The 2024 Ford Explorer does the perfect job of delivering modern performance with a family-friendly attitude. This three-row SUV received only minor changes this year with a larger available touchscreen, plus it lost its V6 hybrid powertrain option (except on police cruiser vehicles). You can expect a major glow-up to come in 2025, but for 2024, drivers wanting a refreshing take on an affordable SUV will find plenty to like about the seven-seat Ford Explorer.
With an MSRP of $36,860, the entry-level Explorer boasts all the essentials.[a] With eight trim options in total, it's unlikely shoppers will have trouble finding the perfect fit for their lifestyle. A spacious cabin with plenty of cargo and seating ensures flexibility for families and solo drivers alike.
While the 2024 Explorer might have lost its hybrid powertrain, you can expect two healthy engine options that offer efficiency and towing potential for the three-row SUV. No matter if you’re a weekend road warrior or a commuter, the Explorer is built to get drivers where they need to go, even if they have a little extra cargo in tow.
The latest Explorer is crafted to handle whatever the road throws at you. The rugged good looks of the latest three-row family hauler help it fit in uptown and downtown while standing out in the best way possible. Impressive towing means that, whether you’re hauling a boat, some boxes, or the in-laws, the 2024 Explorer makes a great co-pilot for all of life’s adventures.
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As you might have heard, the Explorer has said goodbye to its previous hybrid powertrain option and has paired down its engine choices to two for 2024. So, no matter if you’re tackling the urban jungle or the camp trails, the new Explorer is a capable three-row SUV for work, family, and plenty of fun.
The standard 300-hp 2.3L Ecoboost I-4 engine delivers a healthy 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering an enthusiastic driving experience for running around town and taking on highway traffic. Find the 2.3L standard on the Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited trims. If towing is part of your day-to-day, equip any of the above trims with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package to help your Explorer reach a towing potential of 5,300 lbs.
If you’ve got a rough patch ahead, no worries! The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), combined with standard trailer sway control, actively adjusts your vehicle’s brakes and engine output to ensure you stay in control even over rough or uneven terrain.
For more of a boost, opt for the available 3.0L V6, which combines Auto Start-Stop technology with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The engine is available on the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Combined with a ten-speed transmission, your ride will not only be powerful but smooth and efficient when it comes to daily driving or trailering. Instantly transform your automatic into an on-demand manual with available paddle shifters with SelectShift.
For advanced off-roading, the Timberline trim is here to help. With an elevated ground clearance of 8.66 inches, off-road front struts and rear shocks, and all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, the Timberline is ready to go beyond both the pavement and your expectations for a well-rounded and rugged driving experience that you won’t soon forget.
A Terrain Management System comes standard on all trims, including 2WD and 4WD. Depending on your powertrain, you can select from up to seven available drive modes. "Normal" is ideal for casual everyday driving.
"Trail" is for when you’re hitting the campgrounds and want a little extra control. "Deep Snow/Sand" is available on 4WD only; get an improved throttle response and stability controls to get you out of a rut.
"Slippery" is for tackling icy or slippery roads for improved traction and increased peace of mind. "Sport" lets you hug those curves and inject a little extra thrill into your drive. "Tow/Haul" helps when you’re heading down steep hills thanks to increased braking and advanced engineering that limits the stress on your gears, engine, and brakes. Lastly, "Eco" maximizes your fuel economy and is great for stop-and-go driving in urban environments.
The three-row 2024 Explorer is all about comfort and convenience. There is enough seating for six or seven passengers, depending on whether you go for second-row bench seating or captain’s chairs. Either way, expect ample head and leg room across all three rows, making the Explorer ideal for growing families, carpoolers, or those who want the flexibility to pick up a surprise passenger or two. Available Power-Fold for the third row makes folding the seats down as easy as the push of a button, and 18.2 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row gives you plenty of space for groceries, school supplies, work materials, and other daily essentials.
Folding seating means drivers can take advantage of the Explorer’s combined cargo space of 87.8 cu.ft. This means luggage, sports gear, camping equipment, you name it, and the Explorer is ready to accommodate. Available roof rack for bikes and available tow and trailering packages increase the fun and potential of your Explorer, so when adventure calls, you’re ready.
The interior design is sleek but durable, ideal for active families and drivers on the go. Supportive seating keeps you comfortable, while its streamlined, user-friendly tech makes it easy to connect no matter where you’re sitting. The available 10.1-inch touchscreen is a game changer for the Explorer, making it more competitive in the three-row SUV segment. The digital driver cluster allows drivers to quickly and easily switch between drive modes, keep an eye on their car levels, and see any warning lights or alerts that might appear.
For an increasingly personalized driving experience, you can opt for multi-colored ambient lighting, a feature that combines with the Explorer’s available twelve-speaker sound system by Bang & Olufsen. Select from up to seven different colors to set the mood for your drive; whether it's soothing and relaxing or fun and adventurous, the Explorer was designed to elevate how you experience the road.
The available twin-panel moonroof spans the middle of the cabin to elevate the airy feel of the interior, allowing in the fresh air, sunlight, and a beautiful view day or night. For an unbeatable travel experience and the ultimate in luxury, the high-end Platinum trim features a rich leather interior, advanced top-of-the-line features, and tech upgrades to ensure you ride in style and feel great doing it.
The 2024 Explorer is a smart SUV that comes standard with SYNC 3 technology and the FordPass Connect. These help you stay connected on the road thanks to features like real-time navigation and the ability to seamlessly sync your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Access your playlists, podcasts, and more, all without taking your attention off the road.
If you’re looking for a friendly face, available Amazon Alexa means you can connect with compatible at-home devices, check your Amazon orders, get navigation, and more! All you have to do is say, “Hey, Alexa!” and the tech is ready to help make your day a little easier.
For further convenience, drivers can upgrade to wireless charging for their smartphones—no more searching for the charger or wondering where the right cable is; simply place your phone or compatible device on the convenient charging pad and let your Explorer do the rest while you focus on driving.
It’s safe to say that the Explorer is loaded with the tech you need to not only stay connected but stay safe and informed when you’re dealing with heavy traffic conditions or limited visibility. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes tech like Auto High Beams to help take the stress out of night driving; this system automatically adjusts your headlights when it senses oncoming traffic. Other features include a Rear View Camera, BLIS, a Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control, all designed to elevate your driving experience so you feel confident behind the wheel.
Additional available features include Active Park Assist 2.0 to make getting into tight parking or parallel parking easier than ever, and Post-Collision Braking and Rear Parking Sensors designed to help prevent or lessen damage during a collision.