2024 Ford Explorer new handling prowess afforded by Ford’s switch to an RWD-based platform (especially in the 400-hp Explorer ST) and credits the hybrid for returning strong fuel economy figures with little penalty in towing capacity or performance.
The Ford Explorer carries three family lines since 1990. Ford is introducing the current sixth-generation Explorer for the 2020 model year, built on the same rear-drive-based platform as the Lincoln Aviator.
The next-gen Explorer is expected to get a few styling tweaks plus a few new features, potentially including the Ford BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system. We don’t expect major powertrain changes.
2024 Ford Explorer Review
Following the debut of the current-generation Ford Explorer in 2020, the long-running crossover underwent a few changes for the 2022 model year – including the addition of standard rear-wheel drive for the ST, a new ST-Line trim, and a few other minor tweaks – but it’s coming into the year. 2023 is basically unchanged.
With the Explorer receiving its own unique refresh in China recently, many have been wondering when, exactly, the North American version will receive the update as well. That will be when the updated 2024 Ford Explorer rolls out – which will likely happen sometime in 2023 – but a source familiar with the matter told Ford Authorities that the revised crossover is already in the testing phase.
It’s unclear what kind of changes the 2024 Ford Explorer will bring to North American customers, but the recently refreshed Chinese version features a unique front end, a 21-inch Turbine fan wheel, and a large 27-inch coast-to-coast touchscreen on the front.
Inside. cabin. The Explorer was treated to a number of touches of its own unique to the Chinese market to serve customers there, however, that made it unlikely they would end up in the North American version.
Meanwhile, the all-electric Explorer and Lincoln Aviator will reportedly enter production at the Oakville Assembly plant in Canada – which will soon be retooled for the production of five all-electric models – in late 2024 for the 2025 model year.
Blue Oval is also reportedly teasing the Explorer EV to select dealers, showing them some early video renderings of the electrified crossover featuring a large touchscreen similar to the units found in the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Meanwhile, the order bank for the 2023 Ford Explorer has already opened, and production is currently scheduled to begin at the Chicago Assembly plant on November 7, 2022.
The 2023 Ford Explorer will continue the 2022 model without trim level or color changes, although Ford may offer some tweaks at the end. model year, but that would represent a relatively minor change and nothing like the refreshed Chinese version.
The 2024 Ford Explorer will continue to be one of the most popular midsize three-row SUVs, thanks to its wide range of engine options, including fuel-sucking hybrids, and its versatility with seating for up to seven people.
After the debut of the previous model, the Explorer 2023 is able to lead the line with a few minor updates (and perhaps one big addition). Last year, Ford was busy offering the new ST trim line along with a rear-wheel drive version of the sporty 400hp ST model.
The 2023 Cruiser could continue this gradual evolution with a mid-cycle exterior update, potentially inheriting design clues from the larger Expeditionary SUV and full-size F-150 pickup truck.
Not confirmed, but it is possible Ford will eventually add a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant to the Explorer lineup.
With the all-electric F-150 in development and the smaller Escape PHEV already on sale, the popular Explorer appears to be doing some additional electrification in addition to the existing hybrid version.
With the Escape PHEV offering an electric driving range of 37 miles, a similar figure in the larger and heavier Explorer should be possible with a little bit of engineering finesse.
As for the rest of the Explorer range, it will continue to offer the standard 4-cylinder turbo, two twin-turbocharged V6 versions, along with a 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
Ford’s intuitive SYNC4 infotainment system has become one of the best systems available for a midsize SUV. But don’t be surprised if Explorer 2023 adds standard technologies such as wireless charging and smartphone wireless connectivity. This includes when the optional 12-inch infotainment screen was added.
2024 Ford Explorer Specs
The 2024 Explorer is expected to pull up to 5,600 pounds if properly equipped. Since we don’t expect the powertrain options to change, the same can probably be said about the Ford Explorer.
2024 Ford Explorer Interior
Ford is on par for this segment if you compare the interior dimensions of the Explorer with its direct competitors. Lining up against the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander, the Explorer has the most legroom in the first and third rows, but the least in the second row.
Cargo space behind the third and second-row seats is somewhere between Kia and Toyota’s dimensions, and the Explorer slightly outperforms the Telluride for maximum cargo space.
The 2024 Ford Explorer is built to meet the needs of family-type vehicles with lots of space and premium materials. There may be more functionality and convenience features included with the Ford Explorer lineup.
2024 Ford Explorer Engine
Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbo-four
- Horsepower/Torque: 300 hp/310 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 20-21/27-28 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.8 seconds
Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid
- Engine: 3.3-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 318 hp/322 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 23-27/24-28 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.7 seconds
ST, Platinum
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 365 hp/380 lb-ft (Platinum); 400 hp/415 lb-ft (ST)
- Efficiency (city/highway): 18/24-26 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.3 seconds
Ford Explorer 2024 Dimension
Ford Explorer dimensions are not expected to change. With that in mind, both models have room to accommodate six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration.
Plus, there are 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet in total with the rear seats folded.
Read next: 2024 Ford Lightning: New Ford Lightning More Powerful Than Before Review
New Ford Explorer 2024 MPG
Has a 20.2-gallon fuel tank. It’s rated at 27/29 mpg with the hybrid and RWD powertrain or 24/25 mpg with AWD. We expect the same level of efficiency as the Ford Explorer line
2024 Ford Explorer Release Date
We expect this 2024 Ford Explorer to be released towards the end of 2023. Following the same schedule, we expect the 2024 Ford Explorer to arrive later in 2023.
2024 Ford Explorer Price
We expect the entry-level Ford Explorer to have a starting price of around $33,000. This is for the base Explorer with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive format.
Moving higher up to the Explorer XLT and Limited trim, you can expect to pay between $38,000 and $50,000, respectively. The performance-oriented ST model, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6, makes around $55,000.
While the Explorer Hybrid will save you money on fuel, the 2023 variation comes with a hefty entry fee of around $50,000.
- Base | $36,000 (est.)
- XLT | $38,000 (est.)
- ST-Line | $47,000 (est.)
- Limited | $48,000 (est.)
- Timberline | $49,000 (est.)
- ST | $50,000 (est.)
- King Ranch | $56,000 (est.)
- Platinum | $56,000 (est.)
