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When is the release date of the 2023 Ford Explorer?
I’m shopping for a new SUV, and it seems like the new models should be coming out soon. Can you tell me when the release date of the 2023 Ford Explorer is?
The exact release date for the 2023 Ford Explorer hasn’t been announced, but it’ll be some time in fall 2022, according to Ford. Some sources have reported that you should be able to order a 2023 Explorer in August, so keep in touch with your local Ford dealership for details.
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Unlike other websites and magazines, our ratings are not based solely on a singular road test, but rather a more encompassing batch of criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value. When comparing vehicles using our Rating System, it's important to note that the rating earned by each vehicle correlates only to the models within its class. For example, a compact car cannot be compared to a SUV—They are different vehicles altogether.
You can interpret our ratings in the following way:
5-Star: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.
4-Star: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.
3-Star: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.
2-Star: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.
1-Star: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.
The 2023 Ford Explorer midsize 3-row SUV has the muscle and the moves, but perhaps not all the refinement to compete at the highest level. Pricing starts at $36,760.
Those who learn at the master’s feet will eventually become masters themselves. So it is with the Ford Explorer and the many midsize SUVs that have followed in its venerable wake.
Although the Explorer has plenty of family-friendly credentials — like the Top Safety Pick+ accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS], the availability of all-wheel drive, plenty of standard driver assistance features, and great towing talents — it still needs to compete with newer, more impressive lower-priced rivals.
Now in its sixth generation, the Explorer range encompasses a fairly well-equipped base model, a lavish Platinum trim, an off-road specialist, and a tarmac-tearing ST somewhere in between.
2023 Ford Explorer Pricing
The 2023 Ford Explorer starts at $36,370. That’s for a base model with rear-wheel drive. The more recommendable XLT trim is priced from $38,570.
The most affordable hybrid variant comes in at just over $52K. At the top of the range is the Platinum trim [the non-hybrid version, oddly] at $54,275.
Where’s it’s optional [which is every variant except the Timberline], all-wheel drive is an extra $2,000.
2023 Ford Explorer: $36,760
2023 Ford Explorer XLT | $38,570 Most Popular
2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line: $46,005
2023 Ford Explorer Limited: $47,070
2023 Ford Explorer Timberline: $48,480
2023 Ford Explorer ST: $49,505
2023 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid: $52,060
2023 Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid $52,875
2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch: $54,130
2023 Ford Explorer Platinum:
$54,275
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices [MSRP] and do not include the $1,495 factory-to-dealer delivery fee.
Competition is fierce, formidable, and well-priced. The updated-for-2023 Kia Telluride starts at $35.7K, with the also-revamped Hyundai Palisade about $500 below that. The Subaru Ascent begins at $34K.
We expect the all-new Honda Pilot to come in around $39K, with the luxurious Mazda CX-9 in the same ballpark. The Toyota Highlander is around $36K, and the Nissan Pathfinder is at $35K. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L makes the Explorer seem a little more reasonable, from $42.2K.
Should the Explorer be too small for the job, the full-size Ford Expedition starts at $53K. Going in the other direction, the compact Escape [offering a hybrid variant] begins at $27.5K.
Before buying a new Explorer SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should really pay. Resale values are merely average. The big players in this respect are the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Subaru Ascent.
What’s New for 2023?
Technology packages are offered for most of the higher trim levels, bringing things like a larger infotainment touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a 980-watt/14-speaker B&O audio system. A Premium Technology package for the top two trims includes multi-contoured/massaging front seats. An ST Appearance package adds some interior highlights. The self-parking feature [Active Park Assist 2.0] that was standard in the Platinum trim last year becomes optional for 2023. And Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat is replaced by Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
Driving the 2023 Ford Explorer
Ford really has a talent for creating enjoyable drives, even in a midsize 3-row SUV like the 2023 Explorer. It feels secure, stable, and kind of nimble. Yet the ride quality remains comfortable over most road surfaces.
We like the 10-speed automatic transmission as well. The top three ratios work best on the freeway, keeping engine speed [and, therefore, fuel consumption] relatively low.
When driving in the suburbs, though, we sometimes felt that the transmission wasn’t exactly sure which gear it wanted to be in. Also, the shifter is a rotary control, which might take a little getting used to.
Outward vision is just fine, helped by the raised driving position, with extra information coming from the standard blind-spot monitoring system.
Some rivals come close, but none of them reach the 300-horsepower mark of the Explorer’s base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. However, the new turbo 4-cylinder in the Toyota Highlander does match the 310 lb-ft of torque. This amount of muscle is more than adequate for what most people will ask of their midsize 3-row SUVs.
Those asking for more should find the 400-horsepower V6 in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims highly desirable. Yes, it enables the top towing ability of 5,600 pounds. But more excitingly, this is serious power. It’s among our favorite engines currently in production, bar none.
In the ST version, with its sport-tuned suspension and optional performance brakes, this twin-turbocharged V6 helps create that rare marriage of a family vehicle with enthusiast appeal.
For a lower-emissions approach, there’s a hybrid drivetrain making a perfectly punchy 318 horsepower. But it’s available only in the Limited and Platinum trims.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of midsize 3-row SUVs, including this Ford Explorer.
Uneven Interior
Ford needs to raise the quality of its cabin materials. The cheap look and feel of various components in the 2023 Explorer’s 3-row cabin don’t compare well to rivals from Kia, Hyundai, or Mazda.
That may happen next year. This generation of Explorer SUV debuted in 2020, so 2024 is ripe for a mid-life update.
The base Explorer accommodates seven occupants and 10 cup holders. A 3-position bench in the second row is replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs in the one-up-from-base XLT, making it a 6-seater. Those captain’s chairs can slide forward to maximize cargo space or move back for a comfortable 39 inches of legroom. The Kia and Hyundai contenders have more.
Somewhat less comfortable is life in the third row. Low-set cushions and 32 inches of legroom make this area better suited for younger and smaller family members. It’s among the segment’s tighter third rows.
Behind the third row is a luggage area of 18.2 cubic feet. With rows two and three folded down, the maximum cargo space is 87.8 cubic feet. That’s perfectly fine for the class. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet.
Favorite Features
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Smartphone integration is standard in every 2023 Explorer SUV. Not wireless, though, in any of the trims — which is a bit behind the times.
Double-pull hood release
It’s inevitable that we’ll need to take a
look under the hood at some point. Instead of the usual release lever in the cabin and then the by-feel search-around for the other clip, this arrangement just requires pulling the hood release lever twice, and the thing is ready to lift.
10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
This becomes available in the Limited Technology package, replacing the standard 8-inch display. Set vertically, it has swipe and pinch-to-zoom functions, plus a split-screen mode to show, for
example, navigation and phone information simultaneously.
Timberline model
This is the off-roading Explorer SUV, with all-wheel drive as standard [including a terrain management system], a dedicated suspension setup, and actual metal skid plates instead of the plastic pretenses found on some off-road-wannabe rivals.
12.3-inch digital driver information display
This can be customized by the driver to show whatever information is most essential
at the time. It also has a more minimal Mindful mode, cutting down on any info that might be distracting. Available in ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.
Active Park Assist
Sadly an option now and only available with the ST and Platinum models, this is a self-parking system that works for both parallel and perpendicular spaces. It will also drive itself out of a parallel space.
Engine & Transmission
Perhaps not the most important aspect of a midsize 3-row SUV, but the basic engine in the 2023 Explorer is among the most powerful in its class. The turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder unit makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
It only gets better from here. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims develops 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This is also remarkable for the sector.
In its wisdom, Ford has decided to make the hybrid drivetrain available only in the Limited and Platinum trims. This setup has a total output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery and braking feel aren’t nearly as refined as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s, for instance.
Rear-wheel drive [RWD] is the standard configuration in most versions, with all-wheel drive [AWD] on the options list. The one exception is the Timberline, which has AWD as standard. All variants employ a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum towing figures are: 5,000 pounds [hybrid], 5,300 pounds [4-cylinder engine], and 5,600 pounds [twin-turbo V6].
It’s OK to use regular gasoline with any of these engines. Fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] relate to 2022, although we don’t anticipate any changes for 2023.
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine [Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited]
300 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg
[RWD], 20/27 mpg [AWD], 19/22 mpg [Timberline AWD]
3.3-liter V6 + electric motor [Hybrid: Limited & Platinum]
318 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
322 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/28 mpg [RWD], 23/26 mpg [Limited AWD], 23/24 mpg [Platinum AWD]
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 [ST, King Ranch, Platinum]
400 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
415 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg
[RWD], 18/24 mpg [AWD]
More Explorer fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.
3-year/36,000-mile warranty
The new-vehicle warranty on a 2023 Explorer is for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. The hybrid’s battery has its own 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Through the FordPass plan, three complimentary services are available, with the final one at 22,500 miles.
KBB Vehicle Review and Rating Methodology
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle [typically, around the 2-3 years mark] with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better [or worse] than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? [Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.]
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
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