2024 Ford Explorer

2024 Ford Explorer Highlights

The Ford Explorer continues to be an SUV for all buyers and budgets, with a mind-numbing range of eight trims. The entry-level Base focuses on the essentials, while the Platinum grade enters luxury car status. Buyers looking for a more focused vehicle will find that the 2024 Ford Explorer ST delivers performance credentials as the Timberline is ready for off-pavement adventures. Notably, Ford dropped the hybrid engine as a powertrain option for the 2024 Ford Explorer.

Key Details

• Midsize SUV body style
• Three-row, six- or seven-passenger seating
• Two engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or 3.0L EcoBoost V6
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Ten-speed automatic transmission

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile cabin with comfortable seating
• Generous towing capacity (up to 5,600 lbs with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package)
• Advanced infotainment system with large touchscreen display and connected services
• Wide range of standard and available driver assistance technologies
• Diverse lineup with off-road-focused Timberline and performance-oriented ST trims

Learn More: Here Are The Ford Explorer Years To Avoid

2024 Ford Explorer Overview

Performance

From a performance standpoint, the 2024 Ford Explorer comes in two flavors: quick and quicker. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine balances power and efficiency, making it well-suited for daily driving and light towing. It’s also capable of taking the 2024 Explorer from zero to 60 mph in under seven seconds, which is fast for a vehicle of this size.

For those seeking more power, the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, offering robust acceleration and increased towing capability. This turbo powerplant is standard on the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims and delivers a 0-60 mph speed of 5.3 seconds in the ST.

Both engines are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, which optimizes performance and efficiency. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available (and standard on the Timberline).

Safety

As of August 2023, the 2024 Ford Explorer received a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2024 Explorer a Top Safety Pick+ designation, the organization’s highest award.

All 2024 Explorer models come standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies that include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure mitigation
• Automatic high beams

Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view monitor.

Driving

Those behind the wheel of the 2024 Ford Explorer will feel confident. The suspension offers an ideal balance of handling and comfort, giving this large SUV an almost nimble quality. Some of this is due to the vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive orientation, which is unusual for cars in this class. Meanwhile, Explorers equipped with all-wheel drive can better deliver the traction and stability requirements of foul-weather driving.

The Explorer ST offers a more dynamic driving experience with a potent engine, sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes. These features are accompanied by unique styling elements and an exhaust that produces a head-turning soundtrack.

Interior

The 2024 Explorer's best seats are in the first row—43 inches of legroom here is exceptionally generous. That doesn’t mean the second row is uncomfortable. Still, its 39 inches of legroom is underwhelming compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which add an extra three inches of space. Likewise, legroom is reasonable in the third row at 32.2 inches, but it’s not the best in class—an important consideration if your needs include transporting adults in each row.

With all seats in place, the 2024 Ford Explorer interior offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This expands to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.8 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, providing ample room for luggage, gear, or large items.

Technology

All 2024 Ford Explorer models come equipped with the SYNC 4 infotainment system, which features an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. The system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Other available 2024 Explorer tech includes:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Wireless charging pad
• 14-speaker B&O sound system
• Rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted screens

The Explorer also offers a range of connected services through the FordPass Connect app, allowing owners to remotely start, lock, and unlock their vehicle, as well as access vehicle health reports and other features.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy isn’t necessarily the Explorer's strong point, but this SUV isn’t at the back of the pack either. EPA-estimated ratings for the 2024 Ford Explorer vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration:

2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder

• RWD (mpg): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined
• RWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder

• RWD (mpg): 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined
• RWD (mpg): 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined

2024 Ford Explorer Reviews

With an average consumer rating of 3.5 out of 5 on Kelley Blue Book, reviews for the 2024 Ford Explorer are a good news-bad news story. Owners give this SUV good marks for performance, comfort, and styling but poor grades for value, quality, and reliability.

Reasons to Buy It

• Exceptional front seat room
• Powerful and sporty upper trims
• Ample towing capacity (up to 5,600 pounds)
• Unusual-for-its-class RWD configuration (AWD is optional)
• A broad selection of trims

Problems

• Discontinued hybrid powertrain
• Less competitive legroom in the second and third rows
• Below-average consumer reviews
• Higher trims with advanced features can be expensive

CoPilot's Take

Buyers who appreciate driving dynamics or want an SUV with a sporty edge will find the 2024 Ford Explorer compelling, especially with the twin-turbo V6 under the hood. In addition, its rear-wheel drive orientation can be especially appealing to Sunbelt shoppers who don’t want the expense or bulk of all-wheel drive.

Technology is another Explorer advantage, whether as standard equipment or as optional upgrades. Ford gives this three-row SUV numerous advanced driver aids for safer and more confident journeys. Meanwhile, there are plenty of infotainment features to keep everyone engaged, especially on road trips.

However, the 2024 Explorer has its faults. Most prominently, it gets poor grades for reliability and quality, which may give some reason to pause. In addition, the second and third rows aren’t quite as spacious as some competing vehicles, requiring shoppers to perform extra due diligence to ensure the Explorer is a good fit for their transportation needs.

2024 Ford Explorer FAQs

Did Ford redesign the Explorer for 2024?

No, the 2024 Ford Explorer is essentially a carryover from the 2023 model year and a continuation of the sixth generation. The 2025 Ford Explorer will receive moderating updates with a restyled exterior, a reworked dashboard, and a paring down of trim levels.

How many miles per gallon does a 2024 Ford Explorer get?

The fuel efficiency of the 2024 Ford Explorer varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. According to the EPA fuel economy ratings:

2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder

• RWD (mpg): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined
• RWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder

• RWD (mpg): 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined
• RWD (mpg): 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined

What colors does the 2024 Ford Explorer come in?

The 2024 Ford Explorer is available in a wide range of exterior colors, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle to suit their style preferences. The color options for the 2024 Explorer, which can vary by trim, include:

• Agate Black Metallic
• Antimatter Blue Metallic
• Atlas Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Iconic Silver Metallic
• Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
• Stone Blue Metallic
• Forged Green Metallic

What changes were made to the 2024 Ford Explorer?

The primary change to the 2024 Ford Explorer was the discontinuation of the hybrid powertrain. Ford explained this was due to diminishing customer interest and the cost of the hybrid setup not being offset by sufficient fuel economy gains. This step also prepares the updated 2025 Explorer, which reflects a simplified lineup with fewer trims.

What trims are available for the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Trim configurations for the 2024 Ford Explorer reflect the following:

• 2024 Ford Explorer Base
• 2024 Ford Explorer XLT
• 2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line
• 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline
• 2024 Ford Explorer Limited
• 2024 Ford Explorer ST
• 2024 Ford Explorer King Ranch
• 2024 Ford Explorer Platinum