2023 Ford Explorer Starke FL

When shopping for the 2023 Ford Explorer, you can choose among eight trims: base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The base trim comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the ST-Line trim adds 20-inch wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips. Opting for the Limited Convenience package adds a hands-free power liftgate.

The base engine in the 2023 Ford Explorer is one of the most potent ones in its class. This turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Two other options are equally as impressive. The 3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine gets 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid engine can output 318 horsepower. All engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard for most trims, but all-wheel drive is available. The Timberline only has all-wheel drive.

The fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Explorer varies depending on the trim and powertrain. Overall, the SUV's numbers are impressive, especially compared to other three-row midsize SUVs. Expect to get around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the base engine and rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel-drive models see numbers that dip 1 mpg across the board. The V-6 with rear-wheel drive gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while four-wheel-drive models achieve the same mileage in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Also, when properly configured, the SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.

The Premium Technology package for the top two trims adds massaging front seats, while the ST Appearance package includes interior upgrades. Most other SUVs in the Explorer's class don't have as much cargo space as it does. Behind the rearmost seats, the Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of storage space and 47.9 cubic feet when you fold down those seats. Lowering the second- and third-row seats expands your storage space to 87.8 cubic feet. An intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system has crisp graphics and a quick response, which makes it easy to operate. An 8-inch touchscreen display comes standard, but you can opt for a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen display instead. The base trim also has satellite radio, voice recognition, two USB ports, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Along with the larger display, other add-on technology features include wireless smartphone charging, navigation, extra USB ports, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Ford included a handful of driver-assistance features in the 2023 Explorer, many of which you'll find in the Co-Pilot360 suite. These features include blind-spot monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a lane-departure warning. Available safety upgrades include park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive-steering assist, which steers the vehicle from potential collisions.