2023 Ford Explorer

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Rating7.1

Ranked #9 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$36,760 - $56,220
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 19, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Roomy cabin.

Pricey options.

No major changes.

Optional AWD on all trims.

Mediocre cabin quality.

Responsive handling.

Poor cabin insulation.

Specs & Features

$36,760

price

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

horsepower

310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

torque

10-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.3L 4cyl RWD 10A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Explorer is a model that has been selling like hot cakes for Ford, making it America’s best-selling three-row SUV last year and it is all due to the high practicality this midsize SUV offers. There have been speculations about Ford giving the Expedition a major refresh for 2023 but it seems like Ford will only release the new face-lifted Expedition in China this year, gradually hitting American lands in 2024. Unlike the massively reworked Chinese version, the Ford Explorer is going to remain the same for this year and is based on the same generation which began in the year 2020.

Buying Advice

The Explorer that holds a lot of value for what it offers is the Explorer XLT as it offers heated seats and ample infotainment features. The higher trim does offer better materials but most of it does not add a drastic amount of practicality to what is offered in the XLT.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Ford Explorer will come with two engine options that will both be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. AWD is also optional across the entire trim line and the base variant is expected to start at $36,000 and go all the way up to $56,000 for the Platinum trim. Ford could bring in new colors and minor exterior tweaks to differentiate it from the outgoing model. The base engine will push out 300 horses but the ones picking the top trim will feast on 40 horses pumped by V6. The Explorer is roomy and offers ample space on all three rows, making it attract all large families. The segment sure does hold strong contenders and the major players include the Kia Telluride, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Honda Pilot.

Features
7.0/10

The 2023 Ford Explorer will continue the similar trim line as last year and consist of 8 variants for the buyers to pick from, namely, Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. All the trims come standard with an RWD setup and an additional $2,000 will bring in an AWD system. The only Explorer that would look very distinguishable at one glance would be the Timberline as it carries an off-road setup with all-terrain tires and slightly raised suspension. Other trims get differently styled cabins to offer characters that suit that particular trim. Ford also increases the luxury and experience offered in the cabin as you move higher the trim line and the top-of-the-line Platinum variant will feature a cabin comprising of premium grade wooden trims, illuminated door sills, two-tone leather upholstery, and larger 21’ wheels.

Trim

Base

XLT

ST-Line

Limited

Timberline

ST

King Ranch

Platinum

MSRP (RWD)

$36,000

$39,000

$44,500

$47,700

N/A

$51,500

$53,700

$54,000

MSRP (AWD)

$38,000

$41,000

$46,500

$49,700

$51,000

$53,500

$55,700

$56,000

Key Features

Cloth upholstery

Heated front seats

Faux suede upholstery with red stitching

Ventilated front leather seats

Suspension lift

21-inch alloy wheels

DelRio leather upholstery

Unique exterior styling

Tri-zone automatic climate control

Push-button start

ST-Line branding

Heated second-row seats

All-terrain tires

Red brake calipers

Wood trim

Illuminated door-sill scuff plates

6-speaker stereo system

Captain seats for second-row

Sports steering wheel

Wireless charging

7-mode terrain management system

Paddle shifter

Class III trailer tow package

Satin aluminum exterior trim

8-way power driver seat

Signature LED lights

Black exterior trims instead of chrome

12- speaker stereo by Bang & Olufsen

Front and rear skid plates

Sport suspension

Ford co-pilot 360

20-inch alloy wheels

Rearview camera

Exclusive interior and exterior styling elements

Sport front seats

8-inch touchscreen

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Power tailgate

We Recommend

The Explorer that holds a lot of value for what it offers is the Explorer XLT as it offers heated seats and ample infotainment features. The higher trim does offer better materials but most of it does not add a drastic amount of practicality to what is offered in the XLT.

Release Date

The Ford Explorer for 2023 is expected to hit the dealers in the month of November 2022 as per the reports issued by Ford. This could be delayed further to early 2023.

Fuel Economy
6.6/10

One of the stereotypes of large vehicles is that they carry a very poor fuel economy but the 2023 Ford Explorer has managed to prove that wrong. Unlike the other power-heavy SUVs, the Explorer promises to push out 28 miles to the gallon on highways. However, the gas tank in the Ford isn’t the largest and this could affect its overall range.

Model

2023 Ford Explorer

2023 Kia Telluride

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

2023 Honda Pilot

MPG (city)

21

20

18

20

MPG (highway)

28

26

27

27

MPG (combined)

24

23

21

23

Fuel capacity (gallons)

17.9

18.8

19.4

19.5

Range (City, highway, combined, in miles)

376/501/430

376/489/432

349/524/407

390/526/448

The fuel efficiency of the Ford is the best in class but the rivals aren’t drastically bad in comparison. The car that offers numbers closest to the Ford Explorer is the Honda Pilot and due to its larger gas tank, the Honda puts out a better overall range when compared to Ford.

Interior
9.0/10

The designers have spent an immense amount of time compiling a cabin that looks and feels premium while keeping the layout very friendly and easy to use. This is very evident when you step inside the cabin and the two-tone combination runs across throughout the interior panels and seats. The Explorer can seat a maximum of 7 occupants or 6 if the second row is opted with the captain seats. Drivers are given an ample amount of steering controls without making the unit too cluttered but the quality of material on the Explorer isn’t the best and becomes very evident when compared to that found in its rivals. Despite the materials used, the comfort levels are very satisfying, and those who prefer a slightly sporty theme for their interiors can pick the ST-Line or the ST trim. Both these trims get red stitches and trim-specific branding along with a touch of faux suede to add multiple textures to the cabin. The Explorer has ample space for passengers and cargo throughout but the third row does get cramped and tight especially for taller passengers, making it suitable only for short rides.

Model

2023 Ford Explorer

2023 Kia Telluride

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

2023 Honda Pilot

Passenger Capacity

7

8

8

8

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

40.7/61.8/43.0

40.0/61.6/44.1

42.8/61.9/41.0

40.1/62.0/40.9

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

40.5/61.9/39.0

40.2/61.2/42.4

40.0/62.2/38.4

40.2/62.0/38.4

Third Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

38.9/54.6/32.2

38.1/55.3/31.4

38.2/57.5/33.4

38.9/57.6/31.9

Cargo Capacity to rear row (cu.-ft)

18.2

21.0

23.0

16.5

Cargo Capacity to second row (cu.-ft)

47.9

46.0

57.8

46.8

Cargo Capacity to first row (cu.-ft)

87.8

87.0

98.2

83.9

All the SUVs here are almost neck and neck in terms of the passenger space offered and the difference between the vehicles does not change much in terms of seating comfort. However, the same cannot be said when it comes to the cargo, and even though the space offered with all the seats up isn’t the best in the Ford, folding the seats reveal one of the largest cargo spaces in the segment. However, it does not beat what the Chevrolet offers as the maximum it offers is a massive 98.2 cu-ft of cargo space with all the seats folded down.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Ford Explorer include

  • Heated and ventilated front seats.
  • Power-adjustable front seats.
  • Second-row captain seats.
  • Heated leather steering wheel.
  • Dual-tone leather upholstery.
  • Ambient lighting.

How intuitive is the 2023 Ford Explorer infotainment system?

For the infotainment, Ford has opted to provide an 8-inch touchscreen as standard which becomes a larger 10.1-inch screen in the higher trims that is integrated in a portrait style. The car will not get an infinity display that stretches across the whole dashboard like the one found in the Chinese variant but Ford does intend to give the Explorer a major overhaul for the upcoming year. The module runs on Ford Sync 3 system, making this one of the best modules in the market as the interface barely takes any time to get used to. Ford also offers an optional rear seat infotainment system that is reserved for the higher trims. If the standard 6-speaker setup does not appeal to you, upgrading it to the 14 or 16-speaker module by Bang & Olufsen is worth the additional penny.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Ford Explorer are

  • Optional 14 or 16-speaker stereo system by Bang & Olufsen.
  • 8 or 10.1-inch touchscreen.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Second-row infotainment displays.
  • Navigation system.
  • Ford Sync 3.

Exterior
6.0/10

For the American market, Ford has decided to carry forward the design that is found on the outgoing model and only plans to make changes in the year 2024. The Explorer has a very commanding stance and road presence due to its massive structure. Ford has managed to keep the grille design on every trim different from each other. The Explorer comes standard with LED headlights and DRLs with LED fog lights reserved for the top trims. The base variant wears 18-inch wheels and it goes up to 21-inches as you move up the trim levels. Both the ST-Line and ST have blacked out exterior look with all chrome parts replaced with black alternatives along with additional branding and red accents but the most distinctive trim is the Timberline as it comes with a raised suspension and rugged styling elements that include a redesigned bumpers with front bash plate styling and a chunkier all-terrain tires to make it more suitable for off-road. The Timberline also gets a roof rack and grille integrated light bar for better night visibility.

Model

2023 Ford Explorer

2023 Kia Telluride

2023 Chevrolet Traverse

2023 Honda Pilot

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,565

4,255

4,310

4,030

Length (in.)

198.8

196.9

205.9

186.5

Width (in.)

78.9

78.3

78.6

78.6

Height (in.)

69.9

69.3

70.7

70.63

Ground Clearance (in.)

7.9

8.0

7.5

7.3

Wheelbase (in.)

119.1

114.2

120.9

111.0

The Ford Explorer is a long vehicle and that has been proven by the mega cabin that it offers but however, the Chevrolet takes it up a notch and its sheer size is the reason for its best-in-class cargo area. In terms of ground clearance, both the Ford and the Kia are differentiated by just 0.1 inches, making it barely any difference and leads the class.

Some of the standout exterior features include

  • 18”/20”/21” alloy wheels.
  • LED headlights, DRLs, taillights.
  • Active grille shutter.
  • Quad exhaust tips.
  • Power folding heated exterior mirrors.
  • Roofline spoiler.
  • LED fog lamps.

Safety
8.0/10

The 2023 Ford Explorer hasn’t been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but for the previous year, IIHS has given the Explorer “Good” in most aspects and even claimed the Ford Explorer to be Top Safety Pick +, which can be expected for the 2023 model as well as there barely have been any changes made. To make their vehicles safe, Ford has equipped the Ford Co-pilot 360 as a default feature along with additional driver assistance features as an option.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Ford Explorer are

  • Lane centering.
  • Blind-spot assist.
  • Lane-keep assist.
  • Adaptive cruise control.
  • Evasive steering control
  • Trailer sway control.
  • Rearview camera.

Competition

2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride feels like a much more modern vehicle when compared to the Explorer and if you’re looking for a long list of features and tech in your vehicle, the Telluride definitely is the right choice. However, the Explorer offers a much better drive, power, and gas mileage, making it the more enjoyable car out of the two. In terms of the passenger and cargo space offered, both these SUVs are almost neck and neck and are ideal for large families.

2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a slightly larger car than the Explorer and hence offers a larger cargo space but despite the fact that the Chevy comes with a larger and more powerful engine out of the two, it doesn’t feel as agile and fun as the Ford. Even though the Traverse comes with ample tech and user-friendly tech, the Ford feels much more polished and upscale when on the inside. Considering that both these SUVs are priced around the same figure, it is wise to pick the Explorer over the as the Ford turns out to be a better deal overall.

2023 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Honda Pilot

Even though the Ford Explorer is a fun vehicle to drive, Honda manages to do it better and the Pilot feels very nimble and agile. However, the cargo isn’t the best, and the fact that Honda priced the Pilot much higher when compared to the Explorer makes this a very questionable deal. Also, being inside the Honda Pilot can leave the occupants feeling like they’ve been taken back in time due to the rather dated-looking setup and tech. The Honda does not prove to be worth the extra money it asks for and hence, the Ford Explorer takes the win.

Final Verdict

It really is sad to know the much more modern version of the Explorer that has been unveiled in China will not reach America this year but despite being upgraded for 2023 in the US market, the Ford Explorer still fares well against its rivals and is still a great deal if in case you are looking for a massive family hauler that is also fun to drive. Ford offers an extensive trim level for this SUV, giving every single individual a chance to pick what best suits them. The fact that this is one of the highest-selling SUVs in the US market speaks a lot about the vehicle and the explorer is the only SUV that has perfectly been able to manage practicality and performance.

Trims

    Base
    $36,760 onwards
    • Engine: 2.3L 4cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.1 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg
    XLT
    $38,570 onwards
    • Engine: 2.3L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    ST-Line
    $46,005 onwards
    • Engine: 2.3L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    Limited
    $47,070 onwards
    • Engine: 2.3L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 23 mpg
    Timberline
    $48,980 onwards
    • Engine: 2.3L 4cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 21 mpg
    ST
    $50,005 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 415 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 146 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    King Ranch
    $54,075 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 415 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 146 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg
    Platinum
    $54,220 onwards
    • Engine: 3.0L 6cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 415 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
    • Top Speed: 146 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 20 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$36,760- $56,220

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.09

Horsepower

400 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

415 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$34,095- $80,580

Gasoline

6.9

300 hp @ 5700 rpm

325 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

4

Read Review

$35,405- $51,425

Gasoline

7.15

265 hp @ 6000 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

8

Read Review

$36,960- $48,460

Gasoline

7.1

227 hp @ 5000 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

6

Read Review

$33,860- $47,410

Gasoline

7.1

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

240 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,945- $46,485

Gasoline

7.24

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,000- $77,075

Gasoline

7.93

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

257 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,100- $47,855

Gasoline

6.75

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$30,090- $44,885

Gasoline

7.88

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$35,100- $45,700

Gasoline

6.91

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.1 sec14.6 sec113 mph
    6.3 sec14.8 sec112 mph
    6.5 sec15.1 sec99 mph
    6.8 sec15.1 sec130 mph
    6.9 sec15.2 sec135 mph
    7 sec15.5 sec-

    2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg17.9 gal.375.9/501.2 mi.
      29 mpg31 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.382.80/409.20 mi.
      26 mpg32 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.481/592 mi.
      24 mpg29 mpg26 mpg17.7 gal.424.8/513.3 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg19.4 gal.477.40/585.90 mi.
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg19.4 gal.426.8/562.6 mi.

      2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        198.8 in.78.9 in.69.9 in.7.9 in.119.1 in.

        2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

        Ranked #1

        204.9 in.84.6 in.71.5 in.-121.7 in. -
        199.9 in.78.5 in.71 in.7.3 in.113.8 in. -
        199.4 in.77.5 in.67.6 in.8.8 in.115.3 in. -
        197.7 in.77.9 in.70.9 in.7.1 in.114.2 in. -
        196.9 in.78.3 in.68.9 in.8 in.114.2 in. -

        2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          18.2 cu.ft.152.7 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.
          41.2 cu.ft.114.9 cu.ft.100.8 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          21 cu.ft.157.1 cu.ft.87 cu.ft.
          59.5 cu.ft.158.4 cu.ft.87 cu.ft. -
          18 cu.ft.155.3 cu.ft.86.4 cu.ft.

          2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            87.8 cu.ft.18.2 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.
            71.2 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.71.2 cu.ft.
            86.4 cu.ft.18 cu.ft.86.4 cu.ft.
            79 cu.ft.12.8 cu.ft.79 cu.ft.
            87 cu.ft.59.5 cu.ft.87 cu.ft. -
            73.4 cu.ft.39.2 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.

            2023 Ford Explorer vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              5300 lbs.1425 lbs.4345 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1055 lbs.4236 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1664 lbs.4134 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1561 lbs.4171 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1685 lbs.4155 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1434 lbs.4409 lbs.

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              2023 Ford Explorer User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              JSd

              Joshua Shawn dudley

              2024 Ford Explorer

              4dr SUV 4x2 (2.3L 4cyl 10A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 29, 2024

              Sports car meets SUV

              Pros - ["The power that comes from underneath the hood", "Comfort, I can go 120 and you'd never know it until you looked down"]

              Cons - ["Phone doesnt fit the wireless charger", "The navigation screen doesn't play movies"]

              If you want a car that is comfortable powerful with absolutely pristine audio hands down the car best car for your money is the Ford explorer St you have a mid five SUV with the power of a high-end sports car this vehicle is comfortable to drive for any distance it's fun like you want to drive this at all times we're talking 400 horsepower 475 lb of torque when you step on the gas everyone is hit...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review