2024 Ford Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Almost everyone who’s driven any type of vehicle has heard about the Ford Explorer. Often referred to as America’s all-time best-selling SUV, the loyal Explorer has served many a family and cargo hauler for the better part of three decades. It’s also in one of Ford’s most-sold models (7.6 million units )ever produced, behind nameplates like Mustang, F-Series, and Escort.

The Explorer returns for the 2024 model year with an off-road grade, more customization options, and impressive gas mileage, solidifying its place in the modern economical utility vehicle segment. Ford plans to take the Explorer off-road with the latest Timberline grade, with additional hardware including upgraded suspension and special, more rugged, precautions in its composition.

The sporty ST and ST-Line return to inject a dose of performance attitude into the 2024 Explorer line-up. Boasting sport-tuned suspension and iconic color schemes, these two sporty models are no doubt going to make a solid impression on those looking to cash in on the adrenaline-fueled Explorer ST and ST-Line. Inside and out, the 2024 model year ups the ante in terms of quality, advancement, and style, ensuring the Explorer remains America’s favorite SUV.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024?

Though the Explorer won’t receive its full-blown refresh until the 2025 model year, the 2024 Explorer offers a sleek and modern appearance with advanced interior tech and assist functions. As stated, the customization options, including freestanding options and dealer-installed perks, are sure to spec the SUV for your lifestyle, no matter the task or hobby. The hybrid engine option has been axed for 2024, but the EcoBoost options are plenty efficient, and they’re turbocharged, which is always a plus!

2024 Highlights

• The Timberline grade offers a plush off-roading experience with premium interior amenities and tech.
• There are no hybrid engine options, but peppy EcoBoost options don’t disappoint.
• Extensive customization options provide nearly unlimited ways to specify the 2024 Explorer.
• Premium interior options rival the Explorer’s high-end competition.
• The ST and ST-Line grades include special Ford Performance-tuned components.

Exterior Dimensions

(Source: Ford)

Engine Specifications And Performance

As stated before, the hybrid engine options don’t make their way into the 2024 Explorer line-up. However, the standard 2.4-liter EcoBoost turbo inline-four pumps out a respectable 300 ponies and 310 pound-feet of torque. The standard 2.3-liter I-4 powers all grades except the ST, ST-Line, King Ranch, and Platinum grades.

Taking a step up in power options introduces the 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, which produces 400 horses and 415 pound-feet of twist. When optioned with the class IV tow package, which is standard for Timberline grade, the 3.0-liter options can tow up to a max of 5,600 pounds. The ST grade adds sport-tuned suspension to help unlock the race-worthiness of the Explorer’s performance.

Both powertrain options connect to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, though the ST and ST-Line include SelectShift paddle shifters to enhance the driving experience with tactile and engaging controls. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available ($2,000), while the off-road-specced Timberline features standard AWD for maximum traction in any terrain or driving conditions.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Ford)

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

The 2024 Explorer features the option to add a class IV trailer and tow hitch, which allows the mid-size SUV to pull up to 5,600 pounds when optioned to do so. These options include the top dog 3.0-liter V-6 engine option and the intelligent four-wheel drive setup.

Though not the highest tow rating in its segment, the Explorer boasts respectable tow numbers that satisfy most SUV buyers. Also of note, the 2024 Explorer Timberline is the only grade to include the class IV trailer and tow packages as standard equipment, though all grades equipped with 4WD receive tow/haul driving modes via the standard terrain management system.

(Source: Ford)

Off-Road Capability

Though not primarily made for off-road adventures, Ford made sure to include an off-road grade to satisfy those weekend excursions and tough environments. The Timberline is the model in question, and includes intelligent four-wheel drive, underplating, tow hooks, and more. The Timberline also features the standard class IV trailer tow package, which means you can haul your boat to the lake, even if the trail is a bit rough.

2024 Ford Explorer Timberline Off-Road Upgrades

• Class IV Tow Trailer package
• Grille-mounted Ford Performance Timberline off-road light kit
• All-terrain tires
• Tow hooks
• Steel skid plates
• All-terrain tires
• Off-road rear struts and front shocks
• 3.58 TORSEN limited-slip rear axle

(Source: Ford)

Interior Technology And Comfort

The interior of the 2024 Explorer explores the modern scene of design and trendy layouts with its vast array of optional and standard materials and configurations. These materials include cloth, Unique Cloth, ActiveX material, and premium leather. On the lower trims, cloth is standard, and ActiveX upholstery is optional. The high-end grades, including the King Ranch and Platinum grades, feature standard premium leather with unique emblem insignia and stitch pattern.

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Ford Explorer

• Vast selection of interior packages, color schemes, and materials
• Available 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Leather-trimmed interior on high-grade Explorers
• Each grade features a unique interior appliqué design and finish

Just to be clear, when you outfit the 2024 Explorer with your preferred material, you’ll deck out the seating as well as the door panels and dash, giving your cabin a cohesive and well-coordinated layout balance. The before-mentioned designated appliqué will further distinguish your Explorer with a personality to match yours. For reference, the grade’s interior trim and appliquéing designation are:

• Base – Ebony colored
• XLT – Satin silver twilight colored
• ST-Line – Ebony Hexacut
• ST– Ebony Hexacut
• Limited – Noce wave
• King Ranch – Real sapele wood
• Platinum – Gray ash swirl real wood
• Timberline – Stone mesh

Technology

The interior of the 2024 Explorer features many modern touches, including SYNC 3 capability, available wi-fi compatibility, and advanced driver assist functions via Ford’s CoPilot 360 Assist+. A standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch digital cluster display the vehicle’s entertainment and info, while a standard six-speaker sound system distributes sound seamlessly. The basic layout is fairly plain, as are most entry-level vehicle models, but the real fun happens when you venture into higher grades and available options.

The XLT grade introduces a larger 6.5-inch digital gauge cluster with the same 8-inch touchscreen found in the base model. However, the optional Technology Package offers much more LCD real estate in the form of a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen in the center of the dash as well as a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a wireless charging pad. The Technology Package is available for most grades, while the top grades include the Tech Package’s upgrades as standard equipment.

Moving up the ladder in grades sees the premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, large digital cluster, and wireless charging pad become standard equipment on the ST-Line, ST, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum grades. However, if you’re looking to take your Explorer into luxury SUV territory, the available Premium Technology packages for the high-end grades feature multi-contour seats with Active Motion, an immersive 14-speaker B&O audio system, and a large 10.1-inch touchscreen interface.

Interior Dimensions

(Source: Ford)

Safety And Reliability

The 2024 Ford Explorer has earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for displaying superb crash-worthiness and passenger safety. Tests run in 2020 on the redesigned Ford Explorer yielded less than promising results, particularly in the lower leg crash response of the SUV. This prompted Ford to redesign the Explorer’s subframe structure to improve occupant safety.

The Explorer has since improved on the overall safety rating originally given by the IIHS, allowing it to become a top pick in terms of passenger safety. One area where the 2024 Explorer doesn’t fare as well as the competition is concerning reliability, with Consumer Reports giving a 35/100 predicted reliability score.

Driver Assistance Features

All 2024 Explorers feature standard Ford CoPilot 360, which includes a blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, pre-collision warning auto emergency braking, and more. A more advanced version, Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, is included in higher grades and adds adaptive cruise control and lane centering technology, among a few other features, to the standard CoPilot 360 safety suite. Advanced terrain management system is standard on Explorers equipped with intelligent 4WD, as is hill descent control.

• BLIS (blind spot information system) with cross traffic alert
• Lane-keeping system
• Pre-collision alert with auto emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control (CoPilot 360 Assist+)
• Lane centering technology (CoPilot 360 Assist+)

IIHS Crash Testing

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

(Source: NHTSA)

Warranties

Ford’s warranty isn’t anything to write home about, as it falls in line with its competitors’ average warranty details. However, a healthy roadside warranty adds peace of mind when venturing far from home. However the lack of complimentary scheduled maintenance holds it back from standing out in the crowd.

(Source: Ford)

2024 Ford Explorer Versus Its Competitors

The SUV class has grown exponentially in the past few decades. So much so that it’s among the most sold vehicle types in America, as well as around the world. The Ford Explorer is a very popular choice and has been since its inception, though the growth in demand for reliable, family-friendly utility vehicles has sparked a rather competitive arms race between automakers to satisfy that demand. That said, a few notable competitors in this fight for the top SUV spot are the Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

How The Ford Explorer Compares To The Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer corner the same area of the market, which are roomy, cost-friendly family vehicles. In that regard, they both excel. However, where they begin to differ heavily is in the quality and standard luxury department. Notably, Kia made sure to satisfy every need an SUV owner may encounter. This resulted in an absolutely decked-out experience, even on the base model. This includes a huge touchscreen interface and premium upholstery, along with all advanced safety and standard assist features.

Power-wise is where the Explorer makes its stand, as the peppy turbocharged and twin-turbocharged EcoBoost options are likely to feel more lively than the Telluride’s 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6. The Explorer also squeezes out slightly better estimated MPG thanks to the smaller engine option, even though they are more powerful than the Telluride’s naturally aspirated mill.

The Tellurides air suspension can increase ground clearance and provide a softer experience when riding with extra weight, yet it generally results in stiffer handling manners. Still, the luxurious cabin and extensive list of standard features is enough to make you forget about the performance shortcomings. Who buys a Kia to break the land speed record anyway?

How The Ford Explorer Compares To The Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep continues their legacy of off-road capable vehicles with the modern Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. However, their latest line aims to increase the luxury factor of the rugged utility vehicle by including premium interior appointments and technology as standard equipment. Leather upholstery and second-row heated seating ensures a comfy experience for all inside, while the large screens keep the driver informed and the passengers entertained.

The base model features a peppy V-6 that produces 293 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is still less than the 2024 Explorer’s EcoBoost engines. For those looking to take the luxury Jeep to the limit, an optional V-8 engine brings a bellowing growl and aggressive grunt to the powertrain.

Maximum tow ratings are one of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s selling points, as it outpulls most of the competition. The V-8-equipped 2024 Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds, which is almost a ton more than the Explorer. Heck, even the V-6-equipped Jeep GC pulls a solid 6,200 pounds. Another perk to driving a Jeep is the solid warranty, as, unlike its two competitors, Jeep offers complimentary scheduled maintenance.

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How Much Does A 2024 Ford Explorer Cost?

The 2024 Ford Explorer retains the reasonable price point that made it a top pick in the past, though higher grades and upgrade packages can add up quickly. As one of Ford’s most-bought vehicles, availability is abundant, meaning it won’t take you long to find an Explorer if you’re looking for one. Certain grades may be scarcer than others, including the King Ranch and Timberline, though the Blue Oval’s reach is worldwide. They’ll likely accommodate, for a fee, of course.

(Source: Ford)

Fuel Economy

Even though the hybrid options have been dropped, fuel economy is an area of strength in the 2024 Explorer. The 2024 Explorer has yet to receive an official EPA rating, though the 2023 Explorer’s fuel figures give us a pretty close idea as to what the latest iteration has in store.

The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 is able to squeeze out 21 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway for a combined MPG of 24, which is near the top of its segment. The bigger 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 was able to grant the 2023 Explorer 18 miles in the city and 26 on the highway for a combined 21 MPG.

GAS/HYBRIDS

(Source: EPA)

Is It Worth Buying the 2024 Ford Explorer?

The Explorer is, as it’s always been, a “safe” option -if there ever were one. The steps Ford has taken to modernize the Explorer have paid off, with buyers taking a liking to the sleek appearance. Much like the sleek approach Jeep has taken to appeal to a modern audience. The Kia Telluride is a fan favorite, as it includes premium interior elements and tech standard. However, a lower entry price props the Explorer up in an increasingly more expensive segment.

Upgrade options elevate the entire experience and can be a key factor in the buying process, with customers able to transform the humble Explorer with performance buffs, exterior flair, and interior amenities. Though not the most powerful in its segment, the Explorer achieves a satisfying balance between power and economy, something that few SUVs are able to do well. All that said, the Ford Explorer is a reasonably good vehicle, though it is set to receive some major updates for the 2025 model year, so it may be worth it to wait and see what Ford has planned for one of America’s all-time top-selling SUVs.