Spotlight Ford Explorer (Fifth Generation 2011-2019)

By Richard Truesdell

The body-on-frame Ford Explorer was once the best-selling SUV of the era before the car-based crossover came to dominate the market. For its Fifth Generation, the Explorer moved to a unibody car-based platform making it more of a crossover than its truck-based predecessor.

 More than 2.5 million Fifth-Generation models were sold. This included almost 200,000 Ford Police Interceptor Utility models (yes, the black and white version filling up your rear-view mirror) after the long-running Crown Victoria was discontinued in 2011. Some of those early police Interceptors are entering the used car marketplace. The Fifth-Generation Explorer received a facelift for the 2016 model year with some differences to the instrument panel.

 As the Ford Explorer continued its model run, a greater percentage of units were equipped with full infotainment systems, especially on the higher trim levels. But as many of you know, when they go bad, and often they do, it’s not uncommon to have owners look to the aftermarket for replacements. 

If you’ve ever done a system upgrade on a Fifth-Generation Explorer you know that it is an involved yet relatively straightforward installation… if you have the right kit. Metra offers the 99-5847CH dash and wiring kit. This facilitates the installation of virtually any aftermarket head unit for a 2011-15 Ford Explorer. The kit includes a 4.2-inch touchscreen. This controls the front and rear climate controls and the Ford SYNC system.

The built-in interface allows you to retain the customer’s steering wheel audio controls. The interface also integrates with the OEM backup camera, the Ford factory amplifier, and the subwoofer. The accessory power (RAP) feature is retained. It supplies the outputs for the parking brake, reverse, and speed sense that is needed to install a full-featured NAV receiver. Metra even includes an integrated hazard button and passenger airbag indicator.

This is a plug-and-play solution for a customer who simply wants to replace a base-level touchscreen. The kit is not cheap with an MSRP of $329 but it truly simplifies things. You should always have one in stock, especially if you’re not close to a nearby stocking distributor. Think of it as just another head unit in stock.

You’ll likely encounter two distinct Fifth-Generation Explorer customers. The low-end customer will simply want to replace a dead base model receiver. The Metra kit itself accomplishes that goal because it comes with a screen.

That said, your choices are endless from single- and double-DIN in-dash head units up to Tesla-style floating big-screen models.

If a more comprehensive upgrade is on the customer’s menu, then, once again, just about any radio will fit.  The options are endless. JVC offers the KW-Z1000W, a double-DIN multimedia head unit with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. With an MSRP of $1099, it is one of the most feature-packed models under $1200, competitive with units coming from other top-tier manufacturers.

Like replacing the head unit, speaker replacements can range from inexpensive, two-way models for the budget-minded customer who wants to replace the scratchy-sounding OEM speakers that, in some instances, are now a decade old. When the budget allows for upgrading the speakers, direct the customer to the better, higher-margin brands you stock.

Subwoofer upgrades can also be considered. No OEM subwoofer was offered even with the factory-installed premium sound systems. This is an opportunity that can go in two directions. A small-box, universal unpowered or powered enclosure with a 10-inch subwoofer is the first option.

For an application-specific solution, consider a ready-to-go, drop-in JL Audio SE-F-EXEPL3/10W3v3 StealthBox. This means you’ll have the opportunity to add to the sales ticket anywhere from $300 for a universal box and subwoofer to $1,000 or more with the JL Audio option, even more with a dedicated subwoofer amplifier.

While the Explorer isn’t as popular as it once was, the Fifth-Generation 2011-2019 Explorer, especially the pre-facelift 2011-2015 models, still represent several upgrade paths that provide solid profit opportunities.

Rich Truesdell

Rich is an industry veteran and longtime automotive photojournalist   He has served as an installer, a 12 volt retail store owner, and a car audio and automotive journalist.

Truesdell founded Kartunes Mobile Electronics in New Jersey in 1976 with a retail storefront from 1980 to 1992. He’s contributed to publications including Motor Trend and has been a full-time automotive journalist since 2000 to more than 30 magazines around the world.  He is also the co-author of three books with collaborator Mark Fletcher; Hurst Equipped (2012), 1970 Maximum Muscle (2021), and Hemi Under Glass (2021). Truesdell even appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage!

Truesdell welcomes questions from readers and he hopes to connect with colleagues from his many years in the car audio industry at [email protected]