The Ford Explorer is one of the most recognizable SUV models on the market, thanks to its longevity. Competitors to this family-friendly midsize SUV include the Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.
2024 Ford Explorer Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
What’s New for the 2024 Ford Explorer
For 2024, Ford discontinues the Explorer Hybrid, though it carries over otherwise unchanged. The Explorer was last fully redesigned for the 2020 model year and saw a revised engine lineup in 2022. The Explorer is available in a wide lineup of eight trim levels, ranging from family-oriented value to true opulence.
Design
The Ford Explorer is a traditional midsize SUV with three rows of seating. Its basic profile and design are bland enough that it can easily be upgraded to look sporty or upscale, which of course, Ford does reasonably well. It’s not as stylish as most competitors, but it stays true to the brand’s look and feel.
Powertrain
The 2024 Explorer features a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is available. Higher trim levels upgrade to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine rated for 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. The ST trim gets a sport suspension, and the Timberline trim adds a limited-slip differential, off-road suspension, off-road tires, and skid plates.
Interior
The Explorer seats six or seven people, depending on interior configuration. It’s available with a three-passenger middle bench or a pair of captain’s chairs. You’ll need to step up to the XLT trim level to get a power-adjustable driver’s seat, though it also includes heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and ambient lighting. Other options include heated and ventilated second-row seats, leather upholstery, a dual-panel moonroof, and premium leather. The Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, opening up to a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet.
Technology
The 2024 Ford Explorer features a 4.2-inch information display, an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen display and standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system is intuitive and easy to use. Available upgrades include bigger information displays, a 10.2-inch touch screen, and Bose premium audio.
Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2024 Ford Explorer an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, and the Insurance institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the top score of “Good” in the three crash tests administered so far. The Explorer includes standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and driver-attention monitoring.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2024 Ford Explorer is available now. As of this writing, Ford lists pricing for the base Explorer starting at $36,860. The next up, the XLT, is arguably the best value of the lineup, and starts at $38,670. Prices climb from there, with the top Platinum starting at $54,770. The Ford Explorer is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile new car warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.