The 2024 Ford Explorer Redesign: Everything You Need To Know

in Model Info and Features
Black 2024 Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer by Alexander Migl - CC-BY-SA-4.0

A fresh and modern design can significantly improve the vehicle’s visual appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers. This is crucial in a market where aesthetics often play a significant role in a customer’s purchasing decision – this is especially true in the midsize SUV segment. Redesigns and facelifts are crucial for keeping a vehicle competitive and relevant in the market.

With that said, there have been many rumors about the 2024 Ford Explorer redesign. The Explorer has graced our roads for more than 30 years and gone through six distinct generations. The most recent generation debuted for the 2020 model year and ushered in a new era for this iconic utility vehicle. With the 2024 Explorer, many experts believe that a mid-cycle refresh is about to occur, but is it really the case?

Today, we talk about the 2024 Ford Explorer redesign and what we can expect from this particular model year. Are customers going to be treated to a significant redesign? Let’s find out.

What’s New With the 2024 Ford Explorer Redesign?

Will there be a redesign for the 2024 Ford Explorer? Sadly, based on early reviews, including Car and Driver and Car Connection, the 2024 Explorer is a carryover model, which means it’s essentially unchanged from its predecessor. As such, if you’re excited to get behind the wheel of a redesigned Explorer, you’ll have to wait for the 2025 model.

Various reputable sources, including the Ford Authority, have corroborated this disappointing news. In recent times, numerous media platforms and auto blogs have built the hype about the imminent revamped Ford Explorer. Their anticipation was fueled by sightings of several prototype models, leading many to speculate that the new-look Ford Explorer was set to dazzle the roads in the 2024 model year – including this sighting in Chicago from a Reddit thread.


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According to the Ford Authority, while the refreshed Ford Explorer won’t debut until the 2025 model year, the production of the 2024 model is expected to be quite brief, spanning just January and February of next year. The year 2024 is set to be a carryover year for this popular crossover, with little to no significant changes. As for the production of the 2025 Explorer, it’s slated to kick off in late March 2024. However, as usual, these dates are not set in stone and are subject to change.

What to Expect With the 2024 Ford Explorer?

Now that we know about the lack of the 2024 Ford Explorer redesign, what do consumers look forward to with the latest Explorer iteration?

Exterior Styling

When it comes to styling, the 2024 Explorer remains a good-looking SUV with a handsome and confident demeanor. However, it’s hard to get excited with the current looks of the 2024 Explorer, especially when it’s largely unchanged since the 2020 model year. With that said, the Explorer looks excellent with its sweeping roofline and elegant cladding that frames the rocker panels and wheel arches. It looks dynamic and sporty, as many people would prefer, but then again, it’s no facelift.

Interior Features

Unfortunately, the interior of the new Ford Explorer can be rather spartan, which can be disappointing since the price quickly escalates with each trim level.

With that said, the Explorer’s interior design might not win any awards for innovation or flair, but it nails the basics, providing a cabin that’s both functional and comfortable, especially in the first two rows. The SUV includes a nifty mechanism that effortlessly glides the second-row seat out of the way with just the touch of a button – a great deal helpful if you frequently have third-row passengers. However, taller kids or adults may find the back row uncomfortable due to the seats’ closeness to the floor. If you want a midsize SUV that offers more third-row space, you’ll want to look into the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas.

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Tech-wise, the 2024 Traverse offerings are nothing too crazy. The standard infotainment system comes from an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded unit is the 10.1-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen, which looks like an iPad tablet in the dashboard center.

Moreover, every model has voice-activated navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system to keep passengers engaged during those long drives. And, except for the base Explorer, you’ll be treated to a 12-speaker Band & Olufsen stereo system as a standard feature.


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Under the Hood

The 2024 Explorer packs a punch with its standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine, which also delivers a robust 310 lb-ft of torque. Don’t let the numbers fool you – this engine is more potent than it seems on paper. Plus, its silky-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission expertly harnesses that power, ensuring you have all the performance you need. This engine is standard on the Base, XLT, and Limited editions of the Explorer.

For those with a need for more speed and power, the King Ranch, Platinum, or ST models are the go-to choices. These trims come equipped with a potent 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that promises to deliver an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping driving experience.

The Explorer ST is easily the most athletic version of the SUV, thanks to its additional horsepower and firmer suspension. When you gear it up just right, the Explorer boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a hybrid Explorer, you’re out of luck since it has been discontinued for the 2024 model year—no thanks to its not-so-competitive fuel economy.


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Is a Ford Explorer Redesign Coming?

Yes, but it’s more likely to come with the 2025 Ford Explorer. While fans need to wait one more year for a truly redesigned Explorer, we’ve already got the inside scoop on what to expect from this revamped model. The midsize SUV will sport a new look with notable changes to its exterior design, especially the front and back fascias. It’s shaping up to be a head-turner, and we can hardly wait to see it in all its glory!



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