2023 Ford Explorer review

2023 Ford Explorer Review: 

The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that sits between the larger Expedition and the smaller Bronco Sport. Either of its powerful engines makes it notable for its enjoyable driving experience. The 2023 Ford Explorer arrived largely unchanged besides a minor shuffling of standard features. 

Edmunds' top pick for three-row SUVs at this point in its life cycle wasn't the Explorer. The Kia Telluride beat it in terms of interior space and refinement, with more room for people and cargo, even though they're about the same size. That said, if you're looking for a used SUV with a strong engine and good handling, the Explorer could still be a solid candidate.

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that ranks 19th out of 26 in its class, according to RepairPal®. Its average rating is 3.5 out of 5.0. The Explorer has average ownership costs, with an average annual repair cost of $732.

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving
  

What tech does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?

Connectivity

The Explorer includes an eight-inch touchscreen, the Ford SYNC® infotainment system, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard features. Bluetooth® audio and phone connectivity are also standard.

Infotainment

Ford's infotainment system during this period presented some usability challenges. The touchscreen lacked essential physical shortcut buttons (such as Home, Media, Map, and Back), requiring users to rely solely on the screen. These on-screen buttons were not consistently present across all menus, leading to an inconsistent user experience. While basic functions were covered by prominent physical volume, tune knobs, and pause/skip buttons, the screen's responsiveness could be erratic. For instance, while switching to the tune screen was quick, the system sometimes lagged a second or two before actually tuning.

When it comes to screen size, Edmunds recommends the eight-inch option over the 10.1-inch. Despite appearing larger on paper, the 10.1-inch screen resembles a tacked-on iPad. It's actually almost 1.5 inches narrower horizontally than the "smaller" eight-inch screen found on lower trims, and many users may find it less intuitive to use.

Driver-Assist Tech

Standard Explorer features include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning alerts, and automatic high beams. Depending on the trim, additional features were either optional or standard. While the systems function effectively, the alert sounds are often indistinguishable, and the lane-centering system may sometimes incorrectly detect that your hands are off the wheel.

How comfortable is the 2023 Ford Explorer? 

Front Seating

The front seats are notably supportive and comfortable. Edmunds highly recommends opting for an Explorer with the heated and cooled seat options. However, Edmunds advises against the optional massaging seats, as their internal mechanism can create an uncomfortable, lumpy sensation when not in use.

Rear Seating

While the front seats offer good comfort, it can feel as if the second and third rows progressively lose cushioning. The third row is particularly cramped, with flat, unsupportive seating and limited legroom, making it only suitable for children, and even then, perhaps only for short trips. Though most adults can manage the second row, overall rear passenger comfort remains a notable weakness.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The Ford Explorer offers a smooth ride, absorbing city bumps and providing comfort on the highway. However, it can be noisy, particularly with the more powerful V6 engine. Edmunds tests also revealed some creaks and groans, raising concerns about its build quality. Edmunds recommends a thorough test drive on various roads to form your own opinion, as individual experiences may vary.

Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have good storage?

Cargo 

The Explorer boasts a competitive 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, on par with other midsize three-row SUVs. However, this is less than the Kia Telluride's 21 cubic feet. A significant advantage of the Explorer's cargo area is its flat loading surface, simplifying the loading of items. Furthermore, the third row folds flat effortlessly, expanding the available space.

Storage

Small-item storage is adequate, with a convenient shelf below the center touchscreen for small items. The compact center console is also functional. As with most midsize SUVs, storage in the second and third rows is mostly limited to door pockets and a small shelf.

How easy is the 2023 Ford Explorer to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Wide door openings make accessing the front seats easy. However, middle- and rear-seat passengers may find the experience less accommodating. Middle-row knee and legroom are not competitive for the class, and taller adults will likely find the third row unimpressive. Access can be awkward if the rear doors cannot open past the first detent, as space is tight between the large door map pockets and prominent rear wheel arches. While the third row offers a convenient power-folding mechanism, it must be raised for passengers from the hatch area.

Interior Layout and Visibility

The driver has plenty of room up front and a multi-adjustable driving position, which helps with visibility all around. The large windows and decent-sized mirrors mean you can see outside pretty well.

What’s the 2023 Ford Explorer like to drive?

Driving

The Ford Explorer stands out as an excellent three-row SUV, particularly for drivers who value a blend of balanced handling and powerful acceleration. It offers surprising agility and lightness in turns, along with excellent grip, distinguishing it from many competitors.

Ford has optimized the Explorer's power, with its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine easily surpassing rivals. For those desiring more, the Explorer ST features a thrilling turbo V6. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed transmission, which delivers responsive gear shifts, though it can exhibit indecisiveness during city driving with light throttle inputs.

Towing

When properly equipped, the Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds

. This capacity is comparable to other vehicles in its class and is sufficient for most drivers' needs, allowing for towing a midsize camper. However, for those needing to tow heavier loads, a full-size truck or truck-based SUV such as the F-150 or Expedition would be more suitable.

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

The Explorer offers a wide range of fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20-27 mpg combined

, depending on the engine and whether the vehicle has all-wheel drive. 

The all-wheel-drive version of the hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, which is only 2 mpg higher than a regular Explorer with the base turbocharged engine. The Edmunds test vehicle fell slightly short of the EPA estimate with an average of 23.3 mpg over 610 miles of mixed driving. 

Some engine estimates may appear the same due to different wheel sizes or specific trims. See fueleconomy.gov for more information.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 2023