Explorer buyers can make their choice from eight trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The first five come with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum get a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on all but the Timberline, which gets all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD is optional on the other trims. A ten-speed automatic is the Explorer’s sole transmission.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for a four-cylinder Explorer with RWD is 21 mpg around town and 28 mpg on the open road. With AWD, the ratings change to 20 city/27 highway (19 city/27 highway for the Timberline). The six-cylinder Explorer gets about 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, or 18 city/24 highway with AWD. When it is properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds.
The Base trim is generously set up with unexpected features such as tri-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate, along with LED exterior lighting with automatic headlights, power side mirrors, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, two USB ports, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. It seating situation consists of fabric upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a 35/30/35 split-folding second-row bench seat, and a 50/50 split-folding third-row bench for two.
The XLT switches to second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating and adds heated front seats, a four-way power front passenger seat, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power side mirrors, and rear privacy glass. The ST-Line is a sporty take on the XLT, with extra features such as remote start, black-finished exterior accents, ActiveX seating surfaces, an eight-way power front passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 20-inch wheels.
Ford gives the Explorer greater off-road credentials via the Timberline. This trim has a specially tuned suspension with front rebound springs, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, front tow hooks, a towing package, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It also has restyled front and rear fascia, which provide better approach and departure angles (for easier travels over rough terrain). Meanwhile, the Limited dials up the XLT with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated power-folding second-row captain’s chairs, heated power side mirrors with a power-folding function, second-row sunshades, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. The ST is the performance champion of the Explorer line. This trim has most of the equipment listed for the ST-Line, along with a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, front sport seats, second-row sunshades, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a digital instrument panel.
The King Ranch puts a southwestern spin on the Limited’s features. All rows get Del Rio leather upholstery (the first and second rows have perforated inserts in a contrasting color), Norais wood trim, and a digital instrument panel. The Platinum skips the rugged luxury of the King Ranch for a straight-out top-end approach to the Explorer. This ultimate trim has Tri-Diamond perforated leather upholstery, adaptive headlights, gray ash-wood accents, and 21-inch aluminum wheels.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the Explorer range. This advanced safety system has forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and evasive steering assist (part of the Assist+ option) are available with the XLT and ST and included with the higher trims. Rear parking sensors are standard with all trims, while higher trims (Limited and above) also get front parking sensors. Rear automatic braking is part of the equipment roster for the King Ranch and Platinum.
Most Explorer trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen to manage the infotainment features, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen is standard in the King Ranch and Platinum and optional on select other trims. Either way, the standard components are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation is standard in the ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum and optional for the XLT and ST. A six-speaker audio system is the rule with the lower trims, while the ST-Line and Limited have a 12-speaker B&O setup, and the King Ranch and Platinum get a 14-speaker B&O arrangement. All 2024 Explorers have access to FordPass Connect remote services and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
