offers are valid for 14 days. If you still owe money on it, we will get the payoff amount from your lender and apply your trade-in value toward it.

What Ford incentives are available on a new Explorer at Farris Ford – Morristown?

New Explorers list a dealer discount and Ford Retail Customer Cash, and select vehicles also list Ford Retail Bonus Cash. The Ford offers require delivery by January 4, 2027, and restrictions apply. Some may not combine with special financing, so see our current incentives page or call (423) 586-5520 for qualifications.