2023 Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Wide range of engine choices
- Maximum tow rating of 5,600 pounds
- Cargo space
Cons
- Key rivals have roomier third-row seats
- Higher trims are very pricey
- Some humdrum cabin trim
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 22 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The Ford Explorer delivers everything car shoppers want in a midsize three-row SUV
The 2023 Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV that offers a choice of three engines, including a fuel-saving hybrid powertrain. It continues to excel with the high ride, plentiful interior space, and available all-wheel drive established by the original Explorer way back in 1991.
The standard 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder delivers reasonable fuel economy and more than enough punch for everyday driving needs. If you need more grunt, a sporty twin-turbo V6 serves up 400 hp, and a 318-hp hybrid adds power and efficiency with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined score. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
The Explorer’s interior is a little bland, but with three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space, and an eight-inch touchscreen with standard smartphone connectivity, it is roomy and functional. Standard driver-assist systems include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a driver attention monitor.
The Explorer had the market to itself back in 1991, but these days rivals like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander give it plenty of competition.
All Ford Explorer years
New for 2023
- Explorer trims have been upgraded with Quad Seats and Alpine Sound System as standard equipment this year.
- The King Ranch trim now comes with Leather Seats, Power Folding Third Row, and Third Row Seat as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with A/C Seat(s), Power Folding Third Row, and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The Timberline trim now comes with A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The ST trim now comes with Leather Seats as standard equipment.
Explore Ford Explorer details
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.3L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
17.9
Wheelbase
119.1"
Overall length
198.8"
Width
78.9"
Height
70.2"
Leg room
F 43"/M 39"/R 32.2"
Head room
F 40.7"/M 40.5"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P255/65HR18
Rear tires
P255/65HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
530/5300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
5 reasons to buy the 2023 Ford Explorer
What We Like
Powertrain variety: The Explorer delivers plenty of engine options for SUV shoppers who crave performance, fuel economy, or a balance of the two. The standard turbo-four is more than capable, though the added speed of the twin-turbo V6 is tempting. The hybrid is also an intriguing choice, though it’s available only on Limited and Platinum trim levels.
Cargo room: The Explorer has plenty of space for stowing gear, luggage, or finds from your latest shopping adventure. Behind the third row you’ll find 18.2 cubic feet of trunk volume. With the third row folded, the space expands to more than 47 cubic feet.
Driver-assist features: Ford equips the Explorer with a number of sought-after driver-assist features, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, a driver attention monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear parking sensors. A full suite of driver-assist features is available with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package.
What Needs Improvement
Not a standout in any one category: The Explorer ticks many of the right boxes for SUV shoppers. Problem is, so do rivals like the Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas. Ford’s long-serving SUV is worth a look, though the same can be said about its many competitors.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2023 Ford Explorer is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 20th out of 30 among Midsize SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Explorer is $582, compared to an average of $521 for Midsize SUVs and $619 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Explorer owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.4 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 15% for the Ford Explorer, compared to an average of 12% for Midsize SUVs and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
2023 Ford Explorer trims
XLT:
- 300-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.3L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Ford Explorer XLT inventory
King Ranch:
- Includes all features available on the XLT
- 400-hp, 415-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
- Rear Sunshade
- Remote Start
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Navigation System
- Sync System
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
2023 Ford Explorer FAQ
The 2023 Ford Explorer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- ST : 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Timberline : 19 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- XLT : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- King Ranch : 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Platinum : 25 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- ST-Line : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Ford Explorer received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Explorer as 19 out of 30 among Midsize SUV
The 2023 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of between 5000 and 5600 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Ford Explorer:
- Quad Seats
- Alpine Sound System
- Rear Spoiler
- A/C Seat(s)
- Power Folding Third Row
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