2023 Ford Explorer

The Base Explorer comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Just a bump up to the XLT adds heated side exterior mirrors and roof rails, while the ST-Line comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted taillights and headlights, a black grille, and black exterior trim. Choose the Timberline for 18-inch black alloy wheels, skid plates, front tow hooks, and an off-road-tuned suspension, or the Limited for 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, and power-folding side mirrors. The ST adds quad exhaust outlets, and the high-end King Ranch comes with a hands-free liftgate. Another step up to the Platinum adds 21-inch alloy wheels.

The base engine for the Explorer is a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 300 horsepower. The higher-end models get a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 with 400 horsepower, and depending on the trim; you can get a hybrid powertrain. It consists of a 3.3-liter V-6 and an electric motor that combine to put out 318 horsepower. All three powertrains use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Most 2023 Explorers come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for all trims except the Timberline, where it comes standard. The ride in the Explorer is smooth and comfortable, with the ST model offering a more athletic feel behind the wheel. When equipped with the available tow package, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

The Explorer has three rows of seats, with comfortable spots in all three rows. A power-adjustable driver's seat comes standard along with cloth upholstery, but you'll get heated front seats, heated second-row seats, and simulated leather upholstery if you bump up to the Timberline. The top two trims add leather upholstery, wood interior trim, and a power-folding third row. Technology starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot. A 12-speaker stereo is available, and you can also get navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim and package.

Every 2023 Ford Explorer comes with a full suite of advanced safety systems. It comes standard with automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning with automatic braking, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer sway control. All trims also have a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Package is available for some models adding adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. Some higher trims also come with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and you can also get front parking sensors.