In the 2024 Ford Explorer, you and your family can live life to the fullest. These three-row midsize crossovers offer plenty of space for everyone, plus all the luxury features you could want. Cutting-edge technology keeps you connected to the world at large, no matter where your adventures take you.
Key Takeaways
- Unfortunately, we won’t get a refreshed Explorer until the 2025 model year! For 2024, the hybrid powertrain has been discontinued.
- The three-row Explorer has long been popular for its roomy cabin, quick acceleration, sure handling, and long list of standard features.
- Although the 2024 EPA ratings aren’t out yet, the thriftiest option will likely be the base engine. For 2023, it was rated to deliver 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway).
- Choose between these Explorer trim models: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.
What’s new for the 2024 Ford Explorer?
Unfortunately, the Explorer won’t get a major refresh until the 2025 model year. Those models will sport updated styling and, hopefully, lots of new tech features, including the SYNC 4 infotainment system. The only change to the 2024 Explorer is that it doesn’t offer the hybrid powertrain. No word yet as to whether the hybrid will return for the 2025 model year!
What’s special about the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The Explorer has long been a hit among families, thanks to its roomy cabin, which seats six or seven passengers (depending on whether you equip yours with second-row captain’s chairs). This crossover’s eight trim models can deliver a solid list of standard features, adventure-friendly gear, or real luxury, depending on your personal preferences.
But the Explorer is also popular among those who crave sporty power and rugged capabilities. Thanks to its standard rear-wheel-drive setup, the Explorer delivers sharp steering and secure handling. If you crave speed, this midsize crossover really delivers with its available 400-horsepower V6 engine. And you can even improve handling on the trail, thanks to optional all-wheel drive.
What’s the 2024 Ford Explorer’s fuel economy?
For 2024, the thriftiest Explorer engine is the base option, the turbo four-cylinder engine, which helps you earn up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). The Explorer ST, which features a 400-horsepower V6, isn’t quite as thrifty, but it does a decent job balancing major speed with efficiency, earning up to 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).
These are the powertrain options available for the 2024 Explorer:
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Turbo 3.0L V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Which trim levels are available for the 2024 Ford Explorer?
This Explorer is available as eight trim models: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. As you move up the list, you’ll spend more on a new Explorer, but you’ll also enjoy a longer list of features!
The Base (starting at $36,760) not only comes at the friendliest price, but it’s also loaded with a pretty impressive list of standard features. These include LED headlamps, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity! The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids, including forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning, is also standard.
With the middling XLT, you’ll enjoy a little more luxury, thanks to features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable passenger’s seat. These Explorers are also available with more optional features, including the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, which adds adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, among other safety systems.
To add more style to the aforementioned features, there’s the ST-Line. Not only does it come with sporty styling, inside and out, but it also adds a few tech upgrades (like the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system).
Ready for an off-road adventure? Take your family out on the trail in the Explorer Timberline, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, underbody skid plates, and extra ground clearance, among other rugged upgrades.
The ST is also a sporty option, but it’s meant to deliver a high-performance ride on the pavement. This Explorer comes standard with the more powerful turbo V6 engine, plus performance upgrades, like a sport-tuned suspension and quad exhaust outlets. This model also gets a few interior upgrades, including sport-bolstered front seats and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Limited is more luxurious than lower trim models. It adds to the XLT lineup with swanky items, such as leather upholstery, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel.
For even more luxury, check out the King Ranch and Platinum models. These Explorers deliver many of the same upgrades, including a hands-free liftgate, driver’s seat memory settings, power-release second-row captain’s chairs, and a power-folding third-row seat. The King Ranch sports a Western theme, with exclusive styling that includes wood interior trim and two-tone leather upholstery. Meanwhile, the Platinum has its own sleek style, with diamond-pattern leather upholstery, exclusive wood trim, and satin aluminum exterior trim.