Next-Gen 2024 Ford Explorer SUV Review: What We Know So Far

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2024 Ford Explorer There are many SUV vehicles present in the market trying to carve their name in SUV history, but none can stand against the mighty Ford Explorer. First introduced in 1991. The Ford Explorer has evolved over the years from what was once a basic block design to a modern and cool-looking monster.

If you look at this vehicle that has sold more than 8 million units worldwide, it is without a doubt the most famous SUV on the planet, and for good reason.

The hope is that the next generation 2024 Ford Explorer will hit the production line soon, but given the unstable world situation the 2023 Ford Explorer might be delayed a bit, so let’s look forward to the big news expecting big changes.

The Ford Explorer features an excellent performance with a smooth driving experience and excellent towing capability. These qualities make it perfectly utilitarian, and perhaps this is the reason why it is one of the best vehicles in its class.

Pro

  • Class-leading acceleration.
  • Smooth handling due to rear-wheel drive.
  • Excellent towing ability.
  • Comfortable chairs Comfortable.

Contra

  • Poor noise insulation for cabin
  • Interior material quality is average
  • Unreasonable price tag

New update

  • Updates on the front and back.
  • The addition of a new off-road-oriented trim level “Timberline”.
  • Updates on the Interior and Exterior.
  • The addition of new interior features is expected.

2024 Ford Explorer EV Review: New Ford Explorer 2024

The latest information from Ford officially announced that the production of the Ford Explorer EV was postponed until 2024. The announcement of the delay was issued on the grounds that Ford needed to double production of the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover to meet customer demand.

2024 Ford Explorer

In producing the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator EV SUV models the best way to achieve triple production was to take over another factory with the Mustang Mach-E. Especially those that produce the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator EV SUV models.

The much-anticipated F-150 Lightning was also impacted by the delay.

Automotive News intercepted a memo sent to Ford suppliers announcing the delay by attaching the original release dates for Ford’s two new electric SUVs sometime in mid-2023 which would delay production until December 2024 by an 18-month gap.

In addition, Ford also announced that it will no longer build two electric SUV models at its Cuatitlan assembly plant in Mexico. However, the location of the latest manufacturer in the production of the Explorer and Aviator EV is not yet known.

Back to the discussion, in an online media motorbiscuit said the Ford Explorer EV might seem less popular because of its bad reputation. It’s historically no secret that the Ford Explorer has been less reliable.

While the newer models have greatly corrected this problem, it still carries that weight on its shoulders and it looks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are definitely getting more names than the Ford Explorer.

Production of the Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer EV was delayed until 2024. Thanks to the popularity of the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, it required triple production.

2024 Ford Explorer Rumors

The rugged and mysterious new 2024 Ford Explorer, these are the words to fit this time. We speculate that this may borrow Ford’s “FX4” nomenclature used on the Ranger and F-Series pickups, but now that we’ve seen the exterior badge and seat embroidery, it seems the “Timberline” is indeed the winner.

It’s just one of the many names Ford has sought to protect in a flurry of trademark filings from 2018 and 2019, among which now-known nameplates such as “Maverick,” “Badlands” and “Outer Banks” were also established, and it appears this is one of the few. tracks for a timely introduction for the 2022 model year.

Based on what we see here, we expect this to be the dominant tire-and-wheel package. While Ford can order maintenance for the 4×4 Explorer variant, we’re not talking about the Raptor-style package here. Realistically, it’s probably going to fall somewhere closer to the Tremor on Ford’s off-road spectrum: a little beefy, but not a full Porterhouse.

Apart from the iconography we mentioned above, the Timberline is also distinguished by the orange stripe on the lower front bumper along with the color matching recovery hooks. The tires are Bridgestone Dueler Revo 3s in 265/65R18 just under 32 inches and wrapped around unique wheels marked with the Timberline logo.

As for the doohickey that resembles the “Jeopardy!” buzzer or the lavalier microphone that covers the passenger seat? Well, that’s actually an important piece of testing equipment used by the test driver to log problems with the prototype as they occur.

We said earlier that we didn’t expect to have to wait long to find out more about this new Explorer. Hoping the next Chicago Auto Show will be the venue for its unveiling, but given the current state of such gatherings, we’re inclined to believe that Ford will find a way to show the Timberline on its own turf.

2024 Ford Explorer Specs

Ford offers 7 trim levels for the non-hybrid Explorer. The main difference is seen in the aesthetics of the car. The basic version, while capable for most uses, is missing many modern features.

Going up the trim level, the luxury quotient is sure to see a substantial increase, as is the price. It may fall within the $34,000 price range for the base variant, while the price tag of the new top-end Timberline trim has yet to be announced.

We recommend the XLT trim for Explorer. It strikes the perfect balance between luxury and performance. The higher trim, while more aesthetically appealing, doesn’t match upscale prices.

If you want to get the most out of the Explorer, you can opt for the top-of-the-line Timberline trim, which will bring all the high-end luxury expected from the segment along with the potential for off-road adventure.

2024 Ford Explorer Timberline

The 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline is a slightly more off-road variant of the Ford family crossover. There’s a bit more ground clearance, a bit more traction, and a bit more underbody protection.

The Ford Explorer Timberline also has grille-mounted LED fog lights that will give me a mild heart attack every time I see them in my rearview mirror as they are very similar to the low-profile grille-mounted LED lights.

Ford says the Timberline is the seventh new off-road model the company has introduced since 2019 alongside the two- and four-door Bronco, Bronco Sport, new F-150 Raptor, and Tremor variants of the Ranger, F-150, and Super Duty.

But this isn’t the Explorer Raptor: the Timberline spec features a 0.8-inch lift with heavy-duty shock absorbers from the Explorer Police Interceptor, Bridgestone Dueler 265/65 all-terrain tires on unique 18-inch wheels, and unique front and rear fascias for added clearance.

It also gets a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, paired to the Explorer’s standard four-wheel drive, plus a seven-mode Terrain Management system and Downhill Control.

Steel skid plates protect the drivetrain, which consists of a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque paired to a Ford 10-speed automatic. The Timberline comes standard with a Class III tow hitch and is rated to pull up to 5300 lbs.

Aesthetic changes to the Timberline include the new Forged green paintwork you see here, plus blackout trim around the headlights and badges and red tow hooks and fascia details that are very similar to what you see on the Subaru Forester Sport. Inside, the seats feature the Timberline logo and red contrast stitching.

The Explorer Timberline promises the kind of lightweight off-road capability that Ford says customers want especially at this time, where more and more people are turning to the outdoors as a safer form of recreation.

But I would still reflexively check my speed whenever I saw those fog lights looming behind me. The 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline is expected to be available to order at showrooms next summer.

2024 Ford Explorer ST

2024 Ford Explorer ST 400-HP Fast, Exciting and Unexpected, Ford moves its new Explorer to a rear-drive platform, then powers it with a powerful V-6 and all-wheel drive.

2024 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Ford Explorer ST pictured here can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is only a tenth of a second faster than the 1991 GMC Typhoon was able to achieve. How many of us would think back at the start of the grunge decade that GMC really did? really outrageous will be a harbinger of the future? We will guess zero.

At the time, Typhoon and his pickup sibling, the Syclone, were a strange and unexpected anomaly. But look around now: The market is jam-packed with high-powered SUVs. The Explorer ST, like the Typhoon, is powered by a turbocharged V-6.

Both are all-wheel drives. And both eschew chrome and brightness in an attempt to look at least a little threatening. A note to Ford communications staff, who are no doubt thrilled that we’ve likened their new product to a nearly 30-year-old GM product: Don’t worry.

The Ford Explorer ST is actually nothing like the GMC Typhoon. For one thing, Ford is not named after a hurricane capable of creating widespread disaster and death. It doesn’t even get its own name, only its own suffix: ST.

And before we go all the independent-music-store snobs about applying that ending to the three SUV lines, let’s remember that before Ford started slapping on SUVs the total number of STs in the US history was just two cars: the Focus ST, which was an admirable effort. , and the Fiesta ST, which, true to its name, is a party on wheels, splashing waves, as valuable as a Tuesday afternoon hangover.

Additionally, compared to the Typhoon, the Explorer ST has twice as many doors, two more seats, two fewer drum brakes, six more forward gears, one less live axle, and five-inch larger wheels.

By our measurements, it would travel another seven miles for every gallon of fuel consumed. And the naughty Explorer ST will give you a butt massage (front seat passengers only).

The Ford Explorer ST rides on stiffer springs (10 percent more at the front and 8 percent at the rear), retuned dampers, and fatter anti-roll bars. Ford has also tweaked the electric-assist steering system to give it a heavier feel.

And a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, effectively the same engine used on certain Lincoln models, makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Platinum uses a 365-hp version of this engine, while XLT Explorers settle for a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four. The limited model uses either a four-cylinder or a 318-hp hybrid based on the 3.3-liter V-6.

The Explorer ST’s engine maybe half a liter smaller than the older optional Explorer twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, but it makes 35 more horsepower and 65 more pound-feet of torque. Predictably later, this new vehicle is faster. And more importantly, it feels a lot faster on the road.

After a 10-speed automatic decides on the optimal gear, this rig moves with surprising authority. That transmission, the only one available in the new Explorer, was daunted at times, switching gears multiple times when one change was enough.

We found that switching the driving mode to Sport helped ease some of the transmission hesitancy and sharpened throttle response only on this sensitive side. Our only other powertrain quibble is that the engine tone is less of a mechanical symphony than a groan.

The stiffer suspension and summer tires delivered results on the test track. The ST stops from 70 mph in 161 feet. Most three-row SUVs require at least an additional 10 feet to complete.

And the ST circled our 300-foot skidpad with 0.86 g lateral grip. It’s, of course, more of an unsportsmanlike three-row SUV and wears all-season tires they tend to return the numbers below to the mid-0.80s but we expect more from a vehicle with summer tires fitted to a relatively stiff suspension.

On the highway, the ST’s ride is undeniable, but there’s no denying that the vehicle’s sporting intent and big wheels give it a heavy foot feel. Apart from the grip of the tires, the suspension in the suspension, and the structure that feels solid, the Explorer ST isn’t as coordinated as we’d like it to be.

The brakes on our test car worked, and it took us a lot more effort to achieve a smooth and consistent stop than we would otherwise have. Steering action is heavy through thick-framed wheels but feels so artificial. There is no buildup of power which, on the best sports machines, transmits grip status to the driver.

Combine that with a transmission that likes to let the engine rest at every turn, requiring multiple downshifts and turbo spool-ups to get thrust, and the Explorer ST is no natural performance vehicle. Instead, it’s a normal vehicle with extra grip and lots of horsepowers.

There’s still a lot to like about this overall rework of a normal vehicle. The Explorer’s previous interior was a dreary affair. Its high beltline made us feel as if we were sitting in a giant soaking tub made of cheap black plastic panels.

Though still entirely in black composition in this example, the new interior is a fun place to spend some time. The quality of the materials appears to be at least on par with the best in the main competitor Explorer.

There are only a few questionable pieces of refinement, such as the panel in the center stack surrounding the climate control knob. It’s tough, hollow, and grainless, making it feel and look cheap. Parts like that won’t disappoint in the XLT, which starts at less than $40,000. But it was a little harder to swallow on our test vehicle,

At least the ST is well equipped for its base price of $55,835, including items like automatic parking, wireless charging pads, navigation system, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heating for the steering wheel, and front—and second-row seats, ventilation for the front seats. , remote start, Wi-Fi hotspot, and leather seats.

Front seat massager, 10.1-inch center screen, and 14-speaker audio system add $995. The portrait-oriented infotainment screen is useful, even if, standing proudly on the dashboard, it looks strikingly like the mysterious black monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. For another $1695, our test vehicle was equipped with a two-panel sunroof.

That’s great for brightening up the interior, but takes up more than two inches of valuable headroom for second-row passengers, making it almost intolerable for adults to sit there. In fact, with a sunroof, the headroom in the third row is slightly better than in the second row, which is great except Ford achieved this in part by slamming the bottom pads into the floor, putting passengers in a kneeling position they’d hate. Cargo space is ample, roughly halfway between the capacity of the Mazda CX-9 in the small section and the Chevrolet Traverse in the large.

Perhaps the Platinum model, with most of the strength of the ST and no clear sporting intent, would be more to our liking. We may have gone soft in the three decades since Typhoon’s launch, but we value the basic Explorer package more than its performance-enhancing integration.

Read next: 2023 Ford Explorer: Next-Gen Ford Explorer Modern and Stylish Design Leaked!

2024 Ford Explorer Interior

2024 Ford Explorer is presented with a neat and very attractive interior design because you will find subtle curves with the placement of everything meaningful. The two-tone color gradation in the interior is soothing.

From a beautiful steering wheel to smooth side curves, everything looks friendly. But once approached, the story changes slightly as the quality of the material is not the best in its class.

We think it’s average because most of the surfaces are made of cheap plastic. It is seven seats, and the seats are fully comfortable which is a good thing. Then comes the dashboard design which is good but not the best because other vehicles in its class offer a more attractive design.

The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is great and supports a wide range of features. An optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen is available which may feel comfortable at first but causes problems,

The cabin is very spacious, but the comfort level changes as you move from the front to back. The front and second-row seats have ample space, but the second-row seats are less flexible than the front-row seats.

The third-row seats are decent in size. The Ford Explorer is loaded with infotainment features such as the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 12 speakers, Ford’s SYNC 3 system, and BlueTooth cordless phone connectivity. For convenience, features such as day-night auto-dimming mirrors and voice activation are offered as standard.

When comparing, the Hyundai Palisade wins over the others by having the largest cabin. The Explorer only has a passenger capacity of 7 people, but the cabin is spacious with the most space for the third row in its class.

The 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity is decent and quickly increases to 83.9 cubic feet once you fold the second and third-row seats. Key infotainment features include-

  • FordPass Connect Features
  • An 8-inch infotainment screen comes standard
  • Voice-activated navigation system
  • 12 speaker B&O audio system for XLT trim levels and up
  • 12V Powerpoint, 5 total (2 first line, 2-second line, and 1 cargo area)

2024 Ford Explorer Exterior

The 2024 Ford Explorer got its last redesign last year. Needless to say, it looks dashing as usual. So don’t expect much from the next model. We think most will look the same, except for the new ‘Timberline’ trim, which is purely built for the offroad or at least as stylish as the off-road edition. The front and rear ends have been updated with a beefier look.

2024 Ford Explorer

At the front, the grille has a wide crossbar in the middle with the Ford logo attached to it. Then comes the front bumper which has a different design with an orange coating that gives it a sporty look.

The back has the same kind of design with a color-matched recovery hook. And then there are the new wheels with the Bridgestone Dueler Revo 3s at 265/65R18.

Overall this new edition looks very beefy. As for the other trims of the upcoming Explorer, we don’t think they will get any changes to the exterior.

However, the current design is more than enough to grab the attention of the crowd due to the sleek and beautiful headlights with the eye-catching perfectly sized grille. The body is definitely sturdy but also feels consistent from front to back.

Size-wise, it is the longest and widest in its class with excellent ground clearance, making it perfect for all terrains. Below are some of its main features.

  • 20-inch premium painted aluminum alloy wheels
  • Speed sensitive rain detecting variable intermittent wiper
  • Galvanized aluminum steel/aluminum panels
  • Roof rail cross
  • Double panel moonroof

2024 Ford Explorer Engine

Our speculation is the 2024 Ford Explorer will pack an engine configuration that will probably be the same as last year’s model. For the base model, you get a 2.3 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder engine, which makes 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

If you are still not satisfied with the power, then there is a 365 hp 3.0 Liter V6 engine that is sure to quench your thirst for power. A hybrid version is also available with a combination of a 3.3 Liter V6 engine with an electric motor, which when combined produce 318 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 322 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

All three engines are connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission that feels best in class. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Explorer, but buyers can opt for an all-wheel-drive if they prefer.

When used on the road, the three engines shine impressively with their distinct qualities. But we can’t ignore praising the turbocharged four-cylinder here. This Underdog is awesome and feels like the best deal in the entire lineup.

As for acceleration, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The V6 engine, on the other hand, does 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds.

The 2024 Ford Explorer in its basic configuration can cover the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds. These numbers are stunning and clearly show how impressive the performance is. The engine roar is mesmerizing, and the driving experience it offers is unrivaled.

Despite being a large vehicle, the Explorer feels agile when running on straights and corners. Ford’s decision to use rear-wheel drive is clearly visible here as it offers more controlled and enjoyable handling.

Even when pulling heavy loads, rear-wheel drive will provide a better experience than front-wheel drive. But one small drawback it has is that the small bumps are easy to feel especially if you opt for the bigger wheels.

When compared to its competitors, despite having a four-cylinder engine, Explorer is ahead of its competitors. The destruction of a four-cylinder six-cylinder engine is a rare sight.

But the Explorer did it with aplomb as it was the fastest in its class, followed by the Kia Telluride. The Honda Pilot stands at the rear with power and torque outputs of 280 hp and 262 lb-ft.

Read next: 2024 Ford Fusion: Next-Gen Ford Fusion/Mondeo Crossover

2024 Ford Explorer MPG

Usually, large vehicles are weak in terms of fuel economy as they are usually loaded with power-hungry engines. But when it comes to the Ford Explorer, it’s a slightly different story.

Since the engine is the same as last year, we expect the Explorer to have the same level of mileage. This SUV has a range of 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.

Again when compared to its competitors, the Ford Explorer excels the others by having better mileage, but the fuel tank capacity is smaller than the others.

But somehow it offers an awesome driving range, which is only second to what the Honda Pilot has to offer. The Honda with its 19.5-gallon fuel tank capacity manages to offer a range of 390 miles in the city, 526.5 miles on the highway, and 448.5 miles combined.

2024 Ford Explorer Price

As of now, there is no official information available regarding the pricing of the 2024 Ford Explorer. It is, however, easy to expect price increases across the range, which started at the $35,000 range and continued all the way up to $58,000, especially due to the pandemic.

2024 Ford Explorer Release Date

Again there is no official release date available for the 2024 Ford Explorer. It is however expected to be off the production line in the fall of 2023.