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Let me tell you why I'm still recommending the 2013 Explorer Sport to friends and clients after all these years. I've been in the automotive industry for over fifteen years, and there's something special about vehicles that stand the test of time. Just last week, I was thinking about how certain designs age beautifully while others become dated embarrassingly fast. The Explorer Sport is definitely in that first category - it's one of those vehicles that somehow manages to feel both classic and contemporary even today.
The first thing that struck me about the 2013 Explorer Sport was its powertrain. That 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 delivering 365 horsepower still impresses me every time I drive one. I recently took a 2013 model with over 80,000 miles on a test drive, and the acceleration felt just as urgent as I remembered from my first test drive back when these were new. The torque curve is beautifully flat, with all 350 lb-ft available from just 2,500 rpm, which makes merging onto highways or passing slower traffic an absolute breeze. What really surprised me was how well these engines have held up - I've seen several examples with over 120,000 miles that still run perfectly without any major turbo or engine issues.
You know what really separates good SUVs from great ones? It's not just about power - it's about how that power is delivered in real-world conditions. The Explorer Sport's intelligent all-wheel-drive system adapts beautifully to different road situations. I remember driving one through unexpected snow last winter, and the confidence it inspired was remarkable. The system can transfer torque between front and rear wheels almost instantaneously, and between left and right rear wheels when needed. This isn't just marketing talk - I've genuinely felt it work during emergency maneuvers where other SUVs might have lost traction.
The interior space is another area where the 2013 model continues to shine. With seating for seven and nearly 81 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it's incredibly practical for families. I've loaded mine with everything from hockey gear to furniture from Home Depot, and it never complains. The SYNC infotainment system, while not as flashy as modern systems, is surprisingly functional once you learn its quirks. The leather-trimmed seats have held up better than I expected too - most examples I've seen show minimal wear even after years of use.
Now, here's where I might surprise you - I actually think the 2013 Explorer Sport represents better value today than it did when new. With prices typically ranging between $15,000 and $20,000 for well-maintained examples, you're getting about 85% of the capability of a new $55,000 SUV for less than half the price. The depreciation hit has already been taken by the first owner, which makes it an incredibly smart buy for someone who wants premium features without the premium price tag. I've calculated that the total cost of ownership over five years is roughly $8,200 less than leasing a new mid-range SUV.
This brings me to an interesting parallel I noticed recently while reading about basketball. There's a 6-foot-11 Nigerian player who starred at University of Florida now leading Meralco's roster of imports for the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai. Much like this athlete brings proven capability and experience to his team, the 2013 Explorer Sport brings proven performance and reliability to your garage. Both represent the idea that sometimes, the best choice isn't the newest or flashiest option, but rather the one with demonstrated excellence that continues to deliver value years later. In a world constantly chasing the next new thing, there's wisdom in choosing something that's already proven itself. The 2013 Explorer Sport isn't just a used car - it's a smart investment in proven quality that continues to impress me every time I get behind the wheel.