2023 Ford Explorer® Review | Specs & Performance

Enjoy your freedom to discover new possibilities in a versatile and powerful SUV stocked with the latest intuitive technology: the 2023 Ford Explorer®. From a refined, roomy interior to a stylish design and impressive capabilities, the Explorer is engineered to take you and your family to the next level of any journey you embark on. To assist in your research, the team at Hawk Ford of St. Charles has crafted this 2023 Ford Explorer review.

Find your ideal Explorer trim in our new inventory, and discover new ways to save with our available finance and lease offers. Get behind the wheel when you schedule a test drive, and contact our dealership in St. Charles, IL, online or by phone at (630) 384-9905 if you have any questions.

22ford Explorer Exteriorcountryside 21x9 1

2023 Ford Explorer Interior Features

Whether you want to enhance your daily commute or make the family road trip one to remember, the 2023 Ford Explorer offers a wealth of comfort, convenience, and innovation features that everyone can enjoy. Up to seven passengers can settle into luxurious cloth, ActiveX™, or leather upholstery options, and standard tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone relaxed no matter the outside conditions. For additional comfort, an available twin-panel moonroof lets everybody take in the sights, day or night, and front multicontour seats with Active Motion® massage functionality help reduce fatigue on long drives. 

When it comes to digital innovation, the 2023 Explorer offers a suite of forward-thinking features built for connectivity and entertainment. Depending on your selected trim, you can access all your favorite apps through a SYNC® 3 infotainment system on either an 8-inch touchscreen or a vibrant 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen. An available 360-degree camera with split view keeps you aware of everything around you, and features like FordPass® Connect® with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot and available wireless charging ensure everyone stays connected on the go.

23ford Explorer Interiorfrontpassenger 5x3 1
23ford Explorer Interiordriverdisplay 5x3 1

Engine & Performance

Experience thrilling power and exceptional performance behind the wheel of the 2023 Ford Explorer. Unlock unlimited possibilities wherever you go with three dynamic engine options — all equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability. Enjoy standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) for enhanced efficiency, or opt for available intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) capability as well as a standard Terrain Management System™ with up to seven selectable drive modes designed for a variety of terrain types.

Looking to traverse the road less traveled? The 2023 Explorer Timberline® trim is equipped to handle all your rugged adventures with features like all-terrain tires, a 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle, steel underbody plates, and an 8.66-inch ground clearance.

2.3L EcoBoost® I4

Horsepower: 300 HP
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,300 lbs.

3.0L EcoBoost V6

Horsepower: 400 HP
Torque: 415 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,600 lbs.

3.3L hybrid

Horsepower: 318 HP
Torque: 322 lb.-ft.
Max. Towing: 5,000 lbs.

23ford Explorer Exteriortownheadon 5x3 1

2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid

Get the most out of every mile when you opt for the 2023 Ford Explorer hybrid powertrain, available on both the Limited and Platinum trims. This 3.3-liter engine delivers an impressive 318 horsepower, combines traditional gasoline with battery efficiency to help you go further, and implements regenerative braking to help restore and conserve battery power. Plus, you can achieve up to a 5,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package, so you don’t have to choose between power and economy

Exterior Colors Offered

  • Agate Black Metallic
  • Carbonized Gray Metallic
  • Forged Green Metallic
  • Atlas Blue Metallic
  • Iconic Silver Metallic
  • Star White Metallic
  • Stone Blue Metallic
  • Jewell Red Metallic
  • Rapid Red Metallic

Trim Options Available

Each trim in the 2023 Ford Explorer lineup is stocked with unique elements built to enhance your drive. To learn more about the key features of each configuration.

23ford Explorer Explorer Carbonizedgray Jellybean

Base

Starting at $36,760 MSRP

23ford Explorer Xlt Burgundyvelvet Jellybean1

XLT

Starting at $38,570 MSRP

23ford Explorer Stline Starwhite Jellybean

ST-Line

Starting at $46,005 MSRP

23ford Explorer Limited Atlasblue Jellybean

Limited

Starting at $47,070 MSRP

23ford Explorer Timberline Agateblack Jellybean

Timberline

Starting at $48,980 MSRP

23ford Explorer Kingranch Rapidred Jellybean

ST

Starting at $50,005 MSRP

23ford Explorer Platinum Iconicsilver Jellybean

Platinum

Starting at $53,820 MSRP

23ford Explorer St Forgedgreen Jellybean

King Ranch®

Starting at $54,075 MSRP

2023 Ford Explorer Dimensions & Space

The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a surplus of space and comfortable accommodations the entire family can enjoy. With seating for up to seven and an available PowerFold® third-row seat that frees up additional space, you can bring more along for the ride. An optional cargo management system also helps you maximize functionality and organize smaller items when you need it. See the accompanying chart for information about interior specifications.

  • Seating: Seven
  • Passenger Volume: 152.7 cu.-ft.
  • Headroom (First / Second / Third Row): 40.7 / 40.5 / 38.9 in.
  • Legroom (First / Second / Third Row): 43 / 39 / 32.2 in.
  • Cargo Volume Behind First / Second / Third Row: 87.8 / 47.9 / 18.2 cu.-ft.

2022 Ford Explorer: Color Options, Key Features, Pricing

Step into the 2022 Ford Explorer and you’ll discover a three-row SUV with refined style, cutting-edge technology and safety features, and space for the whole family. The Explorer offers a range of options that you can customize to fit your lifestyle and needs. And with seating for up to seven people and room for plenty of gear, the Explorer is designed for whatever adventures await you and the family.

You’ll find a great deal on a 2022 Ford Explorer for sale at Hawk Ford of St. Charles. We also offer an attractive Ford Explorer lease deal if you’re considering the advantages of leasing. Have any questions? Want to schedule a test drive? Call our helpful team at (630) 584-1800 or contact us online.

Summary

The 2022 Ford Explorer SUV is engineered for versatility. It’s ideal for transporting the family around town every day, with its plush interior amenities and spacious interior. It also has the power and capability for serious hauling, whether you’re putting gardening supplies in the back or towing a trailer on vacation. The Explorer is offered with an efficient hybrid powertrain that will help reduce your fuel costs. And with available four-wheel drive (4WD) and the Terrain Management System™, the Explorer is capable of robust off-road or inclement weather performance. You can find the 2022 Ford Explorer at a starting MSRP of $33,745.

Performance

Discover ample power across three engine options with the 2022 Explorer. Choose between an economical 2.3L four-cylinder engine, a brawny 3.0L V6, or a fuel-sipping hybrid option. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on most trims, with intelligent 4WD available on all models for increased traction and off-road capability. And bring along that trailer or camper with the impressive towing capability of every Explorer. 2022 Ford Explorer engine and towing specs can be found in this chart.

Powertrain2.3L EcoBoost® I43.0L EcoBoost V63.3L hybrid V6
Horsepower300 HP400 HP318 HP
Torque310 lb.-ft.415 lb.-ft.322 lb.-ft.
MPGUp to 21 city / 28 hwyUp to 18 city / 26 hwyUp to 27 city / 28 hwy
Max. Towing Capacity5,300 lbs.5,600 lbs.5,000 lbs.

Interior

With an airy and spacious interior, comfortable seating for up to seven people, and a multitude of options for interior furnishings and amenities, the cabin of the 2022 Ford Explorer is designed to be your home when you’re away. You’ll find creature comforts and intuitive features engineered to make every drive easier and more enjoyable. You’ll also appreciate cargo volume of up to 87.8 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. Available interior features include:

  • Twin-panel moonroof
  • Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
  • Heated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs
  • Cloth, ActiveXâ„¢, or leather seating surfaces
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • PowerFold® third-row seats
  • Multi-color ambient lighting
  • Remote start
  • Intelligent access with push button start

Exterior

The bold exterior of the 2022 Ford Explorer exudes power and refinement. LED lighting and handy features like power-folding side mirrors and a power liftgate are designed to elevate your driving experience. You’ll find available features including:

  • LED headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, and signature lighting
  • Heated PowerFold side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and memory
  • 18-, 20-, or 21-in. aluminum wheels
  • Power liftgate
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Technology

Stay connected and entertained on the road with the infotainment technology found in the 2022 Ford Explorer. Enjoy smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, built-in navigation, and a premium 980-watt sound system to set every drive to your favorite soundtrack. You’ll find these available features:

  • SYNC® infotainment system with voice-activated navigation
  • 14-speaker 980W B&O® premium sound system
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ integration
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
  • Wireless charging pad
  • MyKey® configurable key system

Safety

The safety of you and your passengers is of paramount importance, and that’s why the 2022 Ford Explorer is fitted with a suite of cutting-edge driver assistance and safety features that will help make you more confident and engaged every time you take the wheel. Available safety technologies include:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ Assist+
  • Blind spot information system with cross traffic alert
  • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian alert
  • Intelligent adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keeping system
  • Reverse sensing system
  • Active park assist 2.0
  • Trailer sway control

Color Options

Whether your paint preferences hew toward the brilliant or the subtle, you’re sure to find a color matching your taste to clothe your Explorer:

  • Agate Black
  • Carbonized Gray
  • Star White
  • Stone Blue
  • Forged Green
  • Burgundy Velvet
  • Atlas Blue
  • Rapid Red
  • Iconic Silver

New Ford Explorer for Sale in St. Charles, IL

Discover new adventures when you find the 2023 Ford Explorer for sale at Hawk Ford of St. Charles! Browse our inventory below to locate your preferred 2023 Explorer trim, and peruse our available finance and lease offers for the chance to save! Schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in St. Charles, IL, to get behind the wheel, and contact us online or by phone at (630) 384-9905 if you have any questions.