UPDATE: 2026/03/24 12:52 EST BY GERHARD HORN Article Updated With New Content About EcoBoost V6 PotentialThis feature was updated to include new information supporting why the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost is perfect for families who value performance.The full-size SUV. For folks who need three rows of seats and enough space to haul a large family's-worth of kit, it's one of the most practical segments money can buy. However, the full-size SUV also comes with some glaring downsides, including less-than-savory fuel economy, poor performance, and, potentially, a large sticker price. As we all know, some sacrifices are necessary when it comes time to have a family.However, one such full-size SUV from Ford tried to save those with a penchant for performance from losing out. It was called the Explorer Sport, and it stood as the precursor to the current Ford Explorer ST. The Sport grade first cropped up at the beginning of the 2010s, but its final model year was 2019, just seven years ago. It boasted numerous performance-oriented upgrades, chief among which was a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. There's Muscle Under That Large Frock Ford On the outside, the 2019 Ford Explorer Sport looks relatively tame. Of course, if you participate in some visual scrutinizing, you'll see that it has a special set of wheels, a blacked-out grille and mirror caps, and smoked headlight and tail light housings. Not to mention, its dual-tipped, dual-exhaust system jutting out of its rear end alludes to something a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill engine living underneath its hood.You'd be correct in that assumption, too. Buried underneath the hood is a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 capable of producing 365 horsepower without skipping a beat. The engine itself belongs to the first-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine family, and has been utilized in other suped-up Ford models like the Taurus SHO, Flex, and even the Police Interceptor Utility, the latter of which being the police-packaged Explorer.Ford The good news for feature fanatics is the '19 Explorer's Sport has its roots in the Platinum grade, otherwise known as the highest possible trim level offered on the Explorer. This means that virtually all standard features found in and on the Platinum also come standard with the Sport, save for a couple of unique bits and pieces. It seems that being well-equipped, well styled, and still offering a good bit of power and kit is the Explorer Sport's motto. More On Its Powerful Underpinnings FordProducing 365 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 isn't exactly something to shake a stick at, especially for a vehicle that's meant to take families on fishing trips. In order to produce that much power, the Explorer Sport's EcoBoost engine makes use of things like a high-pressure, direct-injection fuel system designed in conjunction with Bosch, which can operate at up to 2,150 psi. Its two Garrett GT1549L turbochargers can produce around 16 psi safely, as well. The block itself is made from cast aluminum, and its cylinder heads are made from aluminum alloy.Handling the first-gen EcoBoost's power is a six-speed "6F SelectShift" automatic transmission. From there, power is sent through a standard all-wheel drive setup called Intelligent 4WD, which takes advantage of Ford's Terrain Management System (TMS). The TMS tech offers a choice between Normal, Mud, Sand, Grass, and Snow modes, each making unique adjustments to the AWD system to optimize traction in those specific road conditions.Ford Ford spent a significant time upgrading the Explorer Sport's suspension and braking systems. For starters, its entire suspension setup is stiffer than standard, making use of different shock absorbers and tighter springs. The main goal of the new suspension was to reduce body roll under heavy cornering, as large SUVs tend to have a lot. Its set of disc brakes are derived from the Explorer's Police Interceptor Utility package and are larger, and more adept at cooling. Its steering is also tightened with a faster ratio. Tuning Potential The Sport occupies a sweet spot for the DIY-minded enthusiast. Because the 3.5-liter EcoBoost is essentially the same "heart" found in the legendary F-150 and the Taurus SHO, the aftermarket support is massive. A simple ECU tune can easily unlock an additional 50 to 80 horsepower, turning this family hauler into a genuine 400+ hp monster that can keep pace with luxury SUVs costing twice as much. When you consider that you’re getting the utility of three rows and a 5,000-pound towing capacity alongside that performance, the Explorer Sport isn't just a practical buy—it’s a performance bargain that remains one of the best-kept secrets on the used market. Reliability Concerns The Explorer Sport's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, like all other engines belonging to the family, have come under quite a lot of scrutiny over the past decade and a half, especially when it comes to the first-gen iteration of the mill. Both the engine's internal water pump and timing chain tensioners are known to fail prematurely, making regular maintenance even more crucial than normal. If you're looking to pick up a '19 Explorer Sport for yourself, make sure to check and see whether any work has been done to it before buying.When it comes to actual reliability rankings, RepairPalslots it into the 19th spot out of a possible 26, making it less reliable than average. Furthermore, RepairPal estimates its average annual repair cost to be around $732, well above the site's reported average for full-size SUVs, which comes in at $573 per year. What The Sport Grade Has To Offer FordSeeing as it's based on the 2019 Explorer's top-of-the-line Platinum trim, the Sport grade's list of standard features is long. For starters, all Sports come equipped with leather-trimmed seats and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel. The front row is treated to both heated and cooled seats, and the second row passengers are also granted heated seats, too. An upgraded, Sony-bred sound system is present, which is hooked up to a total of 12 speakers. Dual-zone climate, and rear climate controls, are standard, as well. There are a few optional upgrades, too, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Buyers could also opt for a dual-pane, power-sliding moonroof.On the outside, much of the Sport's standard look can't be altered. Along with the aforementioned blacked-out bits, the Sport also boasts black roof rails, a blacked-out rear hatch trim line with "Explorer" embossed on it, and black door handles. Wheel arches and side body moldings are also blacked-out. The only options for the exterior are a pair of black cross-roof rails for mounting things like kayaks, and wheel splash guards. It (Almost) Deserves Your Complete Attention FordOn the surface, the 2019 Explorer Sport sounds like a great all-rounder. It's got plenty of pep, all-wheel drive, full-size SUV-levels of space and convenience, and it doesn't look half-bad, either. Not to mention, one can be had for less than $20,000 in average condition with average mileage, as evidenced by one sharp 92,000-mile example we turned up on the CarBuzz Marketplace, selling in March '26 for $19,888. The flipside, though, is that you definitely need to be wary of the maintenance costs and that 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.However, if you're confident in your ability to spot a good one, and you turn out to be right, the 2019 Explorer Sport shapes up to be a whale of a time in a big, family-oriented SUV.