Crossover SUVs are the most popular vehicle platform in North America. The Ford Explorer has played an outsized role in building the segment. For the coming model year, the 2023 Ford Explorer will arrive at the Summit Ford showroom with everything customers expect to see and a few things that might be a surprise. Regardless of which of the several trim grades a customer chooses to take home, they will be getting a three-row SUV with quick acceleration, strong in-class towing performance, and plenty of interior cargo room. Follow along with Summit Ford while we closely examine the 2023 Ford Explorer and everything it has to offer.
Exterior
Choose Your Style
Summit Ford customers interested in the 2023 Ford Explorer will have several trim grades to choose from. Starting with the base XLT trim, buyers will get a sporty and sophisticated SUV. A hybrid model is available at the Limited level if fuel savings are a priority. Ford has also made an off-road-ready trim available, the Timberline.
Available Adaptive Headlights
Just like any other kind of automotive technology, headlights have come a long way. The 2023 Explorer Platinum is equipped with Adaptive LED headlights that move with the SUV to better illuminate the road in low light conditions.
Available Moonroof
There is no telling where the 2023 Explorer will take its passengers. Experience everything, including more interior light and expansive views, thanks to the available twin-panel moonroof that can be added to any 2023 Explorer trim level.
Power Liftgate
Having one of the largest cargo areas in the segment isn’t much use if items can’t be loaded in easily. Several 2023 Explorer trims have a power liftgate that can be opened or closed with the push of a button.
Appearance Packages
To be sure, every 2023 Ford Explorer trim grade is very well equipped. However, our manufacturing partner has made a couple of additional appearance packages available to help Summit Ford customers make their 2023 Explorer unique to them. The options include:
XLT Sport
- Carbonized Grey Wheels
- Carbonized Grey accents
- Chrome dual exhaust tips
- “Explorer”-branded floor mats
- Gloss Black mirror housings
- Unique contrast stitching
ST Appearance Package
- First/Second Row Leather Upholstery
- Race Red and Raptor Blue accent stitching, centre console, door trim panels, steering wheel, and floor mats
| Specifications | 2023 Ford Explorer |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,025 |
| Length (mm) | 5,049 5,063 (ST) |
| Height (mm) | 1,782 |
| Width, incl. mirrors (mm) | 2,268 |
| Front/Rear Track (mm) | 1,700 / 1,700 |
Interior Design
Spacious Interior
Road trips are better when everyone can come along for the ride. The 2023 Ford Explorer offers three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven passengers. Refer to the table above for seating dimensions.
Adaptable Cargo Bay
When the 2023 Ford Explorer is filled with people, there will be just under 530 litres of cargo volume. However, that can be quickly expanded to 1,264 litres by folding the third row down and to 2,132 litres by folding the second and third rows away.
Cargo Management System
Given the amount of cargo volume offered by the 2023 Explorer, people might need a little help keeping small items well organized. The available cargo management system includes extra side pockets and an under-floor storage area to keep the vehicle free of clutter.
| Specifications | 2023 Explorer | 2023 Explorer Platinum (with moonroof) |
| Head Room (mm) | 1st Row: 1,035 2nd Row: 1,028 3rd Row: 988 |
1st Row: 987 2nd Row: 971 3rd Row: 988 |
| Leg Room (mm) | 1st Row: 1,093 2nd Row: 991 3rd Row: 817 |
1st Row: 1,093 2nd Row: 991 3rd Row: 817 |
| Hip Room (mm) | 1st Row: 1,504 2nd Row: 1,501 3rd Row: 1,038 |
1st Row: 1,504 2nd Row: 1,501 3rd Row: 1,038 |
| Shoulder Room (mm) | 1st Row: 1,570 2nd Row: 1,573 3rd Row: 1,388 |
1st Row: 1,570 2nd Row: 1,573 3rd Row: 1,388 |
| Cargo Volume (L) | 1st Row: 2,132 2nd Row: 1,264 3rd Row: 528 |
1st Row: 2,132 2nd Row: 1,264 3rd Row: 528 |
Performance
Explorer Performance Specs
The 2023 Ford Explorer is simply one of the most capable three-row SUVs in its class. That performance starts with the incredible array of powertrain options. Base models squeeze 300 horsepower out of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Platinum and ST trims have a turbocharged V-6 under the hood, making 365 and 400 horsepower, respectively. Even the naturally aspirated V-6 used by hybrid models makes 318 horsepower.
All-Terrain Capability
Never feel constrained by a lack of capability with the 2023 Explorer. The Timberline® trim is purpose-built to tackle rough trails. It features several off-road-ready features, including:
- 6 inches of ground clearance
- Off-road front struts, rear shocks
- All-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels
| 2.3-L EcoBoost I-4 | 3.0-L EcoBoost V-6 | 3.3-L, V-6 (Hybrid) | |
| Horsepower | 300 | 365 (Platinum)
400 (ST) |
318 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 310 | 380 (Platinum) 415 (ST) |
322 |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto. | 10-speed auto. | 10-speed auto. |
Technology
Advanced Infotainment Capability
Most 2023 Ford Explorer trims are equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Not only does the native Ford software provide a long list of advanced capabilities, but people with popular smartphone platforms will also be able to integrate those devices into their trips.
Wireless Charging
Keep your favourite digital device charged without a tangled mess of wires with the wireless charging tray, located at the button of the center stack. Additional USB ports are located throughout the 2023 Explorer, allowing passengers to plug in and charge up their devices.
Premium Audio Systems
You don’t have to worry about missing the concert of the year if you can take that audio experience with you. The available Bang and Olufsen audio system comes with 12 speakers, and a subwoofer. A 14-speaker version is also available.
Safety
Ford Co-Pilot360™
The best way to protect people during a collision is to prevent it from ever occurring. The Ford Co-Pilot360™ system is comprised of several sensor suites that constantly feed information to a central computer that provides early warnings to the driver. Ford Co-Pilot360™ consists of:
- Automatic High Beam
- Rear View Camera
- BLIS®
- Pre-Collision Assist®
- Lane-Keeping System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Automatic Emergency Braking
If a collision does occur, it might not be possible for the driver to apply the brakes. The Post-Collision Braking System can do this automatically in an attempt to mitigate further damage and danger to the people in the 2023 Ford Explorer.
2023 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Explorer XLT
Starting at $48,340*– ActiveX™ Seat Upholstery
– Terrain Management System™
– Rear Parking Sensors
Explorer Limited
Starting at $54,830*– Available Hybrid Powertrain
– Leather-trimmed seats
– SYNC® 3
Explorer ST-Line
Starting at $55,120*– ActiveX™ Seats w/ Red stitching
– B&O Sound System
– Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+
Explorer Timberline
Starting at $56,480*– Dark Carbonized Grey grille
– 360° Camera w/ Split-View Display
– TORSEN® Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Explorer ST
Starting at $66,420*– 3.0-L EcoBoost® V-6
– Intelligent Four-wheel drive
– Exclusive ST interior elements
Explorer Platinum
Starting at $67,320*– Leather Seating Surface
– Twin-panel moonroof
– B&O Sound System
The 2023 Ford Explorer might be the most exciting version of the popular SUV we have seen in a long time. Summit Ford customers can almost certainly find a version that will meet or, likely, exceed their expectations. If you decide to take one home, don’t forget to stop by our service department to schedule your first round of recommended maintenance to keep your 2023 running in peak condition.