2023 Ford Explorer, Over the last few years, Ford has made a major overhaul to most of its lineup. The Ford Explorer — one of the most popular and recognizable SUVs in history benefits from a complete redesign.
This full-size SUV sits near the top of the Ford lineup, placing just below the truck-based Expedition. The redesign shifts the 2023 Explorer to a rear-wheel-drive platform, giving the Explorer an impressive tow rating and improved handling, especially when equipped with Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine.
The Ford Explorer is available with all the latest in-car technology and driver assistance that Ford has to offer. Offerings range from adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring to a slick infotainment system and tablet-sized touchscreen navigation and infotainment system.
With seating for up to seven passengers and a large cargo area, the 2023 Explorer also provides plenty of utility. However, not everything is rosy. Prices can reach tantalizing levels when you add options, and the interior feels cheap considering the Explorer’s cost. It’s also not as quiet and comfortable on the highway as we’d like.
There are many powerful SUVs in the automotive market trying to carve their name in SUV history, but none can stand against the mighty Ford Explorer. So far the Ford Explorer has evolved over the years from what was once a basic block design to a modern, cool-looking monster.
Sold over 8 million units worldwide, it is without a doubt the most famous SUV on the planet, and for good reason. The 2023 Ford Explorer will be off the production line soon, we hope it will get a major redesign in the coming year.
We also hope that the 2023 Ford Explorer delivers a terrifying performance with a smooth driving experience and excellent towing capability. These qualities make it perfectly utilitarian, and perhaps this is the reason why it is one of the best vehicles in its class.
It offers some serious competition to its rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot.
New Ford Explorer 2023
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Ford Explorer 2023 In recent years the Ford Explorer vehicle type has undergone a significant redesign that returns it to its rear-wheel-drive roots and provides a more rugged look and feels. We saw several updates in the second year, including a new hybrid variant and an off-road-tuned Timberland model. With this model still fresh, we expect the Ford Explorer to be a carryover.
Visually, the new 2023 Ford Explorer is more upright and sturdy than the previous generation, signaling its light shift back to its traditional SUV roots. Even so, this SUV isn’t exactly a formidable SUV, but it still offers a sleek nose, approachable body lines, and a pleasing overall design.
Inside, the crowd delight continues with the simple yet fluent seven-seater cabin with plenty of soft-touch materials and available wood and leather trim. There’s also tasteful use of metal trim, but nothing over the top.
Current 2023 Explorer standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, cloth seating, a pair of USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more.
2023 Ford Explorer Timberline
The Ford Explorer 2023 Timberline is on its way to offering customers a more powerful version of the SUV. The latest spy photo series captures the latest developments, including some previously unseen details.
The Model Ford Explorer 2023 Timberline gives this Ford Explorer a distinct look with red accents and matching tow hooks. The bottom is made of metal so it looks like a skid plate. Take a good look at the top of this area and notice the hidden embossed mountain logo.
The nose has square fog lights at the bottom corners instead of the usual skinny rectangular unit. Horizontal trim cuts slice off the badge on the grille. The blue sticker on the C-pillar appears to cover more of the jagged mountain graphic that appears on the front fascia.
The rear bumper of the new Ford Explorer Timberline hides the exhaust, instead of exposing it in another Ford Explorer grade. The tow hook is integrated into the design. Changes to the front and rear styling help improve the Ford Explorer Timberline’s approach to departure angle (the angle between the rear wheels and the rear bumper).
This also adds a more rugged appearance to this SUV. In terms of suspension also looks a little higher. The new Ford Explorer Timberline wheels use black Y-spoke wheels with Bridgestone Dueler tires.
The Ford Explorer Timberline may also adopt similar technologies to the FX4 Expedition package such as multiple skid plates and a 360-degree camera system. This particular powertrain change to the Ford Explorer Timberline seems unlikely. The 4WD badge on the hatchback tells us about the car’s drivetrain.
Given the model’s focus on off-road models, offering this model exclusively with four-wheel drive makes a lot of sense. It’s probable but not certain the 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline will make its debut in the first half of 2022. So stay tuned for sales to kick-off for the 2023 model year.
Regarding the kitchen runway, so far we have not received detailed information. However, it is predicted that under the hood of this car there will be a 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The engine will power the new Ford Explorer Timberline and is expected to produce an output of over 365 horsepower.
Of course, many potential buyers hope that this special off-road Ford Explorer Timberline package can be reproduced. For example, it includes additional drive modes and various other highway features.
Ford Explorer Redesign 2023
2023 Ford Explorer Redesign A complete redesign of America’s all-time best-selling SUV that now features the widest model lineup ever, more power and space, and smart new technology to help tackle life’s adventures.
The 2023 Explorer is now more capable, comfortable, sporty, and spacious in all three rows thanks to Ford’s new flexible rear-wheel-drive architecture.
The power of the All-New Ford Explorer was showcased at a special reveal event for employees, fans, dealers, suppliers, government officials, and the media today at Ford Field in Detroit, where Ford brought to life how it can help American families get the most out of their journey. . The all-new SUV arrived this summer.
Improved off-road capabilities come thanks to intelligent four-wheel drive and the new available Terrain Management System™ featuring seven easy-to-use driving modes.
The powertrain offering includes a turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost ® V6 projected to produce 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. torque uses 93 octane gas, making it the most powerful Explorer ever. The Explorer lineup now features standard, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum models.
The all-new Explorer comes with more than a dozen new standard features for just $400 more than the previous model. Standard features include a power liftgate, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a new 10-speed transmission, an 8-inch digital touchscreen with SYNC ® 3, FordPass Connect™ Wi-Fi service for up to 10 devices, and more.
Owners will find design and engineering updates that provide SUV comfort and functionality. The Explorer’s stylish sloping roof silhouette protects rear-seat headroom, while the comfort-enhanced second-row seats slide to increase access to the third row.
Technology designed to enhance the traveling experience
Ford Explorer 2023 Building on Ford’s drive to bring more driver assistance technology to market, the All-new 2023 Explorer introduces the available Active Park Assist 2.0. The standard exclusive class features on the Explorer Platinum allow the driver to park in parallel or perpendicular at the touch of a button without having to move the steering wheel, gear shift, gas pedal, or brake pedal.
The available reverse brake assist, also standard on the Platinum, uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to detect objects in the Explorer’s path and can brake automatically to avoid collisions when the vehicle is reversing at low speeds – such as when exiting a driveway.
The 2023 Explorer is also available with Ford’s new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. In addition to automatically decelerating when the traffic ahead slows down and helping to keep the vehicle on track, this system uses the camera to read speed signs and, in combination with the available navigation system, adjusts cruise control settings accordingly.
The 2023 Explorer comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of driver assistance technologies including:
- Pre-Collision Assistance with Automatic Emergency Braking, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake
- Support
- Blind Spot Information System with Traffic Warning
- Line Maintenance System
- Rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner
- Automatic headlights with automatic high light
- Other available Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies include Evasive Steering Assist, which provides steering support to help avoid collisions; and Post-Impact Braking provides post-collision braking to reduce injury and damage caused by secondary collision events.
Passengers on all three rows will enjoy FordPass Connect, a standard feature that delivers 4G LTE Wi-Fi to up to 10 mobile devices with a compatible wireless subscription service.
FordPass Connect gives drivers remote access to their 2023 Explorer, enabling them to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, locate and start the vehicle, and monitor key vehicle diagnostics.
The 2023 Explorer has an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted in portrait configuration in the center console. Navigation maps can fill the entire screen for easy viewing, or divide the space with audio information.
The display uses capacitive glass comparable to what consumers are used to on smartphones and tablets, providing faster and more responsive interactions with the updated SYNC 3 system.
SYNC 3’s more intuitive standard layout ensures driver compatibility with available features such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto®, and Waze navigation.
A wireless charging cradle is available for customers to charge compatible mobile devices, and up to four USB ports, including a new Type-C plug, charge the next generation of mobile devices. Up to three 12-volt outlets and one 110-volt outlet are also available.
For music lovers, the 2023 Explorer offers a high-end 14-speaker 980-watt B&O audio system. Access to SiriusXM ™ Satellite Radio is standard and comes with new graphics and touchscreen features, including viewing the day’s sports scores. HD Radio ™ is standard on Limited and Platinum models.
The touchscreen shares information with the optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which displays important vehicle information such as the speedometer and fuel gauge. It uses 3D animated graphics to change the information according to the driving mode selected from the seven using the terrain management system available.
Carefully redone to be the best Explorer ever
Ford’s recipe for the 2023 Explorer has always been based on the three key ingredients of capacity, comfort, and design. The new rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for bumper-to-bumper upgrades that include a more athletic appearance, improved capabilities, and the best passenger accommodation in the Explorer ever.
The powerful new lineup includes a pair of EcoBoost inlets – the turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 standard on base models, the XLT and Limited, and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that powers the 2023 Explorer. Platinum.
The revived 2.3-liter engine is expected to produce 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque, with better performance than the 2023 Explorer output equipped with the same engine.
Up to seven selectable driving modes are available for customers to tailor their driving experience to the road, weather, and terrain conditions on demand. The rear-wheel-only Explorer’s drive modes include Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Tow / Haul, and Eco.
Vehicles with intelligent four-wheel drive add deep snow and sand modes to improve off-road performance.
The rear-wheel drive also allows for greater towing capacity when properly equipped, regardless of the engine. Vehicles equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost can tow up to 5,600 pounds, a 12% increase over the previous model with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost.
New models equipped with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and Class III Tow Trailer Package can tow up to 5,300 pounds, compared to the 3,000 pounds that Explorers equipped with similar equipment are capable of today.
Transporting boats and trailers is of course a priority for the 2023 Explorer team, but also accommodating small items like everyday water bottles and cell phones. With every detail scrutinized, the new Explorer can boast 123 cubic liters of storage space throughout the cabin, giving passengers in all three rows no shortage of space to store personal items.
The available PowerFold ® third-row seats and the new EZ entry second-row seats allow drivers to create a flat-floor cargo area that stretches to offer 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space – wide enough to fit 4 feet of standard building materials, depending on seating configuration.
Accommodating families of all sizes, the second-row seats have a new mechanism that allows easy entry and exit to the third row with just one hand.
The redesigned ISOFIX anchor points allow for mounting the child seat anywhere in the second and third rows. The second-row windows are equipped with blinds that can be opened.
Modern and stylish design that is purely Explorer
Several consistent design qualities have helped define the Explorer over the last 29 years, and the design team strives to maintain a significant part of this legacy. Old features including the A-pillar and D-pillar as well as the Explorer’s body color C-pillar – have been retained.
Changes to the overall profile including a more sloping roofline and shorter front overhangs, give the vehicle a more sporty and stylish look.
The Explorer comes standard with painted 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, but across the range, drivers can choose from one of the seven-wheel designs, including the 21-inch premium aluminum alloy wheels available on the Platinum model.
Other Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum inserts, liftgate appliques, underbody cladding inserts, roof rack side rails, and unique grilles with a satin aluminum finish.
The Platinum model also features a standard twin-panel moonroof, which allows light to flood into the most comfortable Explorer cabin ever. The Explorer Platinum includes custom leather seats, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, rollover doors, and door and front console armrests.
When Was The Last Ford Explorer Redesign
America’s all-time best-selling Ford Explorer SUV features a lighter, sleeker and stronger construction, the widest model lineup ever, a more powerful and efficient EcoBoost ® engine, and smart new technologies to help tackle all of life’s adventures.
Redesigned from the ground up, the all-new Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for a sportier and more athletic design, enhanced on- and off-road capability, and 600 pounds more maximum towing capacity when properly equipped; available 3.0 liter EcoBoost engine making it the most powerful Explorer ever.
The rebuilt, silent cab offers more space and technology, including a portrait-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen with full-screen maps, innovative Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver assistance traffic sensing, and stress-reducing features such as brakes. Available Reverse Assist and Active Park Assist 2.0, which handles all steering, gearshift, brake, and accelerator controls during parking maneuvers at the touch of a button.
The new Terrain Management System™ available with up to seven selectable ride modes can help tackle any adventure via the easy-to-use buttons on the center console; The new normal, trail, snow and sand, slippery, sport, tow/haul and eco modes each come with custom 3D animated graphics in a new 12.3-inch digital cluster available.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior
The interior design is clean and very inviting as you will find subtle curves with lock settings. The two-tone gradation in the interior is very soothing. Everything from the sleek steering wheel to the smooth side curves is eye-catching.
But once approached, the story will change a bit because of the quality, the material is not the best in its class, in our opinion, this is normal because most of the surfaces are made of plastic.
The interior is very spacious, but the comfort level changes from front to back. There is plenty of room in the first and second-row seats, but the second row is less flexible than the first row. The third-row seats are a decent size. In comparison, the Hyundai Palisade outperforms the others with its largest cabin.
The Explorer can seat only 7 people, but the cabin has the most room for a third row in the segment. The 18.2 cubic feet lift capacity is decent and quickly rises to 83.9 cubic feet when you fold the second and third-row seats.
The Ford Explorer is equipped with infotainment features such as the 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium audio system, Ford SYNC 3, and BlueTooth cordless phone connectivity. Then there is the dashboard design which is good, but not the best, like other cars in its class, with a more attractive layout.
For added convenience, features such as day/night mirror auto-dimming and voice activation are standard. The infotainment system’s 8-inch touchscreen is amazing and offers a ton of features. An optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen is available, which may be useful at first but causes problems, especially when navigating maps and features.
Key infotainment features of the Ford Explorer include:
- FordPass Connect Features
- 8-inch infotainment screen comes standard
- Voice-activated navigation system
- 12 speaker B&O audio system for XLT trim levels and up
- 12V Powerpoint, 5 total (2 first line, 2-second line, and 1 cargo area)
2023 Ford Explorer ST
2023 Ford Explorer ST is constantly expanding its 2023 Explorer ST lineup with additional versions to attract more potential buyers. Just earlier this year, the manufacturer from the United States (US) introduced the Explorer King Ranch flagship.
And, we also know that Explorer Timberline is also in development. Now, for the SUV model, Ford will add three new variants. The star is definitely the new Explorer Enthusiast ST, which is basically the more affordable 2023 Explorer ST model.
It comes with the same turbocharged 3.0-liter engine under the hood, producing 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts). However, the price is now only 49,995 US dollars. For comparison, the standard 2023 Explorer ST starts at $52,830.
Just like a regular performance SUV, the Explorer Enthusiast ST also features a 10-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive as standard. Ford promises a top speed of 143 miles/hour (230 km/h), which they claim is “unmatched in this segment at that price.”
What’s also worth noting is that this new sporty SUV has a towing capability of up to 5,600 pounds (2,540 kilograms). Another addition to this model lineup is the Platinum RWD version of the Explorer.
This variant combines the rich equipment of the Explorer Platinum AWD, with a slightly more affordable drivetrain configuration for markets where all-wheel drive is not required.
As part of standard equipment, the Platinum RWD is equipped with custom leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, door rollers, as well as door armrests, and front console.
Finally, Ford also launched the Platinum Hybrid with an MSRP price starting at US$53,085.
This version has the familiar hybrid system, consisting of a 3.3-liter V6 engine, combined with an electric motor for a total output of 318 horsepower (237 kW) and 322 pound-feet (437 Newton-meters) of torque. Ford said the three new additions to the Explorer family are already available to order. The first phase of customer deliveries is scheduled for the summer of this year.
2023 Ford Explorer Engine
It’s been an interesting discussion that the 2023 Ford Explorer will likely have three engine options, starting with a 2.3-liter turbocharged 300-horsepower four-cylinder unit. The ST and Platinum trims hit a 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that gets this big man carrier to 60 mph in under six seconds.
The Limited and Platinum trims have an optional hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for 318 hp and a combined 28 miles per gallon. We expect these powertrain options to remain the same in the 2023 Ford Explorer. All of this is still our speculation if there are changes we will update it again.
Also included is the 2023 Ford Explorer with Top Safety Pick+ IIHS thanks to an overall “Good” crash test rating, “Acceptable” headlights, and standard automatic emergency braking rated “Superior”. Buyers can further enhance the Explorer’s safety gear with lane-keeping assist options, adaptive cruise control, and more.
2023 Ford Explorer Electric
2023 Ford Explorer Electric has confirmed that there will be new electric models based on the new EV platform, including an electric Explorer and a Lincoln version based on the same electric SUV.
The automaker even hinted at an electric Bronco.
Ford today announced a new strategy focused on electric, grid-connected, and commercial vehicles.
This includes a new target of 40% EV sales by 2030 and a new EV platform.
The automaker is testing various new electric vehicles based on this new electric vehicle platform.
Mike Levin, Ford’s director of communications for North America, confirmed that the Ford Explorer would be one of them.
The source also told Electrek that the electric Explorer will launch in 2023 along with a luxury version of the Lincoln SUV.
An EV will be added to Ford’s EV lineup, which currently only includes the Mustang MachE, but the newly launched Ford F150 Lightning will be added next year.
Ford checked a lot of boxes for me with his electric car. I had the pleasure of spending time with the Mustang MachE and was impressed with the performance and price of the F150 Lightning.
Over the past year, I’ve become more optimistic about Ford’s commitment to electrification, but I still don’t think the automaker is in a rush to build its electric vehicle line.
Ford is unlikely to have a full range of true EVs available for sale until the middle of the decade, and given its target of 40% EVs by 2030, it seems likely that Ford will need time to produce EVs. born.
I’d love to see acceleration on that front, otherwise, I think Ford will have a hard time in the second half of the decade.
2023 Ford Explorer Release Date
There’s no official sales date for the 2023 Ford Explorer yet, but based on previous years’ schedules, we’re expecting a fall 2022 arrival.
2023 Ford Explorer Price
The price for the 2023 Ford Explorer is also still unclear. However, without any major changes to come, we expect it to stay close to the current model’s MSRP range of $35,170 to $56,845 (including destination costs).