2023 Ford Explorer Review

The start of the 90s saw the debut of one of the most iconic SUVs of all time – the Ford Explorer. Ever since then, it has become one of the top-selling vehicles in the midsize CUV class. The Explorer is known for its power, durability, luxury, and reliability.

The 2023 Ford Explorer also hopes to achieve these attributes in our review:

Features

The Explorer is currently in its 6th generation. The 2023 model features 8 trim levels – with the Timberline and the ST being built for high performance on the trail and the street respectively. There are several power options based on your trim level, plus many standard amenities.

Powertrain and Numbers

The base engine on the 2023 Explorer is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo which produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. There’s a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 as well, which makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft and provides us with even more oomph. Rear- and all-wheel drive is available with a 10-speed automatic.

However, the availability of each engine depends on your trim level. Regardless, the Explorer 2023 is a quick beast as it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5 seconds with the latter engine. The former is also excellent as it helps you do 0-60 mph in just 6 seconds.

Then we have the amazing towing capacity numbers of the 2023 Explorer. It can manage up to 5600 lbs of trailering when you equip it accordingly. This maximum number remains the same for all the variants of this SUV.

The most efficient Explorer gasoline can do up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. This is the one with the 2.3-liter engine and RWD – upgrading to AWD reduces these numbers by one mpg each. The V6 can do up to a respectable 18 mpg city; 26 highway.

Of course, the top dog is the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid with 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway – it’s sold separately here.

Interior and Technology

The concepts of functionality and ergonomics run wild in the 2023 Ford Explorer’s interior. It is also a decent-looking cabin with many materials that are nice to look at and feel. There’s more than enough room for the 7 occupants that the vehicle can seat.

Despite the high competition in the midsize SUV class in the cargo department, the 2023 Explorer holds its own pretty well. It has a capacious trunk whose space can be increased even further when you fold down the second and third rows.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Ford Explorer and their standard features:

2023 Explorer Base

The entry-level Explorer 2023 offers many cool amenities. It gets you tri-zone climate control, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a powered liftgate, and a 4.2-inch instrumentation screen. There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Furthermore, there are several safety systems offered. These include forward-collision warning (w/automated emergency braking), blind-spot monitoring (w/rear-cross-traffic alert), a rearview camera (w/washer), rear parking sensors, and lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist).

2023 Explorer XLT

The 2023 Explorer XLT also ticks many boxes in luxury despite its place on the trim hierarchy. It starts by upgrading the seats – you get heated front seats, 10- and 4-way power-adjustability for the driver and the front passenger, and captain’s chairs in the second row.

You also get push-button ignition, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.5-inch instrumentation cluster, and more power outlets. You also unlock many cool optional extras that are standard on the trims below.

2023 Explorer ST-Line

The 2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line gets many add-ons. These include custom upholstery, remote start, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient mood lighting, and an 8-way power front passenger seat. It also adds a premium 12-speaker sound system by B&O, a voice-activated navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree camera.

2023 Explorer Limited

The 2023 Explorer Limited gets you even more upgrades such as leather-trimmed seats, front parking sensors, second-row heated seats (front ones are now ventilated as well), and some changes to the powertrain.

2023 Explorer Timberline

The Platinum trim level makes some minor changes to the safety department, the upholstery, and the exterior.

2023 Explorer ST

The Timberline equips the Explorer to handle the toughest terrains on the planet while the Explorer ST prepares it to tear up the tarmac. It too loses some interior features for a better power-to-weight ratio, but it gains several performance upgrades and custom accents.

2023 Explorer Platinum

This one gets you all of the features of the Explorer Limited, plus some more such as leather seats (w/tri-diamond perforated inserts), rear braking assist, a power-folding third row, a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen, and some exterior changes.

2023 Explorer King Ranch

Finally, we have the top-ranked King Ranch model which comes with all of the aforementioned technology, plus its very own high-end Mesa Del Rio leather upholstery, many more upscale trim materials, and custom accents.

2023 Explorer XLT

2023 Explorer Timberline

Exterior and Driving

The 2023 Ford Explorer is easily the most stylish midsize SUV in the market right now. It is also quite customizable when you look at its trim levels. There are numerous stylings available for the front grille, wheels, mirrors, etc.

The following are the colors available on the 2023 Explorer:

Make sure that you confirm which ones are available for your trim before purchasing.

The Explorer has always been an all-rounder when it comes to driving prowess. The 2023 model is no different as it is quick, great to handle for its size, and absorbs all sorts of discomfort on the road.

Reliability and Warranty

The 2023 Ford Explorer gets a predicted reliability rating of 83 out of 100 from JD Power. This puts it in the ‘Great’ category. The consumer reviews are also positive about it. You get limited and powertrain warranties to cover you for 3 years/36k miles and 5 years/60k miles respectively.

Verdict

The 2023 Ford Explorer is pretty much close to perfection as it has something for every type of consumer out there. You get everything from power, handling, and hauling to a luxurious and well-designed cabin with lots of standard niceties and excellent reliability ratings.
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