Ford Explorer 2023 interior

Ford has taken the wraps off the updated Explorer in China as the new flagship of its range with a redesigned exterior and a new massive screen inside the cabin. The Chinese website calls it a brand-new model although it is better described as a comprehensive facelift of the sixth-gen Explorer that was introduced in 2019.

The model made its first appearance on spy shots last February, with detailed but unofficial photos surfacing on the Chinese Ministry Of Industry and Technology back in April. Now, Ford has officially revealed it online, since the Beijing Auto Show where it was supposed to debut has been postponed without a set date. Thus, the SUV is expected to make its official debut at the Chengdu Auto Show in late August.

See Also: New Ford Equator Sport Debuts In China As A Smaller Sibling To The Equator

Ford Explorer 2023 interior

The 2023 Explorer is instantly recognizable from the side view due to the carry-over body panels, but everything else has changed. At the front, there is a significantly larger grille flanked by slimmer bumper intakes, and new LED headlights that are connected through an LED strip. There is also an Explorer lettering on the bonnet.

The rear end is also tweaked, with a new set of LED taillights mounted horizontally. Between them, there is a chrome strip, while the revised rear bumper got a more prominent skid-plate with dual exhaust pipes. The grille pattern and the bumpers will be different depending on the trim level, with the ST-Line version getting the sportiest treatment. Due to the redesigned front and rear ends, the Explorer is slightly longer than before, measuring 5,063 mm (199.3 inches).

Ford Explorer 2023 interior

The most important update happened inside the cabin, where the dashboard has been overhauled inspired by the “high-tech cockpit of yachts”. The highlight is the new horizontally-arranged 27-inch infotainment touchscreen which replaces the portrait-orientation unit found in the US-spec Explorer. The screen looks smaller than in the Mondeo and Evos but this might have to do with the increased width of the SUV.

Ford designers made the climate vents slimmer and brought the center console higher, while creating a more premium atmosphere thanks to the ambient lighting and the leather upholstery. Besides the 27-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes standard in all trims, equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, a B&O audio system, tri-zone climate control, plus an array of ADAS giving it L2+ autonomous capability.

Ford Explorer 2023 interior

The Chinese-spec Ford Explorer retains the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 272 hp (203 kW / 276 PS) and 425 Nm (313 lb-ft) of torque, just like in the outgoing model. A 10-speed automatic gearbox sends power to either the rear wheels or to all four through an intelligent AWD system. Ford didn’t go into specifics about any updates on the CD6 platform which is shared with the Lincoln Aviator.

The Explorer is produced by Changan Ford in China, with a market launch expected in the coming months. We don’t know if the styling and tech updates will find their way into the US- and EU-spec models in the future, but there are some reports suggesting that they will be reserved for the Chinese-spec model bringing greater differentiation than before.

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2023 Ford Explorer

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is a recommended sale price provided by the automaker. Where presented on its own, the price is for a base model without options and before taxes, rebates, or fees. Where presented as a range, it represents the prices of multiple trim lines available for the model without options and before taxes, rebates, or fees. Actual prices may vary.

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Ford Explorer 2023 interior

  • What is it? 6-seat SUV
  • What powers it? Gasoline
  • How powerful is it? 350 hp @ 6000 rpm
  • How efficient is it? 10.3 L/100km

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2023 Ford Explorer Overview

The 2020 model year saw an all-new Explorer sport-ute, one lighter, leaner and stronger than its predecessor. The sixth-generation model gets a new ST-Line trim for 2022, described as offering ST’s bold styling without the full power of a full-size on-road performance SUV. The lineup includes the XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid and ST before topping off with the Platinum. The Platinum is loaded with more technology and creature comforts for both driver and passengers, including an available 10.1-inch touchscreen with full-screen maps, traffic-sensing Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist systems, and features that can help reduce stress such as available Reverse Brake Assist and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Performance

The base engine is a 300-hp, turbo 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, mated to a 10-speed automatic. Courtesy of Ford Performance, the ST comes with a specially tuned 3.0L EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on 93 octane, 35 more horses and 15 more pound-feet of torque than in the Platinum. The Limited Hybrid is powered by a 3.3L V6 hybrid setup producing 318 system horsepower combined. The hybrid version claims a range of 760 kilometres between fill-ups.

Practicality

The new ST-Line rides on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels and wears exclusive ST features such as fascia-integrated quad exhaust tips and other unique ST-Line badging. Inside are Ebony Black ActiveX seats with Miko micro-perforated inserts, heated first-row seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, red accent stitching on the seats, door inserts and steering wheel, ST-Line scuff plates, premium floor mats, a 12-speaker B&O sound system and a wireless charging pad.

Value

Ford has not released 2022 pricing. 2021 models range from $42,669 for the XLT to $62,819 for the Platinum.

What does the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD come with?

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Tell me more about the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?

General Information & Overview

Engine DetailGasoline: 2.3L I-4
Maximum Power350 hp @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Transmission10-Speed Automatic
Drive WheelsAWD
Cargo Space Range515 - 1356 L (18.2 - 47.9 ft³)
Towing / Payload2404 kg (5300 lbs)
Wheel Size18-inch Alloy
Infotainment System8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Comprehensive Warranty36 Months / 60000 km
Powertrain Warranty60 Months / 100000 km
Roadside Warranty60 Months / 100000 km
Battery Warranty-
Paint Warranty36 Months / 60000 km
Corrosion Warranty60 Months / Unlimited km

How fuel efficient is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?

Efficiency & Range

City Rating11.7 L/100km
Highway Rating8.6 L/100km
Combined10.3 L/100km
Fuel TypeUnleaded
Fuel Capacity73 L
Battery Type-
Onboard Charger-
Charging Time-
Total Range (Battery Only)709 km
Emission CO2 kg/year242

How big is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?

Dimensions Inside & Out

Exterior Dimensions
Overall Length5050 mm (198.8 in)
Wheelbase3025 mm (119.1 in)
Overall Height1783 mm (70.2 in)
Turning Circle-
Front Track1699 mm (66.9 in)
Rear Track1699 mm (66.9 in)
Curb Weight-
Interior Dimensions
Seating2+2+2 seats
Headroom Front1034 mm (40.7 in)
Headroom Rear1029 mm (40.5 in)
Legroom Front1092 mm (43.0 in)
Legroom Rear991 mm (39.0 in)
Hiproom Front1504 mm (59.2 in)
Hiproom Rear1501 mm (59.1 in)
Shoulder Room Front1570 mm (61.8 in)
Shoulder Room Rear1572 mm (61.9 in)
Cargo Dimensions
All Seats in Place515 L (18.2 ft³)
Rear Seats Down2486 L (87.8 ft³)
Interior Volume4324 L (152.7 ft³)

How safe is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?

Safety Info & Features

Crash Test Results
StandardIIHS
Side ImpactGood
Rollover Rating4
Overall Rating5.00
Frontal Crash Rating5
Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
Small Overlap Front - DriverMarginal
Roof Strength TestGood
Rear Crash Protect / Head Restraint RatingGood
Driver Assist Equipment
Airbags8 (Front, Side, Side Curtain, Knee)
Anti-Collision SystemStandard
Blind Spot MonitorStandard
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Rear Cross-Traffic AlertStandard
Roll Stability ControlStandard
Hill HolderStandard
Night VisionNot Available
Low Tire Pressure MonitorStandard

What kind of toys does 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD have?

Infotainment Tech & Audio

Audio System6-speaker
Display & Controls8.0-inch, Colour, Touchscreen
Voice Activating SystemAudio, Phone
Audio SourcesCarplay, Android, USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Satellite Radio
Rear Entertainment SystemNot Available, USB
In-car WiFi NetworkStandard
Wireless Charging PadNot Available
NavigationNot Available
Head-up DisplayNot Available
Instrument panelAnalogue & TFT

What other features does 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD have?

Comfort & Convenience Features

SunroofNot Available
Smart Keyincludes Keyless Entry, Keyless Start
Steering WheelHeight Adjustment, Telescopic Adjustment
Rear View Mirrorauto-dimming
Door MirrorsPower Adjustable, Heated
Climate ControlA/C, Auto, 3 Zones
Seat MaterialUpgraded Cloth, Upgraded Cloth
Front SeatHeated, Power Adjustable
Memory SeatsNot Available
Rear SeatsCaptain's, Asymmetrical
Rear Seat ExtrasFold Flat, Tip/Tumble
Third Row SeatsStandard
CupholdersStandard
Power LocksStandard
Power WindowsStandard
Remote Engine StarterNot Available
Garage Door OpenerNot Available
Automatic Door ClosingStandard
Remote trunk/hatch releaseStandard, Remote Control
Refrigerated Storage CompartmentNot Available
SuspensionStrut
Stabilizer BarStandard
Suspension LevellingNot Available
Responsive SuspensionNot Available
Power SteeringElectric
Windshield WipersAutomatic
Windscreen Wiper De-icerNot Available
Wiper (Rear)Fixed-speed
Rear Window DefoggerStandard
Electrically Heated WindshieldNot Available
Roof RailsStandard
Wheels18-inch Alloy
Tires255/, 65, T, 18, All-season
Spare WheelStandard, Spacesaver
Cruise controlStandard
Parking AidsRear, Radar & Camera
360 View CameraNot Available
HeadlightsLED, Projector Beam, Auto Highbeam
Front Fog LightsNot Available
Cornering Lights/Curb IlluminationNot Available

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Is Ford changing the Explorer in 2023?

The Ford Explorer has not received a complete overhaul for the 2023 model year. Ford has decided to keep the 2023 American model of the Ford Explorer very similar to the 2022 model. The Chinese version, however, has received a redesign that makes us think the 2024 Ford Explorer will be very impressive indeed.

How much will the 2023 Ford Explorer cost?

The 2023 New Ford Explorer starting MSRP is $35,510 and gets 28 MPGs.

What colors will the 2023 Ford Explorer come in?

Exterior Colors:.
Agate Black Metallic [Black].
Atlas Blue Metallic [Blue].
Carbonized Gray Metallic [Gray].
Forged Green Metallic [Green].
Iconic Silver Metallic [Silver].
Oxford White [White].

What is the most luxurious Ford Explorer?

The most luxurious and sophisticated trim level is the 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum, with tri-diamond perforated leather, contour seating, and cutting-edge features like Active Park Assist 2.0. Features include: Starting MSRP $54,115.