2024 Ford Explorer SUV

　　

2024 Ford Explorer Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　One of the first widely popular SUVs in America, the Ford Explorer takes its place within Ford's lineup as a midsize three-row SUV. The current sixth-generation model, which debuted for 2020, boasts pleasing performance and useful technology features. For 2024, the Explorer is mostly unchanged. Ford has discontinued the available hybrid powertrain but it's not a big loss considering we didn't think very highly of it to begin with. We're expecting a redesigned Explorer for 2025.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$158/mo  for Explorer Base

　　Explorer Base

　　4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $36,760 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,760 MSRPXLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,570 MSRPXLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $40,570 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,355 MSRPST-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $48,355 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,420 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $49,420 MSRPTimberline 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $49,330 MSRPST 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $50,005 MSRPST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $52,005 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $54,525 MSRPKing Ranch 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $56,525 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $54,670 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $56,670 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The Explorer's diverse lineup

Unlike many other midsize SUVs, the Explorer offers several variants, including an off-road version, a luxury edition and sporty performance models. The Timberline trim, for example, has a lifted ride height, all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential and skid plates to make it pretty capable for going off-road and getting out into nature. Or if you have a need for speed, there's the Explorer ST and its robust 400-horsepower V6. It's one of the most powerful engines you can get in this class.

　　

Competitors to consider

Thirty years ago, the Explorer forged the template for the modern SUV and crossover. Today it competes in a crowded class, with plenty of automakers offering a three-row SUV. While we like the Explorer, it sits solidly mid-pack, while others like the Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot all rank near the top for combinations of roomy interiors, vast cargo space and comfortable rides.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Explorer drive? The Explorer is the three-row SUV to get if your priorities include balanced handling and strong acceleration. Unlike a lot of other SUVs in this class, it feels eager and light as you drive around turns. There's a lot of grip too.

　　The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission. It kicks down faithfully when you need it to, but its shifting is too indecisive in city traffic when you're just lightly getting on and off the gas.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Explorer? The Explorer's front seats are nicely shaped and comfortable. But we don't recommend the optional massaging ones — the mechanism behind the massaging can make the seats feel lumpy when it's off. Seat comfort gets progressively less cushiony as you move back to the second and third rows. Our Explorer Limited test vehicle rode smoothly most of the time, but smaller road imperfections were a little more noticeable than in some other SUVs.

　　Operating the automatic climate control system can require more manual adjustments than expected; the air vents won't pump out as much air as you want when you lower the temperature, for instance. Another drawback is that the Explorer isn't as quiet as it should be. The sound of the engine isn't well masked, and you can hear gusty wind noises at even moderate highway speeds.

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