2023 Ford Explorer Review

When it comes to driving a midsize SUV that is this big, the family driver could be disappointed. There needs to be significant capability or it will be dull to be behind the wheel. Explorers have an excellent turbo four Ecoboost engine. This high-tech four-cylinder unit generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

While it produces energy like it was a V6, this engine manages fuel economy like the four-cylinder it is. In city driving, there’s stop-start. When activated, the feature will save fuel at redlights by pausing the engine. A driver lifts a foot from the brake to reactivate the engine. This ensures zero lag when that same foot moves to the accelerator.

Of course, owners may want even fuel economy. For that, Ford offers up a Hybrid V6 that has 318 horses under the hood. It’s a win for the driver with this competitive powertrain.

Most competitive of all, the 2023 Ford Explorer ST has a 400-horsepower engine. Drivers can count on 415 pound-feet of torque from this high-output turbocharged V6. Handling is assisted by a sport-tuned suspension.

The base engine can tow a whopping 5,300 pounds. That’s enough for many campers and boat trailers. Ford’s rear-wheel platform actually makes towing easier. There’s extra strength in the back.

Handling is sharper thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, although you can certainly get four-wheel drive. Hill descent control maintains a safe momentum and helps protect the transmission.

Towing capability goes up to 5,600 pounds with the Explorer ST edition. It is still a healthy 5,000 pounds if you choose the sturdy Explorer Hybrid in Phoenix AZ.

As Car and Duty has written, this ride is “best suited for family duty.” Once again, the rear-wheel platform makes a difference. This time it is the lower loading and unloading height. Limited and higher editions add power-fold seats.

When you combine that with a standard power liftgate, families have what they need for hauling their gear. King Ranch and Platinum models include a hands-free feature to make using the liftgate even easier.

Roof rails are standard on XLT. With the cross rails, you can feel free to use the roof for some light hauling.

For some, cars are all about color. For them, Ford offers Stone Blue, Jewel Red Metallic, Forged Green, Carbonized Gray, and Rapid Red. If you prefer something more understated, glamorous choices include Iconic Silver and Agate Black.

XLT Sport Appearance packages dress exterior elements in gray. It also adds special carbonized gray wheels. There are plenty of exterior driver aids, including the power-fold side mirrors offered by the XLT Tech package and higher trims.

Super sporty elements change the Explorer into the ST-Line trim level. Dark-tinted lights are paired with special machine-finished alloy wheels. Rain-sensing wipers add to its list of driver aids. You can recognize the racier ST by its quad exhaust. Limited are all about the chrome accents.

As the entry level Ford Explorer for sale, the XL is a good all-around value. The reasonable price covers a long list of favorite features. Standard driver assistance systems are especially cost effective in this package.

Drivers enjoy a power chair. Passengers will appreciate the tri-zone climate controls. Infotainment is assured by an 8-inch touch screen. Sync offers entertainment features that are multiplied by those offered via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The FordPass app provides remote start to cool the car on a hot day. Families will appreciate the available WiFi system that lets everyone get online.

Another worthy choice, the Explorer XLT has dual power chairs up front and dual captain’s chairs in the middle row. Dark and light slate elements liven up the ebony ActiveX upholstery.

For drivers, there’s more advanced keyless access, heated exterior mirrors, and push button start. The front seats gain power-heat. Second row passengers gain USB port access. Choosing CoPilot 360 Assist+, owners gain semi-automatic Blue Cruise. Music lovers will want the XLT Tech package and its 12-speaker audio system.

Miko inserts change the look of the ActiveX seats in the ST-Line cabin. Even better, a racy red stitch adds color contrast. Ford navigation is on board to get families where they are going. Ambient lighting helps take the edge off the night, giving comfort to little ones.

Explorer ST trims have leather seats with either silver accents or blue and red accents. Miko suede inserts provide softness in the well-bolstered seats in this Ford Explorer sport model. Cockpits have the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that makes this big rig feel like a race car. Although we might not need it often here in Peoria AZ, it is nice to know that it has a heated steering wheel.

The Ford Explorer Limited kicks the luxury up a few notches. There’s multi-color ambient lighting to change the atmosphere at night. Designer touches include the micro-perforated inserts in the leather seats.

In our sunny weather, the ventilated front seats are a must-have feature. Plus, the second-row sunshades. The 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen is as easy to use as a tablet. Bang and Olufsen provides premium audio systems.

King Ranch models have Del Rio leather with cool lasso-perforated seat inserts. Wood and leather dress the dash and doors. Cockpits gain a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Cargo assistance includes a power-fold third row and a hands-free liftgate.

The pinnacle of the lineup is definitely the Explorer Platinum which wears tri-diamond perforated inserts on its leather seats. With every amenity that Ford has to offer, these are well-dressed in exclusive wood trim.

Ford is offering a massive twin-panel glass roof. Families will love how it brings the outdoors into the cabin and adds to the spacious feel of this large 3 row SUV. A rear seat entertainment system is on the menu as well.

The rear-wheel Explorer has the advantage of Ford’s terrain management. Stepping up to the four-wheel drive, there are even more useful modes. Loose dirt is easier to conquer with the slippery mode, also for wet roads. Helping with desert excursions, dry sand is easier to deal with thanks to the deep snow-sand mode.

Off-road cruise control -- or Trail Control -- assists drivers with slow-speed trail rides. It accelerates and brakes to match conditions while you steer the Explorer.

With the 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline, the owner gains valuable protections such as skid plates and an off-road suspension. To tackle difficult terrain, there are all-terrain tires and a limited-slip rear differential. Even towing is easier thanks to the built-in towing equipment.

To match the needs of more families, the Explorer Timberline is offered in the 7-seat layout with an option for the 8-seat layout.

Crashes are best avoided. That’s the theory behind the umbrella of CoPilot360 on the 2023 Ford Explorer. This includes blind spot monitoring, a rear cross traffic alert, and a lane keeper. A forward collision warning can trigger an emergency autobrake.

Standard on ST Line and up, Ford CoPilot360 Assist+offers even more important features, including adaptive cruise control. Lane keeping can assist with steering to ensure it is centered in the lane lines. Evasive Steering Assist is added to the forward collision mitigation system.

Shoppers looking for a 3 row SUV can be overwhelmed by the choices, or they can go to a product that is tried and tested. That’s the case with the Explorer. It has proven itself again and again as a good midsize SUV for bigger families and regular carpools.

When it comes to safety, the SUV is a 2022 Top Safety Pick. As a Ford, this SUV has an exclusive feature known as a post-impact autobrake. This may intervene if crashforce is detected. It can reduce or lessen damage and prevent further injuries.

To keep the SUV out of harm’s way entirely, there are CoPilot360 features. This includes a lane keeping system, a forward collision warning with an autobrake, and other features to guard against crash scenarios.

Check out our inventory and let us know if you have questions. We are available via online chat. We are available by phone or in person at the dealership 7 days a week.