2024 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV with eight trim levels. These are the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. Exterior equipment on the base trim includes LED headlights and taillights, eye-catching black accents, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a power-operated liftgate. The XLT trim tacks on roof rack side rails, heated side mirrors, and body-color accents. If you want a sportier SUV, choose the ST-Line. It has dual chrome exhaust tips, blacked-out lighting elements, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The higher trims are available with options like 21-inch wheels and adaptive headlights. The Timberline trim is the most adventure-ready, with tow hooks, a limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension that raises the ride height.

Beneath the hood of Explorer, you'll find a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine on most trims. This unit makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, working with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. You can also upgrade most trims to include Ford's all-wheel-drive system, although it's standard on the Timberline trim. With the ST and above, a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine comes standard. It's rated at 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.

If acceleration speed is important to you, the upgraded V-6 engine is probably worth it, as an Explorer equipped with this unit went from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds in speed testing. The large SUV also boasts balanced handling, while the standard 10-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and efficiently. When properly equipped, this vehicle can tow up to 5,300 pounds. In order to reach this level, you'd need to add the available towing package to any trim except the Timberline, which includes it as a standard feature.

The Explorer features three rows of seating and a roomy cargo area within the spacious cabin. Adults can easily fit in all three of the rows, while standard comfort equipment includes split-folding seats in the rear, a power driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and cloth upholstery. On the tech side, the base model includes a six-speaker audio system with an 8-inch touch screen and smartphone integration. Additional features on the XLT include second-row USB ports and heated front seats. Opt for the ST-Line trim to get a premium 12-speaker sound system, black interior trim, and a wireless device charging pad. You can also get options on the higher levels, such as ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.

Ford Co-Pilot360 comes standard across all 2024 Explorer models, which is Ford's advanced safety suite. It bundles forward-collision mitigation, a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Trailer sway control also comes standard, while options on the higher trims include evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist.