2023 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is available in eight trim levels for 2022: base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. The base trim offers extra comfort by having a tri-zone electronic temperature control system. The XLT trim comes equipped with impressive technology, an additional security level, and a seven-drive mode controller for rough road travel. The Ford Explorer Limited trim offers a premium sound system with 12 speakers positioned to make the most of your vehicle's acoustics. This trim has extra situational awareness while parking, and it enhances your steering wheel to provide you with a touch of luxury. Stepping up to the Limited Hybrid, it is efficient and has other mechanical features such as a battery-powered electric motor to reduce fuel consumption. The ST trim is for the performance enthusiast, while the Platinum offers exclusive luxury, from supple textures and premium design to an enhanced sound system.

With The Explorer, you can choose between two engines. The basic engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It provides strong passing power and aids in the vehicle's quick acceleration. By enhancing the engine's performance, the manufacturer has made the Ford Explorer an ideal SUV. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is available for more power. This engine has a power output of 400 horsepower and a torque output of 415 pound-feet. Both engines come with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly.

The Explorer handles well. There's not enough steering feel for it to be truly sporty, but the sturdy brakes and superb road grip help keep it planted around turns, and the Explorer ST-Line and ST trims feature suspension upgrades that improve handling. The ride is generally smooth, but bumpy terrain can unsettle the vehicle. The Explorer features Timberline's off-road trim, even though it's not a true off-road vehicle. It is equipped with adventure-ready features such as specially tuned shock absorbers and a limited-slip transmission, and it can easily handle a dirt or sandy trail.

The interior of the 2022 Ford Explorer is versatile, spacious, and has high-end technology. The interior features to enjoy from this model are ambient lighting, a rotary gear shift dial that offers comfort while driving, and a cargo management system. An additional system pulls the second-row seats out of the way at the touch of a button, to make getting into the usual third row easier.

Every Explorer comes standard with a slew of driver-assistance features, with options like self-parking assist available as an add-on. Its key safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot sensitivity.