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
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).
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.
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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- 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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General Information & Overview
| Gasoline: 2.3L I-4 |
| 350 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| 350 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
| 10-Speed Automatic |
| AWD |
| 515 - 1356 L (18.2 - 47.9 ft³) |
| 2404 kg (5300 lbs) |
| 18-inch Alloy |
| 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| 36 Months / 60000 km |
| 60 Months / 100000 km |
| 60 Months / 100000 km |
| - |
| 36 Months / 60000 km |
| 60 Months / Unlimited km |
How fuel efficient is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?
Efficiency & Range
| 11.7 L/100km |
| 8.6 L/100km |
| 10.3 L/100km |
| Unleaded |
| 73 L |
| - |
| - |
| - |
| 709 km |
| 242 |
How big is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?
Dimensions Inside & Out
| 5050 mm (198.8 in) |
| 3025 mm (119.1 in) |
| 1783 mm (70.2 in) |
| - |
| 1699 mm (66.9 in) |
| 1699 mm (66.9 in) |
| - |
| 2+2+2 seats |
| 1034 mm (40.7 in) |
| 1029 mm (40.5 in) |
| 1092 mm (43.0 in) |
| 991 mm (39.0 in) |
| 1504 mm (59.2 in) |
| 1501 mm (59.1 in) |
| 1570 mm (61.8 in) |
| 1572 mm (61.9 in) |
| 515 L (18.2 ft³) |
| 2486 L (87.8 ft³) |
| 4324 L (152.7 ft³) |
How safe is 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD?
Safety Info & Features
| IIHS |
| Good |
| 4 |
| 5.00 |
| 5 |
| Good |
| Marginal |
| Good |
| Good |
| 8 (Front, Side, Side Curtain, Knee) |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
What kind of toys does 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD have?
Infotainment Tech & Audio
| 6-speaker |
| 8.0-inch, Colour, Touchscreen |
| Audio, Phone |
| Carplay, Android, USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Satellite Radio |
| Not Available, USB |
| Standard |
| Not Available |
| Not Available |
| Not Available |
| Analogue & TFT |
What other features does 2023 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD have?
Comfort & Convenience Features
| Not Available |
| includes Keyless Entry, Keyless Start |
| Height Adjustment, Telescopic Adjustment |
| auto-dimming |
| Power Adjustable, Heated |
| A/C, Auto, 3 Zones |
| Upgraded Cloth, Upgraded Cloth |
| Heated, Power Adjustable |
| Not Available |
| Captain's, Asymmetrical |
| Fold Flat, Tip/Tumble |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Standard |
| Not Available |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
| Standard, Remote Control |
| Not Available |
| Strut |
| Standard |
| Not Available |
| Not Available |
| Electric |
| Automatic |
| Not Available |
| Fixed-speed |
| Standard |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
| 18-inch Alloy |
| 255/, 65, T, 18, All-season |
| Standard, Spacesaver |
| Standard |
| Rear, Radar & Camera |
| Not Available |
| LED, Projector Beam, Auto Highbeam |
| Not Available |
| Not Available |
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2023 Ford Explorer - Photos
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