What's New
There are no changes to Ford’s Explorer for 2023, following some tweaks last year. This remains an eight-model SUV range with a choice of two gas powerplants and one hybrid engine, with AWD standard on one model and optional everywhere else.
Choosing Your Ford Explorer
The eight-model Explorer range starts with the titular base model, priced at $38,255 (all prices include destination). There’s a huge price jump from XLT ($40,065) to ST-Line ($47,500), while Platinum and King Ranch round out the range, priced at $55,315 and $55,570 respectively. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on every trim bar mid-range Timberline, where it’s standard.
Engine Choices
The default Explorer engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost gas unit, fitted to every model up to and including Timberline. It produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, fed to the rear wheels through the same ten-speed automatic transmission fitted to every model. AWD is standard on Timberline models and optional elsewhere in the range.
A three-liter V6 is fitted to ST and King Ranch models, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. It can also be added to the Platinum trim, where the standard-fit 3.3-liter hybrid unit generates 318 hp and 322 lb-ft.
Fuel economy for the 2023 Explorer had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing, but 2022 data showed 16 different sets of figures, depending on engine and drivetrain configuration. These vary from an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 combined in RWD hybrid models to 18/24/20 MPG in AWD three-liter gas versions.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) |
2.3 EcoBoost | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 21/28/24 mpg (RWD) 20/27/23 mpg (AWD) |
3.0 V6 | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | 18/26/21 mpg (RWD) 18/24/20 mpg (AWD) |
3.3 hybrid | 318 hp | 322 lb-ft | 27/28/27 mpg (RWD) 25/26/26 mpg (AWD) |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity for the six or seven-seater Explorer (the base model has a three-row middle bench while every other trim has second-row captain’s chairs) stands at 18.2 cu ft with the rear seats in place. This increases to 47.9 and 87.8 cu ft once the third and second-row seats are lowered.
Safety Features
Every Explorer is sold with roll stability control, a knee airbag for the front passenger, a post-crash alert system, and automatic LED lights, while driver aids include lane-keeping assistance and a driver alert monitor. Rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera make their debut on third-from-base ST-Line models, while second-from-top Platinum is the first to receive reverse braking assistance. Only AWD models have hill descent control and AWD-only Timberland models are unique in receiving off-road front struts and rear shocks, though a terrain management system is standard across the range, as is trailer sway control.
Connectivity
The standard Explorer infotainment system sees a two-band radio paired with six speakers. ST-Line models and above receive satellite/HD radio and a far superior 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, though mid-range Timberline and ST revert to the stock head unit. The base trim is the only one missing out on a 6.5-inch color LCD instrument screen, while ST and above boost this to 12.3 inches. A ten-inch touchscreen is standard fare across the range, with navigation fitted to ST-Line and above (it’s optional on ST).
2023 Ford Explorer – MSRP from $38,255
The most affordable Explorer comes with automatic LED lights, power-adjustable outside mirrors, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the cabin, there’s three-zone temperature control, power locks and windows, an eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a power liftgate.
There are no packages on this model.
2023 Ford Explorer XLT – MSRP from $40,065
Privacy glass and heated outside mirrors are among XLT’s upgrades, while other improvements include a push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The instrument panel screen grows from 4.2 to 6.5 inches, with additional sockets throughout the cabin. This is also the first Explorer with second-row captain’s chairs, while the front-row seats are heated and the front passenger gains four-way power.
The unromantically titled 202A Equipment Group adds a heated steering wheel, eight-way power for the passenger seat, LED fog lights, and a remote start system, for a rather expensive $3,540.
2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line – MSRP from $47,500
A substantial price hike from XLT is signified externally by the appearance of foglamps, chrome exhaust tips, and larger 20-inch wheels. The main improvements lie inside the cabin, where you find rain-sensing wipers and acoustic side windows, a 360-degree camera, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 12-speaker Bose stereo handles the satellite and HD radio output, a wireless charging pad looks after smartphones, and navigation comes as standard.
There are no packages on this model.
2023 Ford Explorer Limited – MSRP from $48,565
A far smaller price hike from ST-Line sees only minor tweaks on Limited models, such as chrome exterior detailing, front parking sensors, and a universal garage door opener. The leather seating has perforated inserts and accent stitching, while the second-row seats are heated and the front occupants enjoy seat ventilation.
The $840 301A Equipment Group combines a memory driver’s seat with power-folding third-row seats.
2023 Ford Explorer Timberline – MSRP from $50,745
Dropping the ventilated front and heated second-row seats, AWD-only Timberline models also shed Limited’s perforated seating in favor of ActiveX trimming with tangerine stitching. The Bose stereo is dropped, and floor mats are replaced with liners.
2023 Ford Explorer ST – MSRP from $51,500
Not to be confused with the ST-Line trim, ST models are less well-equipped than Limited in some regards. Their improvements over Timberline extend to quad chrome exhaust tips, a 12.3-inch instrument panel cluster, and heated second-row seats. Non-hybrid models also receive a non-limited-slip rear axle, while a sport-tuned independent rear suspension is standard on all configurations.
There’s one package on ST models – the $4,940 401A. It combines 21-inch aluminum wheels and performance red brake calipers with the Bose stereo and 360-degree camera.
2023 Ford Explorer Platinum – MSRP from $55,315
Platinum models are comprehensively equipped, sporting adaptive LED headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, a leather-clad center console armrest, and real wood dash trim. The Bose stereo is reinstated, the navigation gains voice activation, the third-row seating power-folds down, and reverse brake assist is standard.
2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch – MSRP from $55,570
Differences on King Ranch models are purely aesthetic – bespoke logos on the seat backs, perforated inserts on the Del Rio leather, Sapele wood instrument panel appliques, and a unique steering wheel.
Compare Explorer Trims Side-By-Side
It’s hard to justify Timberline and ST models when their prices are greater but their specifications are lesser than more affordable variants. XLT will be fine for buyers on a budget, but ST-Line probably offers the best balance of value and equipment.