2023 Ford Explorer

The 2023 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that offers a well-rounded blend of performance, comfort, and technology. While it does offer a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, this engine is not standard across all models. The lower trims come standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting.

The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for a midsize SUV. It also comes standard with a number of fuel-saving features, such as auto start-stop technology.

• Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway (3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine)
• Infotainment system: 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Cargo space: 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row
• Safety features: Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and reverse brake assist
• Trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum
• Starting MSRP: $36,760 (estimated)

The 2023 Ford Explorer, a midsize SUV, provides an excellent balance of power, luxury, and advanced technology. For the 2023 model year, Ford has largely maintained the Explorer's features, with a few notable updates:

• Introduction of a new Red Jewel Metallic exterior color option
• Enhancements to the Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite, now inclusive of lane centering assist
• Standardization of a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available in eight trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.

Base: The Base trim level is the entry-level trim for the Explorer and comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

XLT: The XLT has offerings like 6.5-inch instrument cluster, Seating — unique cloth 10 way power driver, including tilt, lumbar and recline adjustment, and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

ST-Line: The ST-line has 12 speakers, Seats — ActiveX Seating Material with Miko® inserts and red stitching, Steering wheel — heated with red stitching, and a Wireless charging pad

Timberline: The Timberline trim is an off-road-oriented trim for the Explorer and comes standard with features like intelligent 4-wheel drive, hill descent control, and a terrain management system.

Limited: The Limited trim is the most popular trim level for the Explorer and offers a good balance of features and value. The Limited adds features like a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional power-folding third-row seat.

ST: The ST trim is the performance-oriented trim for the Explorer and comes standard with a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The ST also adds features like a sport-tuned suspension, a unique front fascia, and 20-inch wheels.

King Ranch: The King Ranch trim is the luxury trim for the Explorer and offers the most features and amenities. The King Ranch comes standard with features like leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a power-folding third-row seat.

Platinum: The Platinum is the top-of-the-line trim for the Explorer and offers the most luxurious interior and exterior. The Platinum comes standard with features like leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a power-folding third-row seat, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is an excellent choice for those seeking a midsize SUV that delivers on performance, comfort, and technology. Here are some compelling reasons to consider the 2023 Ford Explorer for your next purchase:

Powerful and efficient powertrains: The Explorer offers three engine choices: a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, and a hybrid that combines a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 318 horsepower. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Roomy and plush interior: The Explorer offers a capacious and luxurious interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers. The front seats offer heating and ventilation, and the rear seats feature a reclining function. The Explorer also comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

Cutting-edge safety features: The Explorer comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. The Explorer also comes standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Outstanding value: The 2023 Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $36,760, which is competitive for a midsize SUV with its features and performance.

Additional reasons why we at Dorian Ford believe the 2023 Ford Explorer is worth considering for your next SUV lease or purchase:

Luxurious Features: The Explorer offers a range of luxury-like features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Elegant Styling: The Explorer boasts a refined design that sets it apart from the competition.

Impressive Fuel Economy: The Explorer achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway with the 3.0L EcoBoost® V-6 engine.

If you're in the market for a midsize SUV that delivers on performance, comfort, technology, and value, the 2023 Ford Explorer is an excellent choice.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available with three engine options: a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine, a 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor.

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine: This engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is EPA-estimated to get up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
• 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine: This engine produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is EPA-estimated to get up to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
• Hybrid powertrain: This powertrain produces 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is EPA-estimated to get up to 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

All Explorer engines come standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.

The Explorer's performance is enhanced by its independent suspension system, which provides a smooth ride and good handling. The Explorer is also available with a variety of performance features, such as a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and larger brakes.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the base model with the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine. The 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine is rated up to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain achieves up to 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Real-world fuel economy will vary depending on a number of factors, including driving habits, cargo weight, and terrain. However, in general, the Explorer is expected to get better fuel economy than previous models.

For example, Car and Driver's testing of the 2023 Explorer ST with the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 returned 25 mpg on their 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. This is slightly better than the EPA estimate of 24 mpg.

The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a variety of towing capacities to suit different hauling needs. The towing capacity is the amount of weight that the SUV can tow behind it.

The base engine, a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine has a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine has a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds - while the hybrid powertrain has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available with a variety of configurations, including standard, XLT, Limited, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum. Each with a wheelbase length of 119.1 inches.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is a great choice for those who need a versatile and capable SUV with a high towing capacity.

Here are some additional details about the 2023 Ford Explorer towing capacity:

• Maximum towing capacity: 5,600 pounds
• Trailer weight rating: Less than the Explorer's maximum towing capacity
• Equipment needed for towing: Trailer hitch, wiring harness, brake controller
• Owner's manual: Consult your owner's manual for the specific towing capacity of your Explorer
• All-Wheel Drive and Other Performance Features

All-Wheel Drive and Other Performance Features

The 2023 Explorer offers available all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and handling in all weather conditions. It also comes with several other performance features, such as adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, and electric power-assisted steering.

The 2023 Ford Explorer has a comfortable and spacious interior, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The cabin is well-designed and well-equipped, with a variety of features to make your drive more enjoyable.

Passenger Space

The Explorer is available in a variety of seating configurations, including five-passenger and six to seven-passenger. The five-passenger configuration has seating for two in the front, two in the second row, and three in the rear. The seven-passenger configuration has seating for two in the front, two in the second row, and two in the third row.

Regardless of the seating configuration, the Explorer offers plenty of passenger space. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats are spacious enough for adults to sit comfortably. The third row is a bit cramped for adults, but it is still comfortable for children.

Additional details about the passenger space in the 2023 Ford Explorer:

• Front-row passenger volume: 40.7 cubic feet
• Rear-row passenger volume: 38.9 cubic feet
• Heated and ventilated front seats (available)
• Power-adjustable front seats (standard)
• Power-adjustable pedals (available)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats (standard)
• Fold-flat front passenger seat (available)

Cargo Space

The 2023 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that offers plenty of cargo space. Whether you're hauling groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment, the Explorer has you covered.

The Explorer has a standard cargo space of 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. With the third row folded down, the Explorer has 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space. And with all seats folded down, the Explorer has 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Explorer is also available with a number of options that can increase the available cargo space. These options include a power-folding third row, a cargo management system with tie-downs, and a roof rack.

Here are some additional details about the cargo space in the 2023 Ford Explorer:

• Standard cargo space: 18.2 cubic feet
• Cargo space with third row folded down: 47.9 cubic feet
• Cargo space with all seats folded down: 87.8 cubic feet
• Available options: Power-folding third row, cargo management system with tie-downs, roof rack

Cargo Space Comparison Table for the 2023 Ford Explorer

Comfort Features

The Explorer comes standard with a number of comfort features, including:

• Power-Adjustable Front Seats
• FordPass Connect™
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Power-adjustable front seats

The Explorer is also available with a number of optional comfort features, including:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated front seats
• A leather-wrapped steering wheel
• A 12-speaker sound system
• A heated steering wheel
• A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• A Twin-Panel Moonroof

The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a comfortable and spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The cabin is well-designed and well-equipped, with a variety of features to make your drive more enjoyable.

The 2023 Ford Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The system also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you can stay connected no matter where you are.

The 2023 Ford Explorer also offers a variety of optional infotainment and connectivity features, including:

• B&O Play sound system: This system features 12 speakers and a 1,000-watt amplifier, providing you with an immersive listening experience.
• Wireless charging: This feature allows you to wirelessly charge your compatible smartphone, so you can stay connected without having to worry about tangled cords.
• Navigation: This feature provides turn-by-turn directions and traffic updates, so you can always find your way.
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio: This feature gives you access to over 150 channels of commercial-free music, news, sports, and entertainment.
• FordPass™ Connect: This feature gives you remote access to your Explorer, including the ability to start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, and check the fuel level.

The 2023 Ford Explorer's infotainment and connectivity features can help you to stay connected and entertained on the go. Whether you're listening to music, navigating to your destination, or using the Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected with work, the 2023 Ford Explorer has you covered.

Additional details about the 2023 Ford Explorer's infotainment system:

• High-resolution display that is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
• Supports a variety of voice commands, so you can control it without taking your hands off the wheel.

The 2023 Ford Explorer's infotainment system is one of the best in the class. It is easy to use, packed with handy features, and provides a great way to stay connected and entertained while on the go.

The 2023 Ford Explorer is one of the safest mid-size SUVs on the market. It comes standard with a variety of safety features, including:

• Lane Keeping System (includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert and Driver Alert)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines
• Ford Co-Pilot360™
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

The 2023 Ford Explorer has been awarded a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is the second-highest safety rating that the IIHS gives. The Explorer also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Here are some additional details about the safety features of the 2023 Ford Explorer:

• The automatic emergency braking system can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• The forward collision warning system can detect vehicles and pedestrians up to 120 meters ahead.
• The lane departure warning system can detect lane markings up to 100 meters ahead.
• The lane keeping assist system can help you stay in your lane by applying gentle steering corrections.
• The blind spot monitoring system can detect vehicles in your blind spots up to 60 meters away.
• The Blind Spot Monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your side blind spots, while Rear Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you of approaching vehicles when you're reversing out of parking spaces or driveways.
• The adaptive cruise control system can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• The pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection system can automatically apply the brakes if it senses that you're about to hit a pedestrian.
• Available Active Park Assist 2.0 effortlessly guides your vehicle into tight parallel or perpendicular parking spaces for a consistently impressive parking job.

The 2023 Ford Explorer's safety features are designed to help you stay safe on the road. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, these features can help you avoid accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.