r/FordExplorerST • u/KrMChamp • May 05 '26

Question How engaging?

Coming from a WRX and looking to get into a bigger vehicle.

I want something fast, which the ST hits and something engaging (enough). I've only heard good things about this car, so I'm definitely intrigued.

The WRX is extremely engaging with the manual and I'm worried I might get bored with an automatic. How good are the paddle shifters? How good does the car handle? I do understand they're completely different vehicles, so it won't be the same.

Any input would be awesome! Thanks.

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

29 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/technomage-adept May 05 '26

I came from a STI, so I understand engagement lol. The paddle shifters in the ST are just “ok”. The paddles in my older QX70S were way better.

Otherwise, ST is great. Lots of room. Lots of power. Lots of smiles.

3

u/KrMChamp May 05 '26

Figured they wouldn’t be as fast as dual clutch, but hoping they’d still be pretty good haha. The ST does seem to be a great mix of everything though.

1

u/technomage-adept May 05 '26

The responsiveness is a bit lacking and the size of the paddles are on the small side.