The 2024 Ford Explorer maintains its trajectory as one of the best-selling SUVs in the segment, marking the fourth model year of the sixth generation. The 2024 model year provides a lot of the functionality and features that many have come to expect and enjoy from the Ford Explorer. There is a lot to love about the vehicle, and plenty of options when it comes to outfitting your Explorer your way, making it quite competitive against other vehicles in the segment.
With multiple decades under its belt after initially launching in 1991, Ford has managed to continually bring new features to the vehicle for six generations. For the 2024 model year, the changes are modest, mostly carrying over what was introduced in the outgoing model year, which was the inclusion of Rapid Red Metallic as a paint option, joining the exterior color line-up with six other colors. The other colors include Agate Black, Stone Blue, Carbonized Gray, Forged Green, Iconic Silver, and Star White Metallic.
Another change for the 2024 model year is an exclusive focus on the internal combustion engine line-up rather than the hybrid powertrain option, so there is no hybrid for this year’s outing. The five-door, three-row SUV is still available with multiple engine and drivetrain configurations and can also be customized in a number of different trims with multiple available packages. The trim line-up includes eight different options, starting with the base Explorer, followed by the XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and finally the Platinum.
Starting MSRP: $36,860 [a]
Horsepower: 400 hp
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Cargo Space: 87.8 cu.ft.
The 2024 Ford Explorer has two distinct powertrains as part of its line-up; this includes the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that produces 300 hp at 310 lb-ft of torque, which comes standard on the majority of the trims and the 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 hp at 415 lb-ft of torque for the Explorer ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and feature auto start-stop technology to maximize the Explorer’s fuel-saving capabilities. You can also have the Explorer configured in either rear or four-wheel drive.
In terms of fuel economy, the inline 4-cylinder manages 21 MPG in the city and up to 28 MPG on the highway in rear-wheel drive while making 20 MPG in the city and up to 27 MPG on the highway in four-wheel drive. The V6 manages an estimated 18 MPG in the city and up to 26 MPG on the highway in rear-wheel drive while getting 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway in four-wheel drive.
Every trim also comes standard with a 3.58:1 non-limited slip rear axle and a Terrain Management System so that you get proper stability management and traction control on the road, off the road, and even during bad weather. There is also the standard inclusion of multiple drive modes depending on where you’re driving and what you hope to accomplish, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Trail, and Deep Snow/Sand. You have a high-performing SUV that’s also designed to be a very safe and responsive SUV that handles well under a number of different circumstances. Plus, you have the inclusion of Trailer Sway Control if you decide to make use of the 5,600 lbs worth of towing capacity.
The 2024 Explorer has a strong sense of style, and a distinct look and feel that makes the vehicle stand out in terms of its style as much as it does its performance. The exterior features a distinct grille design, roof rails for accessories, and a power liftgate for accessing the cargo areas of the SUV. Behind the third row gives you access to 18.2 cu.ft. of space, while lowering it gives you 47 cu.ft. With both rows folded down, you can utilize an impressive 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space.
There are also unique styling opportunities for the Explorer when it comes to the wheel options. For the base and XLT trims, you have 18-inch aluminum painted wheels, but the XLT can choose between 18-inch wheels, 20-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels, or 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels. The ST-Line provides you with 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, but you have the option of 21-inch wheels for the ST-Line trim as well.
With the Limited, you have 20-inch premium painted aluminum wheels or 20-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels. The Timberline comes with 18-inch high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels tucked inside all-terrain tires. The high-performance ST features 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, while the King Ranch features a 10-spoke 20-inch aluminum set of wheels with a King Ranch center cap. Finally, the Platinum features 21-inch bright machined-face aluminum wheels with luster nickel-painted pockets.
Inside, you have multiple seating materials, which include ActiveX sports-themed upholstery, Del Rio leather, or perforated leather seats. For the upper-end trims, you have tri-diamond micro-perforated inserts for the leather upholstery in either Sandstone, Mesa/Norias, or Ebony color schemes. You also have up to 10-way power driver and 8-way power front passenger seats with heated and ventilated options, heated steering, and an available dual-panel moonroof. Even if you’re not keen on using the outside light to illuminate the interior cabin, you have available multi-color ambient lighting to use if that’s more of your thing. Plus, with Tri-Zone Electronic Climate Control, you can regulate the temperature and comfort levels of the Explorer to your liking.
The tech for the 2024 Ford Explorer sits as one of its primary attractions. From the Ford Co-Pilot360 to the Ford SYNC 3 suite to the MyKey functionality, there are a lot of tools in place to bring the Explorer to life in a myriad of useful, safe, and convenient ways. Such as the LED lighting array that provides you with clear and appropriately bright adaptive headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights to match the different times of day or night when you take the vehicle out for a spin thanks to the auto-high beam technology. You also have a number of sensors in place to help with both navigating traffic and parking the vehicle, including front and rear parking sensors and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
From the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert to Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, you have a series of robust safety systems in place thanks to the Ford Co-Pilot360 to help make driving and parking easy, especially with features like the Rear Vision Camera. This enables you to clearly see where you’re parking the vehicle and what’s directly behind you. Even when you do leave the vehicle, the tech still keeps it safe thanks to features like the Perimeter Alarm and the SecuriCode keyless entry pad, which works in conjunction with features like the Remote Keyless Entry and Remote Start thanks to the MyKey functionality.
With MyKey, you can configure the Explorer remotely using programmable settings through the 12.3-inch digital driver display, which allows you to modify everything from vehicle health alerts to audio settings to remote transmitter configurations. This gives you a lot of control over the Explorer and how you operate it, especially with the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment suite, powered by a 10.1-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen, which features compatibility with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection. You can even control aspects of the vehicle, such as speed limit and audio volume, which especially comes in handy if a newly licensed driver is getting behind the wheel.
Plus, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use voice-command pass-through for making hands-free phone calls and texts or make use of the FordPass Connect services for live navigation support and the ability to utilize the Explorer as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot thanks to the 4G LTE capabilities, so you can keep all of your wireless devices connected and online while on the go.
For all things Ford, you need a dealership that covers your shopping, financing, and maintenance needs. All you need to do is have a little faith that all of those will be met, and you can let the staff do the rest. As part of Faith’s Automotive Group, Faith’s Ford is dedicated to offering great deals, discounts, inventory, service, and parts for Ford vehicles.
You can find a healthy selection of brand-new Ford models in the inventory, whether that be visiting the dealership in person or browsing through a vehicle to buy online. Shopping new allows you to take advantage of a vehicle with all of the newest features and latest updates that come with that model year outing, as well as being able to take advantage of Ford’s new car warranty benefits. If you’re shopping on a budget, you may want to look at their extensive selection of pre-owned vehicles. Buying used enables you to shop for a great vehicle at an amazing price without the financial commitments often associated with a new vehicle.