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Click Here for Featured Specials
Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
The Ford Explorer is a real workhorse. It can accommodate adults and kids with three rows of seating, and it has plenty of cargo space at the rear for your day-to-day needs. That's probably why the Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs in Ford's lineup for busy families around Dallas, Texas. But what's new for the 2023 model year? Our auto experts here at Planet Ford Dallas have taken a closer look at the Explorer's latest edition. Feel free to reach out to us if you'd like to test-drive an Explorer today.
Reflecting the popularity of this Ford model, the Explorer sees no major changes for 2023. Those of you who like more choice of exterior paint colors can choose from a new Jewel Red Metallic color option, which is the only notable addition to the lineup's options.
If you stick to the 2023 Explorer's base trim, you'll find a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood. It puts out 300 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides good acceleration for a midsize SUV, ensuring that you can get up to speed on the highway or navigate Dallas’ busy city roads. If you'd prefer a little more punch when you sit behind the wheel, you could step up to the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit. It puts out 400 horsepower and is available with the higher trims.
In rear-wheel drive (RWD), the Explorer is very fuel-efficient for its vehicle class. It achieves up to 28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg on city roads. Swapping RWD for four-wheel drive drops both figures by 1 mpg. If you opt for the larger twin-turbocharged six-cylinder, you'll manage up to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The Explorer's powertrain is ideal for towing a heavy load at the rear. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, you'll be able to pull a decent-size camper or utility trailer.
Even with a full load of passengers, you can still fit enough cargo in the Explorer for the daily commute. Ford builds the Explorer with over 18 cubic feet behind the third row. If you can do without the rearmost seats, you can open up over 47 cubic feet by folding down the third row. This is the perfect setup if you need to transport bulkier household items. And when you really need room, you can fold down the two rear rows to create the Explorer's maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet.
The Explorer is a real people carrier, easily accommodating seven passengers across its three rows. If you opt for captain's chairs in the second row instead of a bench, you'll reduce the capacity to six. However, second-row passengers will be able to ride in a bit more comfort. In the base trim, cloth upholstery comes standard, but you can opt for a more upscale design with leather seats and other luxury features by climbing the Explorer's trim ladder.
The Explorer boasts a great range of entertainment tech throughout its lineup. The standard touch screen measures 8.0 inches and is accompanied by a six-speaker stereo. Other features in the cabin include smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition.
You can upgrade to a larger 10.1-inch screen, a premium 14-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, and USB ports for second-row passengers. There's also a navigation system on offer to help you find your next destination and avoid heavy traffic.
The Explorer's safety features are just about as comprehensive as the infotainment setup. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. When you get up to highway speeds, you'll benefit from lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.
The MyKey feature allows you to set speed limits and program other features, such as the volume for your stereo. During long drives, the driver attention monitor keeps watch on your reaction times to let you know when you need to take a break.
Optional safety tech includes a surround-view parking camera and front parking sensors. The adaptive cruise control feature can automatically adjust your speed limit on the highway so you maintain a safe distance from other motorists. The evasive steer assist feature can help you avoid collisions.
There are eight trims to choose from in the Explorer, allowing you to opt for a basic interior or a more luxurious outfit. Your trim options include base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The base trim has an MSRP of $36,760, while the range-topping King Ranch trim starts at $54,075.
Stepping up to the XLT gets you a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and second-row USB ports. The ST-Line introduces the navigation system, evasive steer assist, and synthetic leather upholstery. The Limited's cabin approaches luxury with genuine leather upholstery, ventilated first- and second-row seats, and an optional power-folding third row.
The Timberline is a wise choice if you enjoy spending your weekends off the beaten track. You gain skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a limited-slip differential. It also has standard four-wheel drive. If you want the more powerful V-6 engine, the ST trim is the lowest one to offer it. You'll also get an upgraded sports suspension and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Both the Platinum and King Ranch trims feature wood trim and upgraded leather upholstery.
Would you like to know more about the 2023 Explorer or take a look at our inventory? Feel free to contact our Dallas dealership today. Our Ford experts will be delighted to help you arrange an auto loan or explain our attractive leasing options. You can browse our inventory of the latest Ford models at your own convenience or swing by our showroom to see what trims we currently have in stock at Planet Ford Dallas. Alternatively, use our search tool to narrow the selection by features such as engine type or trim level.
