2023 Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer highlights
Customer rating
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
What is new for the 2023 Ford Explorer?
- 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.
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
- View our Ford Explorer King Ranch inventory
Ford Explorer photos
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
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford ExplorerFord Explorer features and specs
ST 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Quad Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Full Roof Rack
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Seat Massagers
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
400
Torque (ft-lbs)
415
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
20.2
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
P255/55VR20
Rear tires
P255/55VR20
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
530/5300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
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:
- ST : 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- ST-Line : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Platinum : 25 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Timberline : 19 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Limited : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Base : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- XLT : 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- King Ranch : 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
The Ford Explorer received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Explorer as 22 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2023 Ford Explorer has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Ford Explorer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Ford Explorer Reviews.
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
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- A/C Seat(s)
- Power Folding Third Row
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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