New Ford Explorer 2024 Dimensions, Engine, Models – Midsize SUVs, such as the Ford Explorer, set the tone for brands, demonstrating what can be accomplished with a more significant development budget and larger dimensions. Ford’s three-row SUV is riding high on the back of a complete redesign for the 2020 model year, which comes just in time for the Blue Oval to take on new rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, as well as familiar adversaries such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Eventually, an all-electric variation will join the roster. Still, the only available powertrains are a turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a turbocharged V6 with up to 400 horsepower, and hybrid V6 with 317 horsepower mated to either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Explorer has ample seating and storage capacity and a modern infotainment interface but is hampered by inferior materials, exorbitant pricing for the most desirable setups, and a lackluster driving experience. It is more challenging to come out on top in a segment as crowded as this one.
Ford is not making significant modifications to the 2024 Explorer, but there is additional standard and optional equipment and a new trim level. The King Ranch and Platinum trims now offer a choice of two captain’s chairs or a three-seater bench for the second row. They receive the 10.1-inch infotainment system that was previously standard only on the ST and its 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Their machines are upgraded from 365 hp to the full 400 hp ST specification.
A brand-new ST-Line grade is added between the XLT and Limited trims. It provides the exterior of the top ST, with 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and a sporty interior, but with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine instead of a V6. The ST now comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but AWD remains a possible option. The Timberline trim now has an optional second-row bench, which was previously unavailable. When selecting the Sport Appearance Package for the XLT, the seat trim is updated with Ebony bolsters and Light Slate inlays. In addition, new options for bumper protection and cargo organization become available this year. Finally, Burgundy Velvet and Stone Blue are presented as two new exterior hues.
New Ford Explorer 2024 Redesign
The Ford Explorer is arguably more attractive than several competing midsize SUVs. Standard external features on the base model include LED headlights with automatic high beams, LED taillights, a motorized liftgate, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The XLT features additional LED lighting, black roof-rack side rails, and a grille with a black mesh insert and chrome bars. The ST-Line adds rain-sensing window wipers; the Limited receives slick aluminum roof rails; the ST gets a special blackout treatment for its headlights and taillights; the Platinum rides on a set of 21-inch bright machined-face aluminum reels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets. Timberline models have model-specific front and rear bumpers, steel skid plates at the front and back, Red Ember tow clips, a dark Carbonized Gray grille, 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, quad tailpipes, and Timberline emblems on the C-pillar. The King Ranch is distinguished by stone gray mesh grille inserts, silver bodyside cladding, 20-inch alloy wheels, and King Ranch branding.
The Ford Explorer, classified as a midsize crossover SUV, has the exact dimensions for most of its options. The conventional ones have a length of 198.8 inches and a wheelbase of 119.1 inches. The Explorer, with mirrors, is 89.3 inches wide and 69.9 inches tall, except Timberline, which is 70.7 inches tall. For off-road enthusiasts, most vehicles have a 7.9-inch ground clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles of 20.1/17.1/22 degrees. However, there are variations. The ST’s custom front fascia boosts its length to 199.3 inches and its approach angle to 21 degrees. The Timberline is the most off-road-oriented vehicle with a clearance of 8.66 inches and approach/ramp-over/departure angles of 23.5/18.9/23.7 degrees. The rear overhang of the Timberline is likewise 0.75 inches shorter than that of the competition. The base curb significance is 4,345 pounds, but upper trims boost this to a maximum of 4,727 pounds with 4×4 and the EcoBoost V6; the hybrid tips the scales at a whopping 4,969 pounds.
Interior
The first two rows of the Explorer’s cabin are helpful and pleasant, despite the interior design’s lack of originality. A system that pulls the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button makes accessing the usual third row relatively simple. However, larger children and adults will realize that the seat is too low to be comfortable. The third row of the Chevrolet Traverse and the Volkswagen Atlas is more comfortable. We stowed four carry-on suitcases behind the third row of the Ford and a total of 31 bags with both rear rows folded down.
Standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The technology is aesthetically pleasing and responsive, although it is not as intuitive as we would want. In this regard, a rotatory controller might be helpful. To obtain the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen, you must purchase one of Explorer’s priciest trim levels. Nonetheless, every model offers voice-activated navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Explorer comes standard with a 12-speaker B&O sound system, excluding the base model.
Engine
Ford equips the Explorer Series with three engine options. The standard machine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the Expedition, XLT, Limited, and Timberline trim levels. King Ranch, Platinum, and ST models are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbochargers. It used to produce 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft in the King Ranch and Platinum, and 400 horsepower and 416 lb-ft in the ST, but the 365-hp version is being discontinued for 2024, leaving all V6 turbocharged variants with the 400-hp engine from this year. Available on the Limited and Platinum trims is a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.3-liter normally aspirated V6 with electric assistance that generates a total of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. Every machine is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on engine option, trim, and driven wheels, the Ford Explorer’s gas mileage varies, but it’s not terrible overall, especially considering its size, weight, and potent turbocharged engines. Hybrid variants are the most fuel-efficient, earning 27/28/27 mpg city/highway/combined with RWD and 23/26/25 mpg with AWD. The 2.3-liter RWD variant is the most fuel-efficient without electric assistance, returning an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 mpg, while the AWD model returns 20/27/23 mpg. With off-road components, the Timberline is marginally less fuel-efficient at 19/23/21 mpg, which is astonishingly close to the more powerful V6 in RWD configuration, which achieves 18/26/21 mpg. AWD reduces the estimated fuel economy to 18/24/20 mpg.
New Ford Explorer 2024 Release Date and Price
Between the base model and the range-topping Platinum, the price differential for the Ford Explorer is more than $20,000. The base model is available for $33,245, excluding tax, registration, and a $1,295 destination charge. The XLT has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $36,145, while the new ST-Line costs $44,745 and the Limited a whopping $45,495. Adding AWD to any of these four-cylinder variants increases the price of a new Ford Explorer by $2,000. The Timberline costs $46,245 and comes standard with four-wheel drive, while the RWD 3.0-liter V6 ST costs $47,050. The King Ranch is priced at $53,610, while the Platinum is priced at $55,740. The hybrid is only available in two trim levels. The Hybrid Limited costs $50,280, whereas the Platinum model (with regular 4WD) costs $54,115. The 2024 Ford Explorer will be an all-new vehicle and is anticipated to go on sale in June 2023.