When you want a vehicle that can handle your time on and off the road, the Ford Explorer has the name and the equipment to hit the nail right on the head.

The 2024 Explorer delivers excellent acceleration and towing in the midsize three-row SUV class. This Ford SUV has been around for several generations, making it a highly trusted name in the automotive market. If you’re looking for an SUV that can take your family to the lake for a weekend, drop the kids off at school during the week, and be a great commuter vehicle, this Ford has what you want.

Ford gives this SUV a powerful base engine

The Explorer uses the same base engine as the Mustang but with slightly less horsepower. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-t of torque to the Explorer’s wheels.

If you want more power, the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims use a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque for your drive.

Regardless of the powertrain, this Ford SUV uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine can tow up to 5,300 pounds, while the more powerful version achieves 5,600 pounds of towing capability for you.

What makes the Explorer good for the family?

The Ford Explorer has three rows of seats to fit up to seven people, making it easy to take your family for a ride. In addition to the seating, this SUV has ten cup holders to ensure everyone can have their drinks with them. If you choose captain’s chairs in the second row, you’ll have seating for six instead of seven.

There’s room for adults in the first two rows, leaving the third row for small children or adults you don’t like very much. Behind the third row, you’ll find 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room. This useable space expands to 87.8 cubic feet when the two rear rows are folded down.

What comes at each Explorer trim?

Ford gives this SUV several trims. Here’s some of the equipment offered at each level.

Explorer Base

• Co-Pilot360 safety package
• LED headlights
• Power liftgate
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Tri-zone automatic climate controls
• Sync 3 infotainment system
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Explorer XLT

• Intelligent Key keyless entry
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Heated side mirrors
• Heated front seats
• 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power passenger seat

Explorer ST-Line

• ST exterior styling
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• ActiveX upholstery
• Co-Pilot360 Assist+
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system
• Navigation system
• Wireless charging pad
• Power folding side mirrors

Explorer Timberline

• Standard 4WS
• Terran Management System
• Torsen limited-slip differential
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Heavy-duty off-road suspension
• All-terrain tires
• Skid plate
• 360-degree camera

Explorer Limited

• Leather upholstery
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power folding side mirrors
• Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system

Explorer ST

• 20-gallon fuel tank
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Leather and microfiber sport front seats
• Sport suspension
• LED fog lamps

Explorer King Ranch

• Java-colored Del Rio leather upholstery
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Driver’s seat memory settings
• Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
• Reverse automatic emergency braking
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate

Explorer Platinum

• Diamond-pattern leather upholstery
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power-folding third-row seat
• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• 21-inch alloy wheels

What are some favorite features of the Ford Explorer?

Double-pull hood release

Are you tired of searching for the hood release when opening the engine bay? If so, the Explorer is a great choice. This Ford SUV makes it easy. With two tugs on the release in the cabin, the hood is ready to be lifted. This means you won’t search for the latch under the hood, which seems to be different for every car brand.

Timberline model

The Timberline trim is the real off-roader among the Explorer models. You can have most of the other trims with the optional 4WD if you want, but the Timberline has it standard. This model gives you the exploring capabilities you desire when you want to get away from the paved road for some fun.

With several trims, comfortable seating, impressive features, and a strong reputation, the Ford Explorer continues to be an excellent SUV to drive and enjoy.

Which version of this Ford will you take with you out on the road? Head over to your local Ford dealer and take a test drive today.