2024 Ford Explorer review

2024 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 Explorer lost its hybrid engine option for the 2024 model year, but don't feel too bad for it, as its efficiency wasn't quite up to par in the real world. 

At this point in its life cycle, the Explorer was not Edmunds' top pick for three-row SUVs. The Kia Telluride surpasses the Explorer in interior space and refinement, offering more room for passengers and cargo despite similar dimensions. However, if a powerful engine and sharp handling are your priorities for a used vehicle, the Explorer could be a good value.

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. With an average annual repair cost of $732, the Explorer has average ownership costs.

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2024 Ford Explorer have?

Connectivity

The Explorer comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, Ford SYNC® infotainment system, and support for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. More traditional Bluetooth® audio and phone connectivity are also standard features.

Infotainment

Ford's touchscreen of this era suffered from a lack of physical shortcut buttons, such as Home, Media, Map, and Back. They're all on the touchscreen, and they can be inconsistent because they're present on some screens but not on others. That said, there are prominent volume and tune knobs, plus pause and skip buttons, so the basic functions are covered. On occasion, the screen responds quickly to some commands but is slow for others. For example, when Edmunds editors switched to a tune screen quickly, it would not actually tune for a second or two while the system caught up. 

Edmunds recommends Explorers with the eight-inch screen. Though the 10.1-inch option might seem nicer on paper, it looks like a tacked-on iPad. It is actually narrower straight across by almost 1.5 inches than the "smaller" eight-inch horizontal screen that is on lower trims. Some might also find it harder to use in many cases

Driver-Assist Tech

All Explorers come standard with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot warning alerts, plus automatic high beams. Additional features were either optional or standard, depending on the trim. The systems work well; however, the sound that the alerts make all seem similar, and in some cases, the lane-centering system may falsely accuse you of taking your hands off the wheel.

How comfortable is the 2024 Ford Explorer? 

Front Seating

The front seats offer excellent support and comfort. Edmunds recommends considering an Explorer equipped with the highly effective heated and cooled seat options. But they don't recommend the optional massaging ones—the mechanism behind the massaging can make the seats feel lumpy when it's off. 

Rear Seating

Seat comfort gets progressively less cushiony as you move to the second and third rows. The cramped third row, with its flat, unsupportive seating and limited legroom, is only suitable for children, and even they might find it uncomfortable on longer journeys. Although most adults can tolerate the second row, overall rear passenger comfort remains a significant drawback.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The Ford Explorer cruises smoothly, soaking up city bumps and keeping you comfortable on the highway. That said, it can be a bit noisy, especially with the more powerful V6. Edmunds editors also noticed some creaks and groans from the vehicle in testing, which makes us wonder about its build quality. Since everyone's experience is a little different, definitely take it for a good test drive on different roads before you decide.

Does the 2024 Ford Explorer have good storage?

Cargo 

The Explorer offers a respectable 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, which is comparable to the space in other midsize three-row SUVs. (For context, a standard grocery bag occupies about one cubic foot.) However, this is less than the Kia Telluride's 21 cubic feet. A key benefit of the Explorer's cargo area is its flat loading surface, making it much easier to load items. Additionally, the third row can be easily folded flat to expand the available space.

Storage

You'll find a handy shelf under the center touchscreen for small items, and the compact center console still gets the job done. As with most midsize SUVs, second- and third-row storage is pretty much limited to door pockets and a small shelf.

How easy is the 2024 Ford Explorer to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Accessing the front seats is straightforward due to wide door openings. However, middle- and rear-seat passengers aren't as well taken care of. Middle-row knee room and legroom are not up to the standard set by others in the class, and the third row is unlikely to impress taller-than-average adults. If the rear doors can't be opened past the first detent, the door access can be clumsy. The space is tight between the large door, map pockets, and the prominent rear wheel arches. The third-row power-folding mechanism is nice, but raising the row for passengers must be done 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 a pretty good view all around. Thanks to enough glass and decent-sized mirrors, you can generally see outside well.

What’s the 2024 Ford Explorer like to drive?

Driving

The Explorer is an excellent three-row SUV for drivers who prioritize balanced handling and powerful acceleration. It offers surprising agility and lightness in turns, along with excellent grip, setting it apart from many competitors.

Ford has maximized the Explorer's power potential. Its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine easily outperforms rivals. For those seeking even more, the Explorer ST boasts a thrilling turbo V6. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed transmission that provides responsive downshifts. However, the transmission can be indecisive in 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 impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20-24 mpg combined

, depending on the engine and whether the vehicle has all-wheel drive. This is better fuel efficiency than many of its competitors, a welcome benefit for an SUV that's also enjoyable to drive.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 2024