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Mid-size SUVs have successfully conquered the world. People all over the world, especially parents, have really fallen for the three-row mid-size SUV, and it’s not hard to see why. They are large, practical, and easy to live with every day. While there are many arguments thrown around, most people would agree that the SUV that kicked this trend into high gear was the original. Ford Explorer.
The Explorer is the first SUV to prioritize family transportation over rough-terrain pursuits, and Ford markets it accordingly. It really took no time for competing brands to put together their own takes, and it made this segment more competitive than ever. Still, the Explorer remains a popular option in the world of mid-size SUVs.
- Up to 5600 lbs towing capacity
- Up to 400 hp
- PHEV is available
- model: Explorer
- Engine/Motor: 2.3-liter turbo I4 / 3.3-liter hybrid V6 / 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
- horse power: 300-400 hp
- Torque: 310-415 lb/ft
- Drivetrain: Longitudinal front-engine, RWD / AWD
- Infection: 10-speed automatic
- Scope: 25 miles (PHEV)
- MSRP: $36,760 (base)
- As practical as ever
- Good appearance
- Great usability
- Rivals offer better hybrid versions
- Small third row
- The interior materials are not the best
Overview of 2023 Explorer
The first generation Ford Explorer arrived in 1990 for the 1991 model year, and it was the first SUV that truly attempted to corner family car buyers, rather than off-road enthusiasts. It was quite successful, despite the fact that the original Explorer didn’t exactly try to hide its pickup truck roots. The current-generation car debuted for 2019, and it’s now an honest-to-goodness mid-size crossover SUV with three rows of seats.
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer, while it doesn’t exactly feature revolutionary styling, it still brings some significant changes to the uber-popular family hauler from an aesthetic standpoint. The front end features an unapologetically large front grille, which changes depending on which model you go for. The side profile is sharper, with a noticeable side crease, while the rear features a more modern overall design. Trim levels for the 2023 Explorer remain the same as before. Alongside the requisite base Explorer, XLT, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum, the King Ranch and the surprisingly capable Timberline trims that Ford introduced in previous model years will return. The Ford Explorer aims to appeal to mid-size SUV buyers who may also be considering the Mazda CX-9, the Toyota Highlander, the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, the recently redesigned Honda Pilot, or a Volkswagen Atlas.
2023 Explorer Powertrains And Drivetrains
There are three available powertrains in the 2023 Explorer. The lower end trim level gets a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and 0-60 takes about six seconds. In other words, it’s not just an Explorer with a hot hatchback powertrain, it feels like a hot hatchback, too. If you want something a little more economical and more powerful, there’s the Explorer Hybrid. The hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with a small electric motor, with a total system output of 318 hp. According to the EPA, the Explorer Hybrid can go up to 25 miles on electric power alone.
Finally, at the top of the lineup, there’s the ST. The ST has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This version can hit 60 mph in about five seconds, and it’s definitely the one to go for if you want your SUV to have a little grunt. Just be careful not to wake your passengers. All three powertrain options are available in either RWD or AWD, and power goes to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you go for the right options, the Explorer can also tow a respectable 5,600 lbs.
2023 Explorer Comfort And Quality
Inside, the Explorer still looks modern. It’s one of the first Fords to pioneer the massive vertical infotainment display, which comes in at 10.1″. It’s only available on higher trim levels, however, but even the 8″ screen on lower end trims runs same software, SYNC3 . This version of Ford’s SYNC is a bit dated, but it still has everything you need, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and most versions of the Explorer also get a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Higher end trim levels also get some nicer interior appointments, and a digital gauge cluster display is also available.
In terms of safety features, as a family car, the Explorer has a good selection of safety tech and ADAS systems on board. Thanks to the inclusion of Ford’s CoPilot360 ADAS suite as standard, the Explorer gets things like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control as well. The Explorer seats seven passengers, though the third row isn’t the most commodious. The cargo area offers 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with all seats down.
2023 Explorer Pricing and Launch
The 2023 Ford Explorer will be available to order starting in late 2022, with the proviso that the wait time may be longer due to global production issues. Prices start at $36,760. Not too bad, considering that even the base Explorer comes with CoPilot360 and three rows of seats as standard. The ultra-luxurious King Ranch is at a solid $54,130, while the ST is at $49,505. Finally, the off-road focused Timberline weighs in at $48,460. That might seem a little pricey, but if you want a no-nonsense mid-size SUV with a whole menu of great features, and if you also think that your mid-size SUV should have a version of performance, the Explorer should be on your shortlist.
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