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2023 Ford Explorer

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$36,760

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

24

Combined MPG

7

Seating capacity

198.8” x 70.2”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(8 reviews)

The good:

  • Responsive, powerful gas engines
  • Sync 3 multimedia system usability
  • Lots of cabin storage
  • Solid braking feel

The bad:

  • First- and second-row comfort
  • Third row too small for adults
  • Hybrid acceleration and braking refinement
  • Visibility compromised by large C-pillar

8 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2023 Ford Explorer trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2025

Notable features

  • Three-row SUV
  • Rear- or four-wheel drive
  • Choice of two turbocharged gas engines
  • Hybrid drivetrain available
  • Performance-focused ST and off-road-oriented Timberline trim levels

2023 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV with room for six or seven people, depending on seating configuration. It’s available with rear- or four-wheel drive. The base engine is a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and there’s an available turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 365 or 400 hp. Both engines work with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid drivetrain rated at 318 total hp is also available. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride.

What’s New on the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The 2023 Explorer is a carryover model with no significant changes.

What Features in the 2023 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Power liftgate
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after free trial)
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rear parking sensors

Available features include:

  • 20- or 21-inch aluminum wheels
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Second-row captain’s chairs
  • Power-folding third-row seat
  • Second-row sunshades
  • Digital instrument panel
  • 10.1-inch vertically oriented dashboard touchscreen
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Navigation
  • B&O premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Lane-centering steering assist
  • Front parking sensors

Should I Buy the 2023 Ford Explorer?

The Explorer offers eight trim levels and a choice of three powertrains to appeal to different buyers; we like the performance its gas engines offer. This Ford’s standard touchscreen multimedia system is intuitive, and the cabin has good storage space. Seat comfort, however, isn’t great, and the third row is small.

Consumer reviews

(8 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.2
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 3.9
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.0
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

My Issues with my Explorer

This New 2023 Ford Explorer ST Line 4wd. Looks Great ...Drives great...but...there are a couple things that I truly hate . #1 I can't see when I backup when it's raining ..the backup Camara gets foggy and blurred from the water on it...#2 this car makes lots of different noises after I turn it off...I means they just random throw out a noise from the engine up to an hour I have heard them. It's kinda creepy. #3 I have crazy gleches with the Screen weather it's the radio not wanting to work to the GPS going haywire. This does not happen often but it does happen.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Ford is not reliable any more

After 7300 miles , the suspension started clicking , making noise for no apparent reason. Piece of garbage this SUV. Not in mine but the transmissions are having tons of issues , recalls , such a crazy situation with Ford. That’s a shame I really like how they look , beautiful SUV

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Collision Aid not available

I am starting to get a notification saying my collision aid is not working. I have checked my rear view mirror camera for an object or damage to the Windshield, also checked rear camera over the license plate. Neither camera seems to be an object or a damaged windshield.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 8 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2023 Ford Explorer base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
14.7%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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Latest 2023 Explorer stories

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