The 2023 Ford Explorer is the ultimate three-row crossover SUV. Its unique rear-wheel-drive setup helps it trounce the competition, delivering a uniquely agile performance and very strong towing capabilities. In addition to its sporty ride, the Explorer is home to a very spacious cabin and lots of luxury upgrades.
Why choose the 2023 Ford Explorer?
- Strong, quick performance from its turbocharged V6
- Sporty rear-wheel-drive platform offers agile handling and improved towing capabilities
- Family-friendly interior, with comfortable seating and lots of standard tech features
- Road-trip-ready cargo hold of 18.2 cubic feet
How comfortable is the 2023 Ford Explorer? Which trim model should I select?
This three-row crossover is very nicely suited to your family road trips! The seats are cushy and supportive, with up to seven seats for you and your loved ones (or six if you select second-row captain’s chairs).
Every Explorer comes with triple-zone automatic climate control, which does an excellent job of cooling everyone down (or warming them up). The standard lineup also includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a handy power liftgate. The list base tech features is also very inclusive, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Explorer also bolsters your peace of mind, thanks to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and lane departure mitigation are all standard equipment.
As you climb the trim ladder, the Explorer’s eight models only ensure greater luxury and more tech features. The mid-grade XLT adds to the base XL with heated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs.
The stylish ST-Line upgrades the safety lineup, with features that include evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control. Inside, you’ll find ambient interior lighting, built-in navigation, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, among other upgrades.
When you choose the Limited, you’re getting a bigger splash of luxury, with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.
The sporty Timberline adds to the XLT with faux-leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.
In addition to its performance upgrades, the ST adds rich interior style, with front sport seats, leather-and-simulated-suede upholstery, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
If you crave some Western-themed luxury, there’s the King Ranch. It keeps you nice and comfy, with exclusive Del Rio leather upholstery, leather-wrapped interior panels, and wood cabin trim. The King Ranch is also very high-tech, with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Finally, the top-of-the-line Platinum speaks to your desire for a posh drive, with diamond-quilted leather upholstery, exclusive wood cabin trim, and satin aluminum exterior trim. It even includes an automated parking system to help scoot this big crossover SUV into a parallel parking space.
Which powertrains are available for the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer treats you to three engine options, all of which balance power with fuel efficiency, though in slightly different ways. If you’re shopping for the speediest ride, look to the turbocharged V6 engine, which is available for higher trim models. The hybrid V6, which is also available for the higher trim models, can help you earn maximum EPA ratings of 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway).
Compared to other crossovers in this segment, the Explorer is uniquely outfitted with rear-wheel drive. This performance setup creates a very sporty ride, and it also improves tow ratings. Properly equipped, the Explorer can tow a boat trailer weighing up to 5,600 pounds.
The 2023 Ford Explorer powertrain specs include:
- Standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.3L hybrid V6 (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
When can I order the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The order banks for the new Explorer have already opened! If you want to build the perfect three-row crossover for you and your loved ones, visit us at Cogswell Ford. We’ll walk you through the entire process without a hitch.