New 2023 Ford Explorer Review – Pricing, Horsepower, Specs, Pictures & More
The 2023 Ford Explorer is a perfect family SUV with all the necessary technical features and three rows of seats. That’s why it was one of the best-selling midsize SUVs in America last year. Explorer is fun to drive, very affordable, has great features, and delivers a spacious cabin.
That’s huge when it comes to buying an SUV that can handle all of life’s demands, whether you’re taking your kids to school or going camping with friends. The Explorer’s versatility is reflected throughout its history.
Today it means offering a range of technologies designed to increase your confidence behind the wheel and minimize the risk of collisions. If you are looking for a three-row SUV with high performance, then the 2023 Ford Explorer is the ideal SUV to buy to fulfill your needs.
It offers a high level of entertainment technology, a nice interior cabin, and features, and advanced safety features to make it an impressive SUV to buy.
To learn more about the 2023 Ford Explorer, keep reading this guide the team created after driving and testing this SUV.
What Is Updated In The 2023 Ford Explorer?
This year the Explorer gets a new livery. Known as Red Jewel Metallic, it joins a roster of other bold colors like Atlas Blue and Forged Green. Ford is sticking to what has proven its worth in its home market by casting the widest possible net with eight versions, each intended to have its own character.
The ST line alludes to the muscle car elements inherited from the ST performance class. The Timberline features black bodywork and off-road enhancements for the adventurous. and the better King Ranch borrows from the F-150’s board.
The interior largely exhibits the Ford DNA found in other vehicles, with a low dashboard, horizontal air vents, and a clean center console.
2023 Ford Explorer Review With All Specifications
- MSRP: $36,000
- Engine: 2.3L turbocharged inline-4
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Power: 300 hp @ 3500 rpm
- Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
- 0-60 MPH: 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed (MPH): 133 MPH
Ford Explorer Hybrid 2023 Price And Trim Levels
The 2023 Ford Explorer will continue with the same trim lineup as last year and will consist of eight variants for buyers to choose from: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.
All trim levels come standard with an RWD configuration, and an extra $2,000 will add an AWD system. You can get the base model for just $36,760 plus tax, registration, and a $1,495 ID fee. At order peak, the Platinum is $52,875 and the King Ranch is $54,130.
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If you want a hybrid, it only comes in two trim levels. The Hybrid Limited is $52,060 while the Platinum trim is $52,875. Discover the prices of the different trim levels of the Ford Explorer:-
- Ford Explorer Base: $36,760
- Explorer XLT: $38,570
- Explorer ST-Line: $46,005
- Explorer Limited: $47,070
- Explorer Timberline: $48,980
- Explorer ST: $50,005
- Explorer Platinum: $52,875
- Explorer King Ranch: $54,130
2023 Ford Explorer Engine Performance & Transmission
The 2023 Ford Explorer offers more powertrain options than any competing three-row midsize SUV. The Base, XLT and Limited trim levels come with a powerful 300hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that revs this big SUV with ease.
The base trim comes with a four-cylinder engine, on the other hand, the Limited Hybrid as well as Platinum Hybrid feature a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor to generate 318 hp. The base engine offers maximum mileage.
The ST and King Ranch are powered by a smooth, high-torque 400PS 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers a refined drive and impressive acceleration.
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Those who want to show off their muscles can tow a weight of up to 5,600 pounds with this SUV. Despite its size, the Explorer has good steering feedback and makes driving very easy.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior: Experience Comfort and Versatility
The 2023 Ford Explorer is a luxury SUV with plenty of room for passengers, cargo, and the family pet. With both rear rows of seats lowered, you can store up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row of seats.
Lowering just the third row lets you haul up to 47.9 cubic feet, while the cargo capacity behind the third row is 18.2 cubic feet.
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The Ford Explorer is not only spacious but also offers top-tier features like a two-piece sunroof and multi-color ambient lighting. Other available interior features of the 2023 Ford Explorer include:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Power Liftgate
- Telescoping steering column
- Cargo area management system
2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid Exterior Design & Styling
The Explorer has a very confident stance and road presence due to its massive frame. Ford managed to keep the grille design different on each version. The Explorer comes standard with LED headlights and DRLs, with LED fog lights reserved for the higher trim levels.
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The basic variant has 18-inch wheels and can be expanded to 21 inches depending on the trim level. The ST version offers a satisfying dose of power, grip, and stopping power that borders on entertainment.
All Explorers are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, however, turbocharged engines will benefit from a slight increase in performance when running on premium unleaded fuel.
Brand New Ford Explorer Top Features & Technology
The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a lot of interiors and extra technology to make the driver and other passengers safe and relaxed. The 2023 Explorer features an 8-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen as a standard feature.
You also get a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen on the top trims. Both touchscreens have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Readability and responsiveness are excellent on both systems.
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Below the screen are the steering wheel inputs, voice inputs, and traditional volume/tuning knobs. Take a look at the top tech features:
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth®
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- 12.3-in. productivity screen
- Remote start system
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
- Quad chrome exhaust tips
Discover The Impressive Ratings And Features Of The 2023 Ford Explorer
The 2023 Ford Explorer hasn’t been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but for the past year, IIHS has given the Explorer a “good” rating on most counts, even claiming the Ford Explorer is a Top Safety Pick+.
This is to be expected for the 2023 model and hardly any changes have been made. To make its vehicles safer, Ford has equipped the Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard with additional driver assistance features as options.
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The outstanding safety features of the Ford Explorer 2023 include:
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
- Trailer sway control
- Rearview camera
Fuel Efficiency & Mileage: Efficiency Meets Adventure
The Ford Explorer is one of the few midsize SUVs to have a hybrid drive. But the EPA puts the 2023 Explorer Limited Hybrid with rear-wheel drive at just 27 mpg city/highway and 25 mpg in all-wheel drive.
Compare that to the combined estimate of 23-24 mpg for the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder or the Highlander Hybrid’s 36 mpg figure, and the nearly $5,000 surcharge for the Explorer Limited Hybrid doesn’t add up.
Top FAQs About Ford Explorer Hybrid 2023
Will the 2023 Ford Explorer be redesigned?
As you may know, the Ford Explorer midsize SUV has been redesigned for the 2020 model year. As such, Ford did not redesign the vehicle for the 2023 model year. The cabin of the 2023 Ford Explorer will be similar to the 2022 model, which is great for drivers.
It has comfortable seats, a responsive touchscreen to control music and navigation, and a wide range of luxury features.
What is the most luxurious Ford Explorer?
The most luxurious Explorer version is the King Ranch, which, like the top-of-the-range Ford trucks of that name, has a sumptuous leather interior. Covering almost every surface, this rich brown material is embellished with contrasting handcrafted stitching and cut-out detailing.
This is complemented by open-pored wood paneling. Ford is also launching branded floor mats.
Is Ford Explorer 4WD or AWD?
All 2023 Ford Explorer models come standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. This tech helps the braking system and powertrain to get full traction for every terrain. This makes the 2023 Ford Explorer a great vehicle for winter driving and off-roading.
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have 3rd row?
Yes, the Ford Explorer is arguably the most popular Ford SUV, and for many years almost all 2023 Explorer models have come with third-row seats. You will find that the third row isn’t roomier and with less ground design and less space for legroom, this is not ideal for adult passengers.
But to fit a few extra kids back there, the Explorer’s third-row seats work great.
Is the Ford Explorer good for road trips?
Yes, the Explorer can be stored, transported, played, and entertained, making it the perfect travel companion. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer is simple to drive and good for daily driving, and perfect for road trips.
From foraging in rough terrain to safely storing everything you need, the Explorer has the features you need to meet all your outdoor needs.
How long can you drive a Ford Explorer?
With proper maintenance, the Ford Explorer can cover 200,000 miles. But the serious issue in different generations lessens the lifespan of Ford Explorer to 100,000 miles or less.
However, by doing all necessary maintenance, inspection, and service, you can easily identify problems and resolve them before they become serious.
Final Thought
The 2023 Ford Explorer delivers various trim levels, three engine options, and the option to choose between AWD or RWD, making it an ideal midsize SUV.
It boasts class-leading passenger and cargo space, strong performance, excellent connectivity, and a long list of standard driver-assist and safety technologies. This is the only SUV that perfectly combines practicality and performance.
