The Ford Explorer has changed enough in the last few years that the old advice of grabbing any windshield mount and calling it a day no longer applies. Finding the right Ford Explorer phone mount now depends heavily on which generation you own, since the dashboard, screen size, and even the center console layout are different depending on the model year.
This guide is organized by generation, newest first, so you can jump straight to the section that matches your Explorer. The 2025 and 2026 models got a full dashboard overhaul with a new 13.2-inch touchscreen, which opened up mounting options that simply did not exist on older Explorers. Earlier generations still have solid choices, they are just different choices.
Quick Comparison: Best Phone Mounts for Ford Explorer
| Mount | Best For | Years/Trim |
|---|---|---|
| TUYICN Touchscreen Clip Mount | Direct clip to the new 13.2-inch screen | 2025+ Explorer (Active, T-Line, ST, Platinum, Tremor) |
| Bulletpoint Metal Rail Dash Mount | Screen-free mounting for drivers who don’t want anything clipped to the display | 2025+ Explorer |
| FICS Center Display Mount | Custom fit around the 8-inch center display, no adhesive | 2020–2024 Explorer (6th Gen), 8-inch screen only |
| JOCUNDLY Vent Mount | Quick, everyday vent mounting, fits thick cases | 2016–2019 Explorer |
| VICSEED MagSafe Vent Mount | Universal fallback for any Explorer year | All years, including 2011–2015 |
How to Pick the Right Ford Explorer Phone Mount
The most important factor in choosing a Ford Explorer phone mount is the dashboard layout, and that layout has shifted twice in the current generation alone. The 2020–2024 Explorer launched with an 8-inch center screen as standard, with a 10.1-inch screen offered on higher trims. The 2025 refresh replaced both of those with a single 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch driver display and a new phone storage shelf below the screen. That means a mount built for a 2023 Explorer will not fit a 2025 model, and vice versa.
Older Explorers, including the 2016–2019 generation, are more forgiving overall, with a simpler vent and dash arrangement that works well with vent mounts. If you are cross-shopping mount styles across the Ford lineup, our Ford F-150 phone mount guide covers a similar mix of custom and universal options for that truck.
Best Touchscreen Mount for 2025–2026 Ford Explorer
The 2025 and 2026 Explorer’s 13.2-inch touchscreen changed the entire dashboard, and a handful of mounts now clip directly to the screen bezel instead of relying on a vent or adhesive base. The TUYICN mount is built specifically for this layout, with a 360-degree ball joint that keeps the phone within easy reach of the driver without covering the air vents or requiring any drilling.
Because it attaches to the edge of the touchscreen itself, fitment is limited to the 2025 and later Explorer with the 13.2-inch display. It is not a fit for the 2020–2024 8-inch or 10.1-inch layouts covered further down this guide.
Best Metal Rail Dash Mount for 2025–2026 Ford Explorer
Not every Explorer owner wants a mount clipped onto the touchscreen, and the Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions rail mount solves that by skipping the screen entirely. It uses a Picatinny-style metal rail bolted into the dash area, giving you a fixed, rattle-free base to attach a standard phone cradle without any contact with the display or its bezel.
This is the better choice for drivers who plan to swap phones or accessories over time, since Picatinny-style rail systems accept a wide range of cradle attachments rather than locking you into one specific holder.
Bulletpoint is a very solid brand that makes a premium mount. You won’t be disappointed if selecting this pick.
Best Custom Mount for 2020–2024 Ford Explorer (8-Inch Screen)
The 2020–2024 Explorer is a different animal, with an 8-inch center display as the standard screen size across most trims. The FICS mount is built specifically around that layout, using a center display mounting position rather than a vent clip or adhesive pad. Installation is tool-free, with no drilling and no permanent adhesive left behind.
This fitment is critical to get right on the 6th Gen Explorer, since the same model years were also sold with a larger 10.1-inch screen on upper trims. The FICS mount is built for the 8-inch layout only, so confirm your screen size before ordering.
Best Vent Mount for 2016–2019 Ford Explorer
The 2016–2019 Explorer uses a simpler dashboard than the generations that followed it, which makes a well-built vent mount a practical choice rather than a compromise. The JOCUNDLY vent mount is designed around this specific generation’s vent slats and holds securely even with a thicker phone case installed, which is a common complaint with generic clip-style vent mounts.
Because it grips the vent directly, setup takes under a minute and does not require any adhesive or drilling. It is a good fit for drivers who want a quick daily mount without committing to a screen-area or console-based setup.
Best Universal Mount for Older and Other Ford Explorer Models
If you own a 2011–2015 Explorer, or simply prefer a mount that is not tied to one specific generation, the VICSEED MagSafe vent mount is a dependable universal option. It uses a reinforced steel clip that grips the vent blade securely, with a 360-degree magnetic head that works with MagSafe cases directly and includes a metal ring for phones without MagSafe support.
This is also a sensible backup option for 2025–2026, 2020–2024, or 2016–2019 owners who want a spare mount for a second vehicle or a simpler setup than the vehicle-specific options above.
Common Mounting Problems in the Ford Explorer
| Problem | Cause | Best Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong screen-size mount ordered | 2020–2024 Explorers shipped with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch screen | Measure the center display before ordering a custom mount |
| 2025+ mount does not fit an older Explorer | The 2025 refresh introduced a new 13.2-inch screen and dash layout | Confirm model year before buying a mount built for the new dash |
| Vent mount feels loose with a thick case | Many clip-style vent mounts are not built for bulky cases | Use a mount rated for thick cases, such as the vent options above |
| Mount blocks the new phone storage shelf | 2025+ Explorers added a dedicated phone tray below the touchscreen | Choose a screen-clip or rail mount positioned above the tray |
Compatibility Guide
Ford Explorer mount compatibility breaks down cleanly by generation. For 2025 and 2026 models, the new 13.2-inch touchscreen supports both screen-clip mounts and rail-based dash mounts, and either is a solid choice depending on whether you want the phone near the display or mounted separately from it. For 2020–2024 models, fitment depends on whether your Explorer has the 8-inch or 10.1-inch screen, with the FICS mount above built for the 8-inch layout. For 2016–2019 models, a vent mount built for that generation’s vent slats is the simplest route. For 2011–2015 Explorers and any year not covered by a generation-specific mount, a universal vent mount remains a dependable fallback.
Installation Tips for Ford Explorer Mounts
- Confirm your exact model year and screen size before ordering a custom mount, since fitment changes across generations.
- On 2025+ Explorers, decide between a screen-clip mount and a rail-based mount before purchasing, since they attach in different locations.
- On 2020–2024 Explorers, double check whether your center display is 8 inches or 10.1 inches.
- For vent mounts, choose one rated for thick cases if you use a heavy-duty or battery case.
Bottom Line
The right Ford Explorer phone mount depends almost entirely on which generation you drive. Owners of the 2025 and 2026 Explorer have two strong custom options, a screen-clip mount for the 13.2-inch display or a metal rail mount that skips the screen entirely. The 2020–2024 generation needs a mount matched to its 8-inch or 10.1-inch screen. The 2016–2019 Explorer works well with a dedicated vent mount, and older or unlisted years can rely on a universal magnetic vent mount that fits nearly any interior.
