For many who appreciate a direct connection with their vehicle, the idea of a manual gearbox brings a certain joy. It's that feeling of control, of truly being a part of the machine's rhythm. So, it's almost natural to wonder if a popular family SUV, like the 2017 Ford Explorer, might have offered such a choice. This question comes up a lot, especially as people look back at vehicles that blend capability with everyday usability. The appeal of shifting gears yourself is still strong for a lot of drivers, even if the market has moved in a different direction. You know, that sense of engagement you get from working the clutch and gear stick.

Thinking about the 2017 Ford Explorer, you might be picturing its spacious interior, its ability to carry families, and perhaps its all-wheel-drive capabilities for different kinds of weather. What you might also be wondering about is the kind of driving experience it provides, and that often comes down to the transmission. So, we're going to look into what was available for this particular model year and why some choices were made.

It’s important to mention, as a matter of fact, that the information we have, like the notes about Ford Transit campers, Puma engine troubles, or Fiesta starting issues, doesn't really touch on the Ford Explorer from 2017 or its transmission options. Those notes talk about problems with modern Ford vehicles, like a Ford Puma's MHEV system acting up at 2500 km or a Transit Custom's timing belt interval. This means we'll be relying on general knowledge about Ford's offerings and the broader automotive scene to answer your questions about the 2017 Explorer's manual availability. We'll explore what was actually put out there for drivers looking at this kind of vehicle.

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Table of Contents

• The Reality of the 2017 Ford Explorer's Transmission
  • Automatic All the Way
  • Why No Manual for the Explorer?
• What the 2017 Explorer Did Offer
  • Engine Choices and Performance
  • Standard Features and Comfort
• Looking Back: The Manual Transmission's Place in SUVs
  • A Brief History of Manual SUVs
  • The Shift to Automatics
• For the Manual Enthusiast: What Are Your Options?
  • Older Explorer Models
  • Other Ford Manuals
  • Aftermarket Possibilities
• Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Explorer Transmission
• Final Thoughts on the Explorer's Transmission Choices

The Reality of the 2017 Ford Explorer's Transmission

Let's get straight to the point about the 2017 Ford Explorer and its transmission. If you were hoping to find one with a manual gearbox, you might be a little disappointed. This model year, like several before it, simply didn't come with that option. It's a pretty clear situation, really, when you look at how these vehicles were put together for sale.

Automatic All the Way

Every single 2017 Ford Explorer that rolled off the assembly line came equipped with an automatic transmission. Specifically, it used a six-speed automatic. This transmission was paired with all the engine choices available for that year. So, whether you picked the standard engine or one of the more powerful ones, the shifting was always done for you. It was a consistent setup across the board, in fact.

This automatic system was designed to provide smooth gear changes and a generally comfortable driving feel. It aimed to make daily commutes and longer trips easy, without the need for a clutch pedal or manual gear selection. For many drivers, this convenience is a big plus, and it aligns with what most people expect from a large family vehicle these days. It just makes things simpler, you know?

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Why No Manual for the Explorer?

The absence of a manual option for the 2017 Ford Explorer wasn't a surprise to anyone following the automotive market. There are several good reasons why Ford, and many other car makers, moved away from offering manual transmissions in larger SUVs like the Explorer. For one thing, consumer preference plays a huge role. Most people buying these kinds of vehicles prefer the ease of an automatic. They're often looking for something comfortable and straightforward for family use, and that often means less active involvement with the gears.

Another point is that modern automatic transmissions have become incredibly efficient and smart. They can often shift faster and more smoothly than a human driver, and they're designed to help with fuel economy. This means the traditional benefits of a manual, like better gas mileage or more control, have largely been matched or even surpassed by automatics. So, there's less of a technical reason to offer a manual, too it's almost.

Also, think about the segment itself. Large SUVs like the Explorer are built for hauling people and cargo, sometimes even towing. An automatic transmission handles these tasks with less effort for the driver, making the vehicle feel more capable and less demanding. It's just a better fit for the job, arguably, that these big vehicles are usually asked to do.

What the 2017 Explorer Did Offer

Even without a manual option, the 2017 Ford Explorer brought a lot to the table for its target audience. It was a popular choice for families needing space, a comfortable ride, and a good amount of capability. It really focused on being a well-rounded vehicle for daily life and adventures.

Engine Choices and Performance

The 2017 Explorer offered a few different engine options, each paired with that standard six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 3.5-liter V6, which provided a good balance of power for most driving situations. This was a solid choice for everyday use, offering enough oomph for highway merging and general hauling. It was a very reliable engine, really.

For those wanting a bit more pep, there was also a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This one used turbocharging to give it more power while still being quite efficient. It was a popular upgrade for people who wanted a bit more responsiveness without moving up to the largest engine. And then, for top-tier performance, the Explorer Sport model came with a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. This engine was twin-turbocharged and gave the Explorer a truly significant boost in acceleration, making it feel quite quick for an SUV of its size. It was, in fact, a very strong performer.

Standard Features and Comfort

Beyond the engine, the 2017 Ford Explorer was known for its comfortable interior and a good array of features. It could seat up to seven people, making it a real family hauler. The ride quality was generally smooth, absorbing bumps well, which is important for long trips with passengers. There was also a decent amount of cargo room, especially when the rear seats were folded down. You know, for all that stuff families tend to carry.

Technology features were also present, with options like Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which was a pretty big deal at the time. It included things like a touchscreen display, navigation, and smartphone integration. Safety features were also a focus, with available driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. So, it was a vehicle built with convenience and safety in mind, which typically appeals to the family market.

Looking Back: The Manual Transmission's Place in SUVs

It’s interesting to consider how manual transmissions, especially in larger vehicles like SUVs, have changed over time. There was a period when you could find a manual option in many different types of vehicles, but that has certainly shifted. It's a bit of a historical journey, in a way, to see how we got to where we are now.

A Brief History of Manual SUVs

Back in the day, especially with early SUVs or utility vehicles, a manual transmission was quite common. Think about older Jeep models, some early Ford Broncos, or even certain versions of the Ford Explorer's ancestors. These vehicles were often designed with a more rugged, utilitarian purpose, and a manual gearbox fit that idea perfectly. It offered simplicity, durability, and a direct feel that many drivers appreciated for off-road adventures or heavy work. They were, you know, just built a bit differently.

However, as SUVs began to evolve from purely utilitarian vehicles into more comfortable, family-friendly cars, the demand for manual transmissions started to drop. People wanted easier driving, especially in city traffic. This change happened gradually, but pretty steadily. It was a shift in what people expected from their daily ride.

The Shift to Automatics

The move away from manual transmissions in SUVs, and really across most vehicle types, gained a lot of speed over the last few decades. Modern automatic transmissions have made huge strides. They're not just about convenience anymore; they're also very good at managing engine power and helping with fuel efficiency. Many of them have more gears than older automatics, sometimes six, eight, or even ten speeds, which allows the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range more often. This is a pretty big deal, honestly.

Also, the technology inside automatics has gotten much more advanced. They can learn your driving style, anticipate shifts, and even communicate with other vehicle systems to optimize performance. This means they can often deliver a smoother, more refined driving experience than a manual, especially for the average driver. So, the reasons to choose a manual, like better fuel economy or a sportier feel, have largely been taken over by these smart automatics. It's almost like they do the thinking for you, basically.

For the Manual Enthusiast: What Are Your Options?

If you're someone who really loves the feel of a manual transmission, and you're thinking about a Ford SUV, the 2017 Explorer might not be the vehicle for you. But that doesn't mean there are no manual options out there, or that the idea of a manual SUV is completely gone. It's just a matter of looking in different places, perhaps, or at different kinds of vehicles.

Older Explorer Models

While the more recent generations of the Ford Explorer, including the 2017 model, have been automatic-only, some very early Explorer models did indeed offer a manual transmission. We're talking about the first and second generations, from the early to mid-1990s. These were much simpler vehicles, more truck-like in their build. Finding one in good condition with a manual would be quite a task today, and it would be a very different driving experience from a modern SUV. They're, you know, kind of collector's items now.

If your heart is set on a manual Explorer, you'd be looking at a much older vehicle that would likely need some care and attention. It would be a project for a true enthusiast, rather than a daily driver. That's just the reality of it, really.

Other Ford Manuals

If you're a fan of Ford vehicles but absolutely want a manual transmission, you'll need to look at other models in their lineup. For example, some smaller Ford cars, like the Fiesta and Focus (though the Focus is no longer sold new in the US), were available with manual gearboxes for many years. You might even find some discussions about manual transmissions for vehicles like the Ford Puma, as we saw in the notes about a 2022 Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Mild Hybrid automatic and questions about its timing belt. While that particular Puma was automatic, other versions or smaller cars often offered a stick shift. These are very different vehicles from the Explorer, of course, but they do carry the Ford badge and offer that manual connection. You know, for those who really want to shift gears themselves.

For something more recent, Ford has offered manual transmissions in certain performance models, like the Mustang. And for trucks, some versions of the Ford Ranger pickup have had manual options in the past, though they are becoming less common there too. So, while the Explorer is out, other Fords might fit the bill for manual driving. You just have to pick a different type of vehicle, basically.

Aftermarket Possibilities

For the truly dedicated manual enthusiast, there's always the theoretical idea of an aftermarket conversion. This means taking an automatic vehicle and custom-fitting a manual transmission into it. However, for a vehicle like the 2017 Ford Explorer, this would be an incredibly complex, expensive, and time-consuming project. It would involve major modifications to the drivetrain, electronics, and interior, and it would likely void any warranties. This is not a practical solution for almost anyone, to be honest. It's more of a "what if" scenario for those who dream big about manual swaps. It's just not something you typically see done for a family SUV, you know?

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Ford Explorer Transmission

Did the 2017 Ford Explorer come with a manual transmission?

No, the 2017 Ford Explorer was only offered with an automatic transmission. Every single model that year came with a six-speed automatic gearbox. There was no option to choose a manual. That's just how it was, really.

What kind of transmission does a 2017 Ford Explorer have?

The 2017 Ford Explorer used a six-speed automatic transmission across all its trim levels and engine options. This transmission was designed for smooth shifts and ease of driving, which is pretty typical for a large family SUV. It's a very common setup for vehicles of this type.

Are there any manual SUVs still made by Ford?

Currently, Ford does not produce any SUVs with a manual transmission for the general market. The trend in the SUV segment has moved entirely towards automatic transmissions due to consumer preference and advancements in automatic technology. You might find manual transmissions in some older, more utilitarian Ford SUVs, or in certain performance cars and trucks from Ford, but not in their modern SUV lineup. It's just not what people are looking for in an SUV these days, apparently.

Final Thoughts on the Explorer's Transmission Choices

So, when you're thinking about the 2017 Ford Explorer, it's clear that the manual transmission wasn't part of its story. This SUV was designed with a specific kind of driver in mind: someone who valued comfort, space, and a straightforward driving experience. The automatic transmission played a big part in delivering that. It allowed drivers to focus on the road, their passengers, and the journey itself, without worrying about shifting gears. This is what most buyers of large family vehicles tend to look for, you know?

While the desire for a manual gearbox is totally understandable for many car fans, the automotive world has changed quite a bit. Automatics have become the standard for a lot of good reasons, from how easy they are to use to their efficiency. So, if you're looking at a 2017 Ford Explorer, you're getting a capable and comfortable SUV with an automatic transmission that's designed to make your driving life simpler. It's a vehicle built for the way most people drive today, honestly. You can learn more about Ford's vehicle history on our site, and if you're curious about general transmission types, link to this page Understanding Car Transmissions for more details.

If you're really set on a manual, you might need to explore different kinds of vehicles or perhaps older models, as we discussed. The 2017 Explorer, with its focus on family utility and comfort, definitely went the automatic route. For more general information about car transmissions and how they work, you could check out resources like Car and Driver's explanations on the topic. It really helps put things into perspective, you know, how these systems have evolved.