2024 Ford Explorer Review Eli
2024 Ford Explorer in Chandler, AZ
MSRP
$36,860
MPG
21 (2023) City
28 (2023) Highway
2024 Ford Explorer Review | How Competitive is the Ford 3 row SUV?
The 2024 Ford Explorer has pros and cons like any other midsize 3 row SUV. In this review, we’ll look at the facts behind its performance, trim levels, and smart technology tools.
How well does this Ford 3 row SUV meet your family’s needs and expectations? Is the Timberline competitive on the trail? Will the family driver have enough power to feel confident?
Keep scrolling to find out.
How Competitive is the Explorer Powertrain?
The 2024 Ford Explorer has a standard Ecoboost I-4 engine. This intercooled turbo produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Kelley Blue Book calls it one of the most powerful in its class.
You can look at the numbers to see that’s true. For instance, it beats the 2024 Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride with their 291-horsepower V6 producing only 262 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Highlander matches the torque output but its V6 generates only 265 horsepower. Then there’s the fact that Explorers have a 10-speed automatic transmission compared to the more typical 8-speed.
US News and World Report writes that the Ford Explorer is “eager to accelerate”. Their test drivers report that it “handles corners like a smaller car”. Kelley Blue Book notes its high-performance engines.
If you want more power, Explorer ST, Ranch and Platinum trim levels have the bragging rights. A twin-turbo V6 generates a solid 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Explorer even more competitive in highway settings.
How Big is the 2024 Explorer SUV?
The Explorer has a passenger volume of 152.7, easily beating the Toyota Highlander’s 141.8 cubes. Ford’s 3 row SUV has more legroom and headroom on the second and third rows. It has more third-row legroom than the Kia Telluride or the Hyundai Palisade.
Ford provides seating for 6 or 7, depending on the trim level. This is a wise choice that allows for more wiggle room. Similar SUVs, such as the Telluride and Palisade, try to seat 8 in a similar space.
Cargo hold space is good at 18.2 cubes. Behind the second row, the folded seats let you claim a whopping 47.9 cubic feet. Behind the first row, you’ll find 87.8 cubic feet. That’s perfect if you are helping your college student move or if you are bringing home a baby bed and other items from a big box store.
The best way to find out about Explorer prices is to ask for a quick quote of your favorite model.
What’s on the Dashboard?
Ford has created a comfortable driver’s cockpit with ergonomically placed screens, dials and switches. The 8-inch infotainment display is a typical horizontal screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to assist you. This allows you to download your favorite apps right to the Ford Explorer screen.
XLT models provide a driver’s power chair and a 6.5-inch gauge cluster display screen. It also adds USB ports to cover the first and second rows.
If you step up to the 10.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen, you get even more features, such as built-in navigation. This advanced system includes pinch-to-zoom capability. Voice recognition is enhanced for a more natural feel to human-machine interactions.
On luxury trims, there’s a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel. Bang and Olufsen supplies 14 speakers to help everyone enjoy the same level of high quality sound.
How Safe is the 3 Row Explorer?
A 3 row SUV should prioritize safety. In this case, the Explorer shows its up to the task with its Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS. It has a 5-star federal safety rating for both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive Explorers.
All four outbound seats on the second and third rows have LATCH equipment to hold carseats more securely.
With Ford CoPilot360, the Explorer is equipped with important collision avoidance features. These include a lane keeper, blind spot monitor, and autobrake-equipped forward collision warning system.
How safe is your current ride? You are invited to check out Earnhardt financing for competitive loans and leases.
How Tough is this Family SUV?
The Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive, but it’s built tough to take a little punishment.
Ford’s terrain management system is standard, providing important adaptations for slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive includes special terrain drive modes and hill descent control. The deep sand mode would be helpful on the Southwest’s dry sandy trails. This doubles as a deep snow mode, which could come in useful for winter travel.
However, if you are looking for the ultimate off-roader, the answer is the Ford Explorer Timberline. This trim level adds all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension, and skid plate protection.
These SUVs can tow 5,300 pounds, a competitive figure in their 3 row class. With the ST powertrain, the tow rating is 5,600 pounds.
How Luxurious is the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer price is competitive in its class. The Explorer XLT is considered one of the better equipped for the money. Stepping up from there, the ST-Line has a premium style. Its sporty attitude is expressed through red-stitched ActiveX upholstery. Standards include tri-zone automatic climate controls and ambient lighting.
Stepping up to the Explorer ST, that premium style is expressed with real leather on sport-bolstered seats. Accent stitching comes in silver, Raptor Blue, or Race Red. With the available twin-panel glass roof, you can invite natural light into the cabin.
Limited models move into luxury territory with real leather paired with micro perforated seat inserts. Our favorite Phoenix features are standard. That’s ventilated front seats for the parents and second-row sunshades for the little ones.
King Ranch trims are dressed in Del Rio leather with a unique lasso perforated pattern. The driver enjoys a power-adjustable steering wheel. Evenings are more interesting with multi-color ambient lighting.
Sitting at the top of this long list, the Explorer Platinum is the most exclusive. Satin aluminum dresses exterior elements. Real wood trim is paired with the richest leather upholstery.
What’s the Final Analysis?
The 2024 Ford Explorer manages to excel in the areas that concern families the most. This includes safety and spaciousness. Furthermore, these 3 row SUVs can be counted on for the latest technologies.
As for the family driver, they command a performance engine that’s a step above the competition. Plus they have extensive driver assistance to reduce stress by keeping the large SUV out of typical crash scenarios.
Built tough, all Explorers have extra capability while the Explorer Timberline offers the most exciting off-roader.
A helpful range of price points allows for budget buyers to find a price match. Meanwhile, there are many luxury trim levels to appeal to different shoppers.
In the end, it comes down to the individual, but the Ford Explorer has definitely met or exceeded all of the most important benchmarks for the best 3 row SUV. For more research, we recommend getting behind the wheel. Schedule a test drive
.Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
More Details
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$48,915 MSRP
- MSRP: $48,915
- -$1,500
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$48,915 MSRP
- MSRP: $48,915
- -$1,500
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$49,015 MSRP
- MSRP: $49,015
- -$1,500
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$49,015 MSRP
- MSRP: $49,015
- -$1,500
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$49,215 MSRP
- MSRP: $49,215
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
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$49,215 MSRP
- MSRP: $49,215
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 3rd Rear Seat
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$61,725 MSRP
- MSRP: $61,725
- -$1,500
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$61,725 MSRP
- MSRP: $61,725
- -$1,500
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 3rd Rear Seat
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$62,790 MSRP
- MSRP: $62,790
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
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$62,790 MSRP
- MSRP: $62,790
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Heated Seats
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$46,575 MSRP
- MSRP: $46,575
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
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$46,575 MSRP
- MSRP: $46,575
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Heated Seats
- Keyless Entry
- Power Tailgate/Liftgate
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$40,640 MSRP
- MSRP: $40,640
- -$1,500
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- 3.90% for 60 mo.
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- 3.87% for 36 mo.
-
$40,640 MSRP
- MSRP: $40,640
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
More Details
Dealer Comments
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$64,995 MSRP
- MSRP: $64,995
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
-
$64,995 MSRP
- MSRP: $64,995
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$48,915 MSRP
- MSRP: $48,915
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
-
$48,915 MSRP
- MSRP: $48,915
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 3rd Rear Seat
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$62,790 MSRP
- MSRP: $62,790
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
-
$62,790 MSRP
- MSRP: $62,790
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 3rd Rear Seat
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$61,995 MSRP
- MSRP: $61,995
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
-
$61,995 MSRP
- MSRP: $61,995
- -$1,500
-
- 3.90% for 60 mo.
-
- 3.87% for 36 mo.
Features
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Heated Seats
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$46,660 MSRP
- MSRP: $46,660
- -$1,500
-
$46,660 MSRP
- MSRP: $46,660
- -$1,500
Actual vehicle price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer add-ons, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
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