2024 Ford Explorer Review
What do our experts think of the 2024 Ford Explorer? We look at powertrain, interior options, and more in our Ford Explorer review.
2024 Ford Explorer – ford.com | Shop 2024 Ford Explorer on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The 2024 Ford Explorer is the brand’s premier mid-size SUV featuring either a 2.3-liter 300 hp engine or a 3.0-liter 400 hp engine. The Explorer features a well-built cabin, rear or all-wheel drive, a 10-speed automatic gearbox, and comfortable seating. Tech lovers can get a large 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and up to 14 speakers.
The 2024 Ford Explorer is one year away from a major refresh so there’s little to talk about as far as updates at this point. The new SUV gets some exterior styling tweaks and the hybrid engine available last year is no longer on the menu.
Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
8.25/10
Interior
Score
7.75/10
Technology
Score
8/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Great ST trim
Great touchscreen user interface
Spacious cargo area
Pretty pricey
Small base infotainment screen
Cramped third row
A solid competitor
2024 Explorer Specs
- 300 horsepower from base engine
- 310 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 18.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 87.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Sync UI is great
- 5-Star Crash Test Rating
- Basic 3-year warranty
- Towing capacity of 5,300 lbs
2024 Ford Explorer Powertrain 8.25/10
The 2024 Explorer lineup isn’t much different from last year but there is at least one important change. Like last year, most Explorer trims get a 300 hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 lb-ft of torque. They send that power to the rear or all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic gearbox. In our testing, this version of the Explorer powertrain is smooth and offers ample passing power when needed. According to the EPA, it gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. Those are decent figures for a three-row SUV that lacks hybridization.
Above the 2.3-liter is a 3.0-liter V6 with a couple of turbochargers strapped to it. Standard on the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum, it provides 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Keen-eyed Explorer fans will note that this is where Ford has changed things for 2024. Last year, a hybrid engine was standard on the Platinum but it’s now gone in favor of the same engine used in the ST and King Ranch. In our eyes, that’s perfectly fine as the hybrid was good, but not great.
The 3.0-liter is fantastic though and especially engaging in the ST trim. There, Ford includes better bolstering in the seats, a sport-tuned suspension, and an available high-performance brake kit. The ST handles the best of the bunch here but every Explorer offers good feedback through the wheel and pedals. The 3.0-liter engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway so the trade-off isn’t too severe. Notably, the V6 is also capable of hauling up to 5,600 pounds.
2024 Ford Explorer Interior 7.75/10
The Explorer really bridges the gap between markets in terms of cabin quality. The base trim is noticeably utilitarian with lots of plastic and hard surfaces. Cloth upholstery is part of that equation too. On the other end of the spectrum, the King Ranch, ST, and Platinum are all full of high-end touches like faux suede, leather, and diamond stitching to signify their value.
What’s great though is that regardless of trim level, the interior is well laid out, easy to use, and has a good fit and finish. The driver’s seat offers good visibility and adjustability. In fact, all seats in the first two rows are comfortable and spacious. The second row is available with captain’s chairs but one doesn’t need them to get the most out of the Explorer. The third row is understandably cramped and uncomfortable for adults but it’s great for kids and folds down 50/50.
Behind that third row, you’ll find 18 cubic feet of storage which is slightly above average for the class. Fold the seats down and the Explorer becomes a sort of small pickup truck with a covered bed in that it houses 88 cubic feet worth of storage space.
2024 Ford Explorer Technology Features 8/10
Ford’s tech flexibility is on display in the Explorer. The base trim gets a small 8-inch screen but it’s fast and easy to navigate thanks to Sync 3. On top of that, it comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Six speakers are standard throughout the cabin as well.
Trims above that but below the ST are all available with additional speaker packages but only the Limited has access to the optional 10.1-inch infotainment system. That same larger portrait-style infotainment screen is standard on the ST and above. It also comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and Sync4, a system that’s mostly superior to 3.
In addition, the Explorer comes standard with driver aids that include automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane-departure mitigation, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic warning. Notably, the Base trim is limited to these features only. The XLT has access (for a fee) to more tech enhancements like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist.
Those same features are standard on the ST-Line and above. Generally speaking, the Explorer gets good safety ratings. For 2023, it was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS. That’s one step below the firm’s highest honor and it’s worth noting that the 2024 model could get a different score based on updated testing procedures. The Explorer also scored five stars in NHTSA crash testing.
2024 Ford Explorer Trims & Pricing
Base – $38,355
The base Explorer starts out with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, six speakers, a 35/30/35 split-folding second-row bench seat, a 50/50 split-folding third row, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and trailer-sway damping.
XLT – $40,165
The XLT adds a power-adjustable front passenger seat, roof rails, heated mirrors, keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and second-row USB ports.
ST-Line – $47,950
This sporty-looking trim gets 20-inch wheels, dark-tinted exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, a black grille, ambient interior lighting, faux leather upholstery, integrated navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a surround-view camera system, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Limited – $49,016
This luxury-focused trim also gets 20-inch wheels along with chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, power-folding mirrors, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power-folding second and third-row seats, second-row sunshades, and front parking sensors. This is the first trim where the optional 10.1-inch infotainment system is available.
Timberline – $50,925
Those looking to go off-road should consider the Timberline as it gets front tow hooks, standard all-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential, slightly more ground clearance, off-road suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, faux leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.
ST – $51,600
The most athletic Explorer is the ST with its 400 hp twin-turbocharged V6. It also gets paddle shifters, quad exhaust tips, sport suspension tuning, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, sport-bolstered front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.
King Ranch – $56,120
The King Ranch also gets the 400 hp engine along with heated power-folding mirrors, leather-wrapped interior panels, unique leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory settings, real wood trim, and rear automatic emergency braking.
Platinum – $56,265
The Platinum trim gets the 400 hp engine too along with 21-inch wheels, diamond-pattern leather upholstery, exclusive wood trim, adaptive headlights, and a satin aluminum grille.
2024 Ford Explorer Overall Value 7.75/10
Among the many options in the segment that the Explorer lives in, it’s one of the better ones. It offers good power, decent fuel economy, an attractive look, and above-average driving dynamics. Still, it falls far short of some competitors like the Mazda CX-90, the Kia Telluride, and the Toyota Grand Highlander for various reasons. In some cases it lacks interior refinement, in others it doesn’t offer the same level of value, and finally, it’s not as sharp to drive as some rivals.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8/10
2024 Ford Explorer – ford.com | Shop 2024 Ford Explorer on Carsforsale.com
Ford would do well to add more warranty coverage for the Explorer as the standard 3-year limited and 5-year powertrain coverage is literally the low bar in this segment. The ST is fun but we’d love to see Ford try and shed some weight in this beast to make it even more nimble. Finally, returning a hybrid to the lineup would be good for fuel economy scores and it’s clear that a company no longer needs to sacrifice power and performance in the name of a hybrid.
2024 Ford Explorer FAQ
How much is a brand-new Ford Explorer?
Between $38,355 and $56,265 so long as you buy one at MSRP.
Does the Ford Explorer have a hybrid option?
The 2024 Ford Explorer does not have a hybrid engine. That option ended in 2023 but might return for 2025.
How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
Up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.
