The three-row Ford Explorer has managed to maintain its place in the market for more than 30 years thanks to a dedication and focus on quality, safety, and impeccable design. The 2024 Ford Explorer continues that tradition of maintaining a high bar for quality by providing shoppers looking for a good crossover SUV with lots of features spread across different configurations. You have an opportunity to shop for a vehicle that can seat up to seven passengers in its comfortable cabin. There are multiple trims, packages, and features available, giving the Explorer a highly competitive edge in the three-row segment while also giving shoppers a good reason to opt for it over the Chevy Traverse or Dodge Durango.
The 2024 model year carries over all of the equipment and features from the outgoing model year, with access to a full slate of features, trims, and packages to outfit the Explorer. Some of these packages include the Class IV Trailer Tow Package for improved towing capabilities and the Premium Technology Package, which features a larger touchscreen, Active Motion seating, and a B&O Sound System that includes a subwoofer. You also have some trim-specific packages so you can upgrade features and conveniences, while other packages like Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ come standard on select trims, adding additional proactive safety measures and collision mitigation systems.
Beyond the tech, cargo management, and utility packages, there are also a number of other options you can explore when it comes to making the Explorer your own. This includes multiple powertrain configurations and seven different colors you can choose from across the trim lineup. You have Agate Black, Stone Blue, Carbonized Gray, Forged Green, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic, and Star White Metallic when it comes to exterior color options. For the trims, you have eight different trims to choose from, starting with the Base Explorer, followed by the XLT, the ST-Line, the Limited, the off-road Timberline, the performance-driven ST, the upscale King Ranch, and the luxury-focused Platinum.
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The 2024 Ford Explorer features two different powertrains in two different drivetrain configurations. There is a fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 that manages 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque for the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, which is perfect for those who want an Explorer that pumps out a lot of power and gets you to your destinations quickly. You can get both powertrains in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Timberline is only available in four-wheel drive, as it's designed for off-road performance.
Both engines come with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, with available paddle shifters on select trims for manual gear changes. Also, the 2024 Explorer manages impressive fuel economy for its size and power. It gets an estimated 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in rear-wheel drive for the V6, and 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway in four-wheel drive. The four-cylinder manages 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in rear-wheel drive or 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in four-wheel drive.
The Timberline trim comes with the 3.58:1 Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction, as well as all-terrain tires and a specially tuned suspension with off-road shock absorbers for better stability when traveling off the beaten path. You also have a Terrain Management System, which is perfect for all different types of road surfaces and weather conditions, as you can select between up to seven drive modes depending on the driving conditions, including Normal, Trail, and Slippery. This gives you better stability management and traction control when handling the Explorer in different types of driving conditions.
You also have Hill Descent Control so that the vehicle can maintain a stable speed when descending steep roads, along with Trailer Sway Control, so when you attach a trailer to the back of the Explorer, you don't have to worry about losing control. You have a complete tow package as well, enabling you to tow up to 5,600 lbs, and you can make use of the available roof side rails for cargo management. This makes the 2024 Explorer more than capable of all different types of driving activities, whether it's daily errands, weekend excursions, or commuting to work.
A big part of what makes the Explorer stand out is that it has different levels of convenience available to provide the driver and passenger alike with a level of comfort that makes it very convenient to travel in. You have an available 10-way power driver seat and eight-way power front passenger seat, with available leather-trimmed upholstery and Miko or tri-diamond micro-perforated inserts. You can choose between a second-row split bench or captain chairs with heated second-row seats on select trims.
PowerFold third-row seats make it easy to fold them down to make use of additional storage capacity. You have a standard 18.2 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the third row, but when folded down, you can access up to 47.9 cu.ft. of cargo capacity. Additionally, you have up to 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo volume when you fold down both the second and third rows, so you can store other items such as bicycles, furniture, and more with ease. Accessing the cargo area is made easy thanks to the available power liftgate, and you can make use of the optional cargo management systems along with cargo hooks to secure your belongings.
There are multiple cup holders featured throughout the cabin, as well as a telescopic steering column so you can adjust it as you see fit while comfortably making use of the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel available on select trims. You have a center console armrest along with center console storage, so you can keep your belongings nearby but out of sight. The added convenience of floor mats, overhead storage compartments, and a twin-panel moonroof makes the 2024 Explorer a great fit as a work vehicle, a family vehicle, or a general passenger vehicle.
Technology is sprinkled all throughout the 2024 Ford Explorer, from the front driver seat all the way to the rear cargo hold. You have tri-zone automatic electronic climate control, so the SUV maintains a measured temperature no matter what the weather conditions are outside. A complete LED lighting array featuring LED turn signals, Autolamp headlamps, tail lights, and fog lamps ensures that you always have peak visibility during the day or night. And with rain-sensing wipers, you have one less thing to worry about while driving during the rainy season.
Integrated key-fob functionality also makes the Explorer easy to access and secure, complete with power locks, power windows, remote start, and remote locking functionality. This also works well with Ford's MyKey, which allows you to program restrictions and configurations utilizing the digital driver information display. There is a standard eight-inch or available 10.1-inch HD touchscreen featuring Alexa support and Bluetooth wireless streaming. You can use the Explorer's infotainment to shop, navigate, and even schedule maintenance, thanks to the SYNC 3 technology and the FordPass Connect system. This includes being able to make use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone projection and enjoy a wireless charging pad to keep your phone charged.
The available navigation system makes it easy to plot your routes to your destinations, find the safest ways home, and even avoid rush hour traffic. With Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, you can let the Explorer do much of the driving for you during long highway commutes while also relying on active safety features from Ford Co-Pilot360 for alerts and assists that are automatically employed during your travels. You have a Lane-Keeping System, as well as an HD rear camera so you can see behind you clearly. Ford's BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert ensures you avoid potential collisions with other vehicles in the Explorer's blindspot, while Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking steps in if it detects pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles in the way.
Available Active Park Assist 2.0 enables the Explorer to assist you in entering difficult parking spaces, utilizing cameras and sensors located around the vehicle. For those who are really into an audio experience that can help reduce the feeling of travel times, SiriusXM satellite radio integration means you can browse through tons of different stations and podcasts that fit your listening preferences and enjoy high-quality audio output. Select trims are available with a B&O sound system provided by Bang & Olufsen, featuring 12 speakers and a subwoofer, while upper-end trims come with a 14-speaker 980-watt B&O sound system for the ultimate on-road listening experience for Ford Explorer drivers.