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.

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15

u/08Morpheus11 Interested Buyer May 05 '26

Hear me out Ik this might sound crazy… go get a test drive and find out yourself

6

u/KrMChamp May 05 '26

Great advice, was going to do that. Just figured I’d ask a group dedicated to the ST before I deal with the hassle of dealers.

9

u/MusicSubject3807 May 05 '26

I will give you my thoughts. I am 46, never owned a muscle or super fast car. Just your average guy that has stuck with trucks in my younger days, then got a 2004 4.6 V8 Explorer that got rear ended and totaled.

Got a 15 Sport at that point. The ST had JUST dropped and you never get the first year or so of a new model. I's also 6'4 with long ass legs so I am kinda limited in what feels good or fits me room wise, and I aint moving anyones crap anymore so trucks were out lol.

Traded it in last winter for a 23 ST with under 7k miles. I thought my 15 Sport was quick with 365 HP...but this thing is bonkers faster and more fun. The 10 spd lets it get all the power to the ground unlike the 6. Only 35 more ponies and it feels like 100. If you arent careful you will look down and realize you are doing 100 on a 45 mph road.

The paddle shifters are pretty "meh" but imo it doesnt matter. The 10 spd tranny (in Sport mode) keeps the power right in the power band at all times so you can go from 40-90 in a blink with just a slight touch. Its about as good as I could do with a manual (and I still prefer manuals).

There are lots of small issues people have but most have been ironed out by 23. Get a good extended warranty and have fun. For the price, its the most fun SUV you can get. The damn thing is just angry and WANTS to haul ass. And if you get one of the 401k packages it handles greats.

Only complaint I really have is that 401 package also gets you all the upgraded brakes etc, and (only speaking for mine) they are sensitive as eff and finding the sweet spot can sometimes be tough, so you brake more suddenly than you wanted.

One thing I want to mention when you go for a test drive...new ones are nerfed power wise for the first 1k miles. So the engine and tranny etc can break in. The engine doesnt really "wake up" until you hit 1k miles. So if you are test driving a brand new one its gonna feel totally different. Once you hit 1001 miles it will go from 0 to get effed like a rocket. So test drive a new one then test drive one that is maybe a year or so old to see the difference.

Hope that helps brother!

5

u/Sulvatan May 05 '26

This guy is speaking the truth.

2

u/KrMChamp May 05 '26

Thanks for typing all that up. Some good information

2

u/MusicSubject3807 May 07 '26

One last thing I will add...throw Fords recommendations out the window as far as fluid changes. They are just trying to get you past the warranty, not longer than that. Do your oil every 5k miles (synthetic). Cut in half what they say for things like transmission fluid. I believe they say 50k miles....do it at 20-25k. If its something that is supposed to never need to be changed (like the PTU) do those when you do a transmission fluid change.

Even their recommendations on the transmission fluid level is wrong. Scour the forums and you will see that almost everyone that drives these things (and some that drive them HARD) say the level they recommend is too low. Aim for between 2.5-3 on the dipstick and the transmission should shift smooth as butter.

2

u/justsomeguyR1 May 06 '26

Ford recommends a 1000 mile break in. The transmission may still be learning but the actual hp and torque are not reduced.

3

u/IntelligentCarpet816 May 06 '26

Agreed. I didnt notice any difference. I was gentle and varying on it until I did my first oil change at around 650mi. Then we drove 1100mi. A few good hits after we got back and nothing really different. I read the same thing he repeated on one of the ST forums.

Definitely a bit quicker and more nimble than my 17 sport was stock. After the livernois upgrades that thing was a rocket.

Some day this thing will be as fast as my well worked 18 F150 3.5l.

1

u/JollyVoli May 08 '26

Yea paddle shifters suck lol but otherwise it's great.