2023 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $36,760 MSRP*
- Choice of 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, or 3.3L V6 with hybrid drivetrain producing a combined 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque
- 18″ Five-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels, available wheels up to 21”
- Automatic LED Low- and High-Beam Headlamps, LED Taillamps
- Power Liftgate
- Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with rear controls
- SYNC® 3 with 10.1″ LCD Capacitive Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
- Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 14 Speakers Including Subwoofer
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+
About The Ford Explorer
It was the undeniable greatness of the original Explorer that first made SUVs popular with the mass market back when it first debuted. But the Explorer kept evolving, and today it still sets the bar for the midsize SUV segment, all the more impressive now that the segment is far more crowded than it used to be. Ford offers three different drivetrains for the Explorer, two conventional EcoBoost® options, and a hybrid, all of which mix serious power with impressive fuel efficiency. Three rows of seats, along with the available E-Z Entry second-row captain’s seats make it easy to bring a lot of people wherever you’re going. And the PowerFold® third row seats make it just as easy to bring a mix of people and cargo. The Explorer excels at versatility, with trims dedicated to performance, offroading, and stylish sophistication. No matter what you need it for, there is an Explorer for you.
What the Critics Say
“Ford really has a talent for creating enjoyable drives, even in a midsize 3-row SUV like the 2023 Explorer. It feels secure, stable, and kind of nimble. Yet the ride quality remains comfortable over most road surfaces. We like the 10-speed automatic transmission as well. The top three ratios work best on the freeway, keeping engine speed (and, therefore, fuel consumption) relatively low.” – Kelley Blue Book
“The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there’s a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission.” – Edmunds
Ford Explorer Features
Powerfully Capable
Even in base form, the Explorer comes well-equipped to deal with whatever you throw at it. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, plenty of power, and more than you’re likely to find in a competing vehicle. This is an efficient engine, but for more efficiency, there is a hybrid option. This produces similar power figures to the base engine (318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque), but is noticeably more fuel efficient, especially in city driving. If it’s more power you’re looking for, then you’ll want the EcoBoost® V6, 3.0-liter twin-turbo power plant that puts out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Whichever one you choose, all of the drivetrains come with a sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission that expertly delivers both usable power and fuel efficiency. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. Towing capacity is one of the better in this segment, and that remains true across the engine lineup, with not much difference between the 5,000-pound capacity of the hybrid drivetrain and the 5,600-pound capacity of the EcoBoost® V6.
Superior Comfort
A comfortable interior is a high priority for any three-row SUV, but the Explorer takes the idea to an even higher level than most. Tri-zone automatic climate control comes standard, and you can get a heated steering wheel, heated first- and second-row seats, and ventilated front seats. An available twin-panel moonroof fills the Explorer with light during the day, and multicolor ambient lighting is available to provide illumination at night. A 12-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® comes standard on most trims, and there is an upgrade available to make it a 14-speaker system. The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen runs Ford’s SYNC® 3 system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is easy to use, especially with the larger screen size and upright orientation, and redundant button controls let you control a number of functions without having to navigate touchscreen menus.
Functional Versatility
Midsize Ford vehicles always offer huge amounts of choice and versatility. That’s why there are 8 different trim configurations for the Explorer, from the offroad-ready Timberline to the performance-oriented ST or the luxurious Platinum. Select the Timberline and get standard AWD, Offroad Front Struts and Rear Shocks, a 3.58 TORSEN® Limited-Slip Rear Axle, and Steel Skid Plates. The ST packs 400 horsepower, Unique Sport-tuned Independent Front and Rear Suspension, 20″ Machined Aluminum wheels with painted pockets, Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips, and all-LED external lighting. The Platinum comes with heated and ventilated front seats with Leather Seating Surfaces with Tri-Diamond Perforated Inserts, heated second-row seats and steering wheel, Multi-color Ambient Lighting, and Adaptive Headlamps with LED Signature Lighting. There are more trims as well, some blending the themes of other trims, like the King Ranch® with its rugged approach to luxury and the 400-horsepower engine it shares with the ST. But the main point is that there is an Explorer for everyone, and Ford makes it easy to find the one that’s just right for you.
Trims & Specs
Explorer
- Starting at $36,760 MSRP*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 18″ Five-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels
- Terrain Management System™
- Automatic LED Low- and High-Beam Headlamps, LED Taillamps
- Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with rear controls
XLT
- Starting at $38,570 MSRP*
- Instrument Panel Cluster with 6.5″ Color LCD Productivity Screen
- LED Signature Lighting
- 10-way Power Driver seat
- Ford Co-Pilot360™
- Trailer Sway Control
ST-Line
- Starting at $46,005 MSRP*
- 20″ Machined Aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- LED Fog Lamps
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
- Ebony with Red Stitching on the doors
- B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®
Timberline
- Starting at $48,980 MSRP*
- 18″ High Gloss Black-Painted Aluminum Wheels with All-Terrain Tires
- Unique Timberline Grille and other unique Timberline aesthetic touches
- 3.58 TORSEN® Limited-Slip Rear Axle
- Intelligent 4WD
- Off-Road Front Struts and Rear Shocks
Limited
- Starting at $47,070 MSRP*
- Available 3.3L Hybrid Engine
- 20″ Premium Painted Aluminum wheels
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
- Heated, Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- First-Row Heated and Ventilated
ST
- Starting at $50,005 MSRP*
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- Unique Sport-tuned Independent Front and Rear Suspension
- SelectShift® Capability with Paddle Shifters
- Leather-Trimmed Seats with Miko® Micro-Perforated Inserts, City Silver Accent Stitching, and ST Logo
- Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips
King Ranch®
- Starting at $54,075 MSRP*
- 20″ 10-Spoke Aluminum with King Ranch® Center Cap
- Del Rio Leather – All Rows – Mesa/Norias seat color and Lasso-Perforated Inserts
- First-Row Heated and Ventilated, 2nd-row heated seats
- Instrument Panel Real Sapele Wood Appliques
- King Ranch® badging
Platinum
- Starting at $53,820 MSRP*
- Standard 3.3L Hybrid Engine, with optional 3.0L EcoBoost® V6
- 21″ Bright Machined-Face Aluminum with Luster Nickel-Painted Pockets
- Leather Seating Surfaces with Tri-Diamond Perforated Inserts
- PowerFold® Third-row seat
- Adaptive Headlamps with LED Signature Lighting
*Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.