2024 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $36,760 MSRP*
- Choice of 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque or 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- 18-inch Five-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels, available wheels up to 21 inches
- Automatic LED Low- and High-Beam Headlamps, LED Taillamps
- Power Liftgate
- Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with rear controls
- SYNC® 3 with 10.1 inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
- Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 14 Speakers Including Subwoofer
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+
About the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was the model that first popularized the SUV in the mainstream automotive market, and over the years it has continued to evolve as the yardstick against which all other midsize SUVs are judged. Today, the Explorer is offered with a choice of three individual engine choices to suit the needs of virtually any type of driver. The Explorer is more fuel efficient than ever thanks to an advanced EcoBoost® base engine, as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. There are three rows of seats, and thanks to the offroad-focused Timberline trim, you can get all those people to your destination even if there aren’t roads that go there. Thanks to E-Z Entry second-row captain’s seats, and PowerFold® third-row seats, the Explorer is easy to load and unload either people or cargo.
What the Critics Say
“The switch back to traditional rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) makes sense on many levels. Handling and overall balance improve dramatically when you stop trying to steer and power a vehicle from the same end. Towing stability and powertrain selection also benefit. Indeed, the Explorer is one of the better choices in the midsize three-row SUV class for towing.” — Edmund
“The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission.” — Edmunds
What's New for 2024
The sole change to the legendary Ford Explorer for the 2024 model year comes from an adjustment to the engine lineup. Last year’s optional hybrid powertrain has been discontinued for 2024, leaving two gasoline options available to shoppers. As the next-gen Explorer is on the horizon, this could be your last chance to experience this current iteration of one of America’s most popular SUVs of all time.
Ford Explorer Features
Powerfully Capable
No matter which powertrain you go for, the Explorer comes with ample power. The base 2.3-liter 2.3L EcoBoost® engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing an excellent mix of power and fuel economy. For those looking for even more power, there is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both of these come with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, with intelligent all-wheel drive as an option. Towing capacity is excellent no matter which powertrain option you go with, including a maximum of 5,600 pounds with the EcoBoost® V6.
Superior Comfort
Being a three-row SUV, people carrying is an important part of what the Explorer does, and it does it well. The interior is spacious, and thanks to standard tri-zone automatic climate control, it stays at a comfortable temperature for everyone. It stays well lit too, thanks to available features like a twin-panel moonroof and multi-colored ambient interior lighting. Most trims come with a 12-speaker B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, with an available upgrade to a 14-speaker version of this system. There is an available heated steering wheel, as well as heated first- and second-row seats, with ventilation available for the first-row too. Standard on the Explorer is SYNC® 3 with a 10.1-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making the infotainment system powerful and easy to use.
Functional Versatility
The Explorer comes in eight different trims, which allows you to pick the one that’s right for how you want to use it. There are trims with 6- or 7-seat configurations, as well as varying degrees of luxury. For those looking for a performance SUV, the ST comes with 400 horsepower, and a performance suspension setup that allows for impressive cornering. It even comes with a complimentary trip to the Ford Performance ST SUV Experience Driving School, giving you a chance to try all of this impressive performance on a track. For those looking to go offroad, there is the Timberline, which comes with raised offroad suspension and a 3.58 TORSEN Limited Slip Rear Axle, as well as all-terrain tires. You can outfit the interior to be easier to get in and out of, or to make it easier to switch from carrying people to carrying cargo. No matter what you want to do with it, there is a way to outfit your Explorer to make it just right.
Trims & Specs
Explorer
- Starting at $36,760 MSRP*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
- 18" Five-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Aluminum wheels
- Terrain Management System™
- Automatic LED Low- and High-Beam Headlamps, LED Taillamps
- Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control with rear controls
XLT
- Starting at $38,570 MSRP*
- Instrument Panel Cluster with 6.5" Color LCD Productivity Screen
- LED Signature Lighting
- 10-way Power Driver seat
- Ford Co-Pilot360™
- Trailer Sway Control
ST-Line
- Starting at $46,355 MSRP*
- 20" Machined Aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- LED Fog Lamps
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
- Ebony with Red Stitching on the doors
- B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®
Limited
- Starting at $47,420 MSRP*
- Leather-trimmed seating surfaces
- 20" Premium Painted Aluminum wheels
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
- Heated, Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- First-Row Heated and Ventilated
Timberline
- Starting at $49,330 MSRP*
- 18" High Gloss Black-Painted Aluminum Wheels with All-Terrain Tires
- Unique Timberline Grille and other unique Timberline aesthetic touches
- 3.58 TORSEN® Limited-Slip Rear Axle
- Intelligent 4WD
- Off-Road Front Struts and Rear Shocks
ST
- Starting at $50,005 MSRP*
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- Unique Sport-tuned Independent Front and Rear Suspension
- SelectShift® Capability with Paddle Shifters
- Leather-Trimmed Seats with Miko® Micro-Perforated Inserts, City Silver Accent Stitching, and ST Logo
- Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips
King Ranch®
- Starting at $54,525 MSRP*
- 20" 10-Spoke Aluminum with King Ranch® Center Cap
- Del Rio Leather - All Rows - Mesa/Norias seat color and Lasso-Perforated Inserts
- First-Row Heated and Ventilated, second-row heated seats
- Instrument Panel Real Sapele Wood Appliques
- King Ranch® badging
Platinum
- Starting at $54,670 MSRP*
- Standard 3.3L Hybrid Engine, with optional 3.0L EcoBoost® V6
- 21" Bright Machined-Face Aluminum with Luster Nickel-Painted Pockets
- Leather Seating Surfaces with Tri-Diamond Perforated Inserts
- PowerFold® Third-row seat
- Adaptive Headlamps with LED Signature Lighting
*Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.