2023 Ford Explorer

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.

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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.

The Explorer will carry forward its two engine configurations which include a 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a larger 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 that is reserved for ST trim and above. All the models except Timberline come standard with an RWD system while AWD is a $2,000 option. The power figures stand strong even on the base variant with a maximum output of 300 hp with 310 lb-ft of torque while the bigger 3.0L engine takes it up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. Those looking to put the muscles of this SUV into use can tow as much as 5,600 pounds. Despite its sheer size, the Explorer has a good amount of response on the steering and makes it very easy to drive. Both the engines offered by ford have great potential and figures, making this a very sought-after motor in the segment.

The Ford Explorer sits along with the Kia and Chevrolet in terms of pricing while the Honda sells at a slightly huger number for the segment. The Ford also carries the smallest engine here but the turbocharger helps it churn out impressive power, making it the quickest SUV to clock 60 mph despite the fact that the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse makes more power. However, the 2023 Kia Telluride carries the highest figure on the speedo with the Ford following behind.

2023 Ford Explorer Ride and Handling

The Ford Explorer despite its size feels like a very well-balanced SUV and handles hard corners with ease. This SUV is designed to keep the occupants comfortable and that has been achieved by keeping the suspensions on the sifter side. The large tires help the vehicle grip the tarmac, making it well planted and for the massive structure that the Explorer carries, the body roll is on the minimal side than what the rivals put out. Bumps and patches aren’t an issue and the standard Explorer will handle gravel and uneven roads without any trouble, but for the serious off-road junkies, the Timberline trim will suffice their needs and performance expectations.

2023 Ford Explorer Braking Performance

The Explorer comes standard with large 13.6-inch and 12.8-inch brakes for the front and back respectively. For was very keen on equipping a good set of brakes on the explorer as stopping a vehicle this large is a challenge. The vehicle and its brakes were rigorously tested before rolling them out for the users and this gives them immense confidence in pushing the car harder around corners. Ford has also offered forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking on the Explorer as a standard feature and this makes the vehicle much safer not only for the driver but also for the traffic around.

Despite having the biggest set of brakes, the Ford Explorer does not manage to stop quicker than its rivals and the major reason for it is the fact that the Ford weighs much more than the other cars do. The 2023 Honda Pilot tops the leaderboard here as it comes to standing still from 60 mph within just 120 ft.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.