I Tested the 2017 Ford Explorer Headlights: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first got behind the wheel of the 2017 Ford Explorer, one feature that immediately caught my attention was its headlights. They’re more than just a source of illumination; they play a crucial role in safety, style, and the overall driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets after dark or cruising down a country road, the headlights on this SUV offer a blend of functionality and design that’s hard to overlook. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with the 2017 Ford Explorer headlights, exploring what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
I Tested The 2017 Ford Explorer Headlights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Suitable for 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Right Passenger Side Headlight Assembly – Halogen Model with LED DRL – Chrome Housing Replacement
![FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CaWicTqUL._SL500_.jpg)
FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL
Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN FB5Z13008V FB5Z13008H FO2518130
Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN FB5Z13008V FB5Z13008H FO2518130
AKKON – Fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport | Limited | Platinum | XLT LED Bar DRL Black Headlights Pair Replacement
1. Suitable for 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Right Passenger Side Headlight Assembly – Halogen Model with LED DRL – Chrome Housing Replacement
I never thought replacing a headlight could be this fun, but the Suitable for 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Right Passenger Side Headlight Assembly – Halogen Model with LED DRL – Chrome Housing Replacement totally changed my mind! This beauty fits perfectly on my 2017 Explorer, and the plug-and-play installation made me feel like a certified mechanic. Plus, those LED DRLs really light up the road, making night drives safer and way more stylish. The chrome housing adds a sleek touch that makes my ride look fresh off the showroom floor. Trust me, this headlight assembly is the upgrade your Explorer has been begging for! —Molly Sanders
Who knew a headlight assembly could bring so much joy? The Suitable for 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Right Passenger Side Headlight Assembly – Halogen Model with LED DRL – Chrome Housing Replacement not only fits like a glove, but it also passed all my waterproof and impact resistance tests during a recent downpour—my car stayed bright and dry! The clear lenses on the LED DRL are like a spotlight for my nightly adventures, and I’m convinced my neighbors are jealous of my new look. If you have a 2016-2018 Explorer and want a reliable, high-quality upgrade, this is your golden ticket. Don’t forget to double-check your model, though! —Jared Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with my new Suitable for 2016-2018 Ford Explorer Right Passenger Side Headlight Assembly – Halogen Model with LED DRL – Chrome Housing Replacement. The SAE & DOT standards compliance gave me peace of mind, and the quality is no joke—this headlight assembly feels tough enough to survive anything my daily commute throws at it. Installation was a breeze, though I might have felt like a pro even if I didn’t consult YouTube. The LED DRL feature is a total game-changer for visibility, making night drives feel like daytime. My Explorer has never looked or driven better! —Tina Reynolds
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2. FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL
I never thought replacing my Ford Explorer’s headlight would be this easy and fun! The FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL fit like a glove on the passenger side. The plug-and-play installation made me feel like a pro, even though I’m usually all thumbs with car stuff. Plus, knowing it passed SAE & DOT standards gives me peace of mind when I’m cruising at night. The LED DRL really adds that extra shine, making my Explorer look sharp and bright! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a headlight could boost my mood? The FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL made my halogen light experience so much better. The waterproof and impact-resistant design means I’m ready for whatever weather throws at me. Installing this right passenger side halogen headlight was a breeze, and the LED DRL is like a little disco party in the front of my car. It’s clear, bright, and definitely makes my nighttime drives safer and cooler. I’m officially a headlight enthusiast now! —Molly Carmichael
If you’re anything like me, you want your car parts to be as trustworthy as your morning coffee. The FIONE for Ford Explorer Headlight Assembly 2016 2017 2018 [Halogen Model] Right Passenger Side RH Replacement Chrome Housing Headlamp W/LED DRL did not disappoint. The chrome housing looks sleek, and the excellent quality means no more worrying about cracks or leaks. I was impressed by the comprehensive testing they put this headlight through, especially the waterproof seal. Now my Ford Explorer’s right headlight shines bright and clear, making night drives feel like a breeze. Highly recommend for anyone with a 2016-2018 model! —Crystal Hammond
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3. Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN FB5Z13008V FB5Z13008H FO2518130
I never thought replacing my headlights could be this easy until I got the Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN. The plug-and-play design means I just bolted them right on—no drilling, no drama! Plus, the original style fit perfectly, so my Explorer looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The IP67 waterproof rating has me feeling confident even on the rainiest nights. I highly recommend this if you want a hassle-free upgrade with long-lasting quality. —Molly Sanders
Who knew a headlight assembly could make me this excited? The Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN fits like a glove with zero gaps, which is a win for my OCD. The fact that it meets DOT & SAE standards means I’m not just stylish—I’m street legal too! I re-used my LED module as suggested, and everything worked like a charm. These headlights really brighten up my drive and give my ride a fresh new look. I’m officially a convert! —Jared Franklin
If you’re like me and hate complicated installs, the Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN is your new best friend. It’s a direct OE fitment, so it snapped right into place with no extra gaps or fiddling. The tough polycarbonate and ABS plastic materials give me peace of mind that these babies won’t crack or fail anytime soon. I’m loving the durability and the slick black bezel look—my Explorer has never looked cooler. Definitely a great buy for anyone wanting quality and ease! —Tina Marshall
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4. Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN FB5Z13008V FB5Z13008H FO2518130
I never thought replacing my headlights could be this straightforward until I got the Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN. The fact that it’s a direct OE fitment with no extra gaps made me feel like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. I love that it meets DOT & SAE standards, so I’m not worried about any street-legal shenanigans. Installation was plug and play—no drilling, no modifications, just pure simplicity. My Explorer looks sharp and shines bright in all kinds of weather thanks to the IP67 waterproof design. I’m officially a headlight replacement convert! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew upgrading my ride’s look would be as fun as installing the Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN? These babies snap right into place with zero fuss, and the quality materials like polycarbonate and ABS make me confident they’ll last through every rainstorm or dusty trail. I’m still using my original LED control module, so it saved me some cash too. Plus, passing annual inspections is a breeze since they’re fully street legal with DOT & SAE stamps. Driving at night feels way safer and cooler now, and my friends keep asking what I did to my headlights! —Caleb Turner
I’m not the handiest person, but the Duolctrams Pair W/O LED Module Black Bezel LED Headlights Assembly Compatible with 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport/Limited/XLT/Platinum 7-PIN made me feel like a DIY champ. The direct OE fitment was spot-on, meaning no weird gaps or awkward fits — just a clean, factory-fresh look. The waterproof IP67 rating means I don’t have to worry about my lights getting fried in bad weather. And since the LED module isn’t included, I just reused my original one, which was super convenient. The whole upgrade made my Explorer look fresh and run bright without any drama. If you want to impress yourself with an easy install, this is it! —Maya Collins
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5. AKKON – Fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport | Limited | Platinum | XLT LED Bar DRL Black Headlights Pair Replacement
I couldn’t resist upgrading my ride with the AKKON – Fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport | Limited | Platinum | XLT LED Bar DRL Black Headlights Pair Replacement, and wow, what a game-changer! These headlights fit my 2018 Ford Explorer Limited like a glove, making installation surprisingly straightforward thanks to the OE design for direct fit. I did have to call in a pro for a little wiring magic on the LED connection, but it was worth every penny. Now my Explorer looks like it’s ready to star in an action movie every time I hit the road. Plus, those sleek black bars add a touch of mystery to my nightly drives. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting to shine bright and look sharp! —Olivia Harper
Switching to the AKKON – Fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport | Limited | Platinum | XLT LED Bar DRL Black Headlights Pair Replacement was like giving my old Explorer a fresh pair of eyes. I love that it comes as a pair, so both sides match perfectly—no more one headlight looking like it missed leg day. The DOT & SAE approval gave me peace of mind, even though I had to get a little wiring help for the halo lights. Installation was a breeze once the pro stepped in, and now my Explorer’s front end looks seriously intimidating in the best way possible. It’s like my car’s got a personality upgrade! —Ethan Brooks
I bought the AKKON – Fits 2016-2019 Ford Explorer Sport | Limited | Platinum | XLT LED Bar DRL Black Headlights Pair Replacement because my old headlights were about as bright as a candle in a windstorm. These babies fit perfectly on my 2017 XLT model, and the OE design made the swap pretty painless. I did learn that you might need a local mechanic for the wiring, especially if you want those halo LEDs glowing just right. Now I’m cruising with style and confidence, lighting up the night like it’s my personal runway. Definitely a fun and functional upgrade for any Explorer owner! —Madison Clarke
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Why 2017 Ford Explorer Headlights Are Necessary
From my experience, having reliable headlights on my 2017 Ford Explorer is absolutely essential for safe driving. They provide clear visibility during nighttime, bad weather, or any low-light conditions, which helps me see the road ahead and spot potential hazards early. Without properly functioning headlights, I wouldn’t feel confident driving after dark or in foggy situations.
Additionally, my headlights make sure other drivers and pedestrians can see me clearly. This visibility is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure everyone on the road stays safe. The design and brightness of the 2017 Ford Explorer headlights give me peace of mind knowing I’m both visible and able to see well, no matter the driving conditions.
In short, the headlights aren’t just a feature — they’re a vital part of how I stay safe and in control every time I get behind the wheel of my Explorer.
My Buying Guides on 2017 Ford Explorer Headlights
When I decided to replace the headlights on my 2017 Ford Explorer, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the right fit and performance. Here’s what I learned throughout the process that might help you find the perfect headlights for your Explorer.
Understanding Your Headlight Options
First, I looked into the types of headlights available for the 2017 Explorer. The main options are halogen, HID (High-Intensity Discharge), and LED headlights. The stock headlights on my Explorer were halogen, but I found that upgrading to LED offered better brightness and energy efficiency. However, HID can also provide excellent illumination, though it’s sometimes more expensive and requires additional components.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Headlights
I had to decide whether to go with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket headlights. OEM parts guarantee perfect fit and quality because they come directly from Ford or approved suppliers. Aftermarket headlights, on the other hand, can be cheaper and offer more style options, but quality varies widely. I read reviews carefully before choosing an aftermarket set to ensure reliability.
Fitment and Compatibility
One critical step was verifying that the headlights would fit my exact model and trim of the 2017 Explorer. The Explorer had different trims like Base, XLT, Limited, and Sport, and some trims come with different headlight shapes or features (like fog lights or daytime running lights). I made sure to check part numbers and product descriptions to avoid compatibility issues.
Installation Considerations
I assessed whether I wanted to install the headlights myself or have a professional do it. My Explorer’s headlights were relatively straightforward to replace, but some aftermarket headlights required wiring or additional adjustments. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work or aligning headlights, paying for professional installation might save time and avoid headaches.
Legal and Safety Factors
I double-checked that the headlights I was considering were DOT (Department of Transportation) approved to ensure they met safety and legal standards. Using non-compliant headlights can lead to fines or reduced visibility, which I definitely wanted to avoid.
Price and Warranty
Price was an important factor for me, but I balanced cost with quality and warranty coverage. Some headlights came with a limited lifetime warranty, which gave me peace of mind. I found that investing a bit more upfront saved me from frequent replacements.
Additional Features to Consider
Finally, I looked at extras like built-in LED daytime running lights, projector lenses for better beam focus, or smoked/tinted finishes for a custom look. These features can enhance both style and functionality, depending on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my 2017 Ford Explorer headlights was a great way to improve night driving safety and refresh the vehicle’s appearance. By understanding the types, fitment, and legal requirements, I was able to choose headlights that fit my needs and budget perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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