2024 Ford Explorer

Overview

Although it’s primary purpose is shuttling suburban families, the 2024 Ford Explorer also has rugged looks to go along with the chrome letters emblazoned across its tailgate. Two engines are offered—a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6. Both pair with rear- or all-wheel drive. If you want to venture down some trails, the Timberline model offers extra ground clearance and better underbody protection, but don’t expect to go wheel-to-wheel with the brand’s real off-roader, the Ford Bronco. Those eyeing a new Explorer are likely drawn to its three-row seating. While the standard third row isn’t as spacious as those in some rivals, or any minivan, for that matter, the Ford’s is good enough for kids or an occasional adult if the distance is short. Dropping the seats creates a cavernous cargo area perfect for Costco runs and camping trips. The thing is, the Explorer’s wide range of competitors have many of the same traits, and many of them are more refined, including the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the Toyota Grand Highlander.

What’s New for 2024?

While the Ford Explorer awaits a more thorough refresh for the 2025 model year, the 2024 version carries over from last year without any styling changes. However, the hybrid powertrain has been eliminated. It’s still available on the police interceptor model, which means the only way the public will get to experience it is from the back seat on the way their way to the clink.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Base

$39,000 (est)

XLT

$41,000 (est)

ST-Line

$48,000 (est)

$50,000 (est)

Timberline

$51,000 (est)

ST

$52,000 (est)

Platinum

$56,000 (est)

King Ranch

$58,000 (est)

We think the mid-level Limited model is the best Explorer for the money. The smaller single-turbo four-cylinder engine doesn’t pack as much of a punch as the burlier twin-turbocharged V-6, but it gets the job done and does so more efficiently than the bigger powerplant. It can tow a sizeable 5300 pounds when equipped with the towing package. We’d also add all-wheel drive for $2,000. Apart from that, we think the Limited trim’s desirable standard features should suffice. These include a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, a power-folding third row, and upgraded driver assists such as adaptive cruise control. If you want more off-road capability, the slightly more expensive Timberline is a good choice; it’s powered by the same turbo-four.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Base, XLT, and Limited trims come with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and it motivates the Explorer with a reasonable amount of authority. A Timberline we tested with that engine hit 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The lead-footed drivers among us will prefer the King Ranch, Platinum, or ST models, which are powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. A hybrid joined the Explorer lineup back in 2020, but it’s been discontinued for 2024. The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform, but all-wheel drive is still optional. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Ride and handling are agreeable and composed but far from entertaining; the Explorer ST is far more athletic, and its extra power and stiffer suspension make it a real performance SUV. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5600 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Ford Explorer has varying EPA fuel-economy ratings due to its myriad powertrain and drivetrain combinations. The thriftiest 2024 models have rear-wheel drive and the turbo four, which is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 highway; all-wheel drive drops both figures by 1 mpg. With the twin-turbo V-6, the Explorer is rated at up to 18 mpg city and 26 highway with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg city and 24 highway with all-wheel drive. On our 75-mph highway route, the 400-hp Explorer ST earned 25 mpg, beating its EPA rating by 1. We also tested a four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, where it returned 28 mpg. For more information about the Explorer’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the Explorer’s interior design borders on uninspired, its cabin is functional and comfortable—at least for those in the first two rows. Getting into the standard third row is fairly easy thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button. Once back there, however, taller kids and adults will find that the seat is too close to the floor to be comfortable. Rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas provide more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford’s third row, and we fit a total of 31 bags with both back rows folded flat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The interface is attractive and responsive but not as intuitive as we’d like. A rotatory controller would help in that regard. To get the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the Explorer’s most expensive trims. Still, every model is available with voice-activated navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. Except the base Explorer, a 12-speaker B&O stereo is standard.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ford outfits every Explorer with a host of standard driver-assistance technology and offers upgrades such as self-parking assist. For more information about the Explorer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford provides wholly average limited and powertrain warranties that align with most competitors’ plans. However, the company doesn’t provide the complimentary maintenance that Toyota and Chevy do.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs

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