2023 Ford Explorer Review

The Ford Explorer is one of the biggest names in the SUV market today and has been ever since its inception.

The following is a review of its latest model:

Features

The Ford Explorer is currently in its sixth generation and offers eight different trim levels along with two powertrain options. The only change to this year’s model is in the palette of exterior colors.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 Explorer comes with a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged engine good for 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. You can also opt for the 400-hp and 415-lb-ft 3-liter twin-turbo V6. A 10-speed automatic gearbox sends this power to a rear- or all-wheel drive system.

The engines are exclusive to selective trim levels. Still, the 2023 Ford Explorer is a quick vehicle that can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5 seconds with the V6. The base engine is also formidable as it only takes a second longer to achieve the same milestone.

The Explorer 2023 will be a fine vehicle to tow your trailer with. This is thanks to a maximum towing capacity of 5600 lbs when equipped right. The best part is that you can attain this figure no matter which engine you pick. So, how efficient is the Explorer?

Well, the base engine with RWD is the best here as it can do up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. If you opt for AWD, you can do 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. With the V6, you can do up to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway – also respectable.

If you still want more, the 2023 Explorer Hybrid can do 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Interior and Technology

The Explorer looks and is built to be modern and sophisticated on the inside. The quality of the cabin materials is solid, and it gets even better as you opt for higher trim levels. This SUV can comfortably seat up to seven occupants.

Having a decent-sized trunk and a third row of seating is not easy, but the Ford Explorer 2023 manages to do it. If you want to load even more items, you can always fold down the third (and even second) row of seats to increase the space. The cubby storage is on point.

The following are the trims of the 2023 Explorer, plus their standard features:

2023 Explorer
The base Explorer 2023 comes with tri-zone climate control, a power tailgate and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. For infotainment, there’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 6 speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The safety department is stacked with goodies such as forward-collision warning (w/automated emergency braking), lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), blind-spot monitoring (w/rear-cross-traffic alert), a rearview camera (w/washer), and parking sensors for the rear.

2023 Explorer XLT
Next up is the 2023 Explorer XLT, which gets you push-button ignition, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.5-inch instrumentation cluster, and more power outlets. It also adds heated front seats.

You now get 10- and 4-way power-adjustability for the driver and the front passenger respectively. This model seats up to six due to the fancier captain’s chairs in the second row. There’s also an extensive list of optional extras offered.

2023 Explorer ST-Line
The first of the two ST models, it gets you custom ST-Line upholstery and stitching. There’s also additional tech such as remote start, heating on the steering wheel, ambient mood lighting, and an 8-way power front passenger seat.

The infotainment system gets upgrades with a state-of-the-art premium 12-speaker stereo by B&O, a voice-activated navigation system, and wireless phone charging. A 360-degree camera improves safety.

2023 Explorer Limited
Getting even more upscale, the 2023 Explorer Limited adds leather-trimmed seats, with the second row being heated and ventilation on the front ones. You also get parking sensors for the front, along with some changes to the powertrain.

2023 Explorer Timberline
Built for trailblazers, the Timberline is set up for off-roading. This is why it loses some interior features for better weight distribution. You do get several upgrades on the outside though.

2023 Explorer ST
In contrast to the Timberline, the ST model spruces up the Explorer for paved roads. But like Timberline, it loses some niceties to make it perform even better.

2023 Explorer Platinum
The Platinum model builds from the Limited trim and it adds upscale leather seats (w/tri-diamond perforated inserts), and a power-folding third row. The infotainment and safety systems receive a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen and rear braking assist respectively.

2023 Explorer King Ranch
The very best of the 2023 Explorer is offered on the King Ranch model which gets you all of the above, plus an improved choice of materials in the form of Mesa Del Rio leather upholstery, and more.

2023 Ford Explorer ST Line

2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch

2023 Ford Explorer Timberline

Exterior and Driving

The Ford Explorer 2023 is a stunning and unique crossover vehicle. Models such as the Timberline and ST stand out even more. The former adds thicker tires and upgrades the suspension for some serious off-tarmac driving.

The following are the colors available on the 2023 Explorer, based on your trim level:

The 2023 Ford Explorer continues the tradition of being a well-rounded performer on the road. It maintains its reputation for speed, impressive handling considering its class, and the ability to smoothly absorb all the road’s blemishes.

In terms of predicted reliability, all the 2023 Ford Explorer models get a score of 83 out of 100 from JD Power. This puts them in the ‘Great’ category. The reviews from the owners are also positive about it. On top of that, you get a limited warranty of 3 years/36k miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years/60k miles.

Verdict

The 2023 Ford Explorer is an all-rounder in terms of capability, luxury, and technology. Its dependability is the icing on the cake, making it a truly must-have vehicle.
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