Ford Explorer 2024: A Bold Step Forward for America’s Favorite SUV

The Ford Explorer 2024 arrives with a blend of innovation, capability, and versatility, reaffirming its status as one of America’s most beloved mid-size SUVs. As the latest iteration of a decades-long legacy, this model enhances every key aspect—comfort, performance, technology, and safety—making it a top choice for families, adventurers, and daily commuters alike.







Striking Design & Practical Enhancements



On first glance, the Ford Explorer 2024 exudes a refined yet rugged presence. Its exterior adopts sharper styling cues, featuring a restyled grille framed by slimmer LED headlights, athletic body sculpting, and bold wheel designs. The proportions have been refined to give the SUV a confident footprint, while its rear adopts a sleeker liftgate design and updated light bar that spreads across the tailgate, accentuating its width.



Practicality gets a boost, too—rear-hinged hands-free access is standard on most trims, making loading cargo effortless. Roof rails with an integrated roof rack system are available for added versatility. The tailgate opens to reveal an expanded cargo area that now holds roughly 87 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded—a marked improvement over prior generations. Easy fold-front and rear seats enhance usability, while underfloor storage and a hidden storage compartment in the liftgate cupboard elevate functionality.







Spacious, High-Tech Interior



Stepping into the Ford Explorer 2024 , you’re greeted by a reimagined cabin—one built for comfort and convenience. New materials and finishes usher the interior into a more premium realm, including available leather seating and deluxe stitching. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while second-row captain’s chairs are optional, transforming the SUV into a true seven-passenger family hauler.



At the center of the redesign is Ford’s advanced infotainment system. A 13.2‑inch touchscreen takes center stage in higher trims, equipped with intuitive navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A customizable 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster flanks the driver. Plus, depending on trim, Ford’s interior software supports over-the-air updates and an optional wireless charging pad, ensuring the cabin’s tech stays fresh and connected.



Rear-seat occupants benefit from available USB-C power points, climate control panels, and optional rear-seat entertainment systems housed in the front headrests. Ambient lighting is included across most trims, improving both aesthetics and night-time usability.







Powertrain Options & Performance



Under the hood, the Ford Explorer 2024 offers a trio of engine options:




2.3‑liter turbocharged EcoBoost I‑4 (Standard) – delivers around 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional EcoBoost all-wheel drive.



3.0‑liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 – included in the ST trim, this powerhouse generates approximately 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, delivering brisk acceleration and dynamic performance. The ST model also includes sport-tuned suspension, enhanced brakes, and paddle shifters.



Hybrid Powertrain – returning in 2024 with improved efficiency, the hybrid combines the turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce around 318 hp and over 30 mpg combined in rear-drive configuration.




Each engine complements the Ford Explorer 2024 with a re-engineered chassis aimed at balancing ride comfort and handling confidence. Rear-wheel bias enhances towing and towing-related handling, while available all-wheel drive with an electronic limited-slip differential adapts traction for various road conditions. The adaptive suspension, optional on upper trims, delivers adjustable damping for smooth city cruising or aggressive curves.







Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance



Ford has equipped the Ford Explorer 2024 with an expanded suite of driver assistance technology. Standard features include:




Ford Co-Pilot360 – adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping alert with steering assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.



Reverse Brake Assist , Evasive Steering Assist , and Traffic Sign Recognition further enhance driver confidence and safety.




Available upgrades include 360-degree cameras, a head-up display, and hands-free driving assist for low-speed traffic on compatible highways. These systems work seamlessly with Ford’s updated software infrastructure to allow over-the-air updates, meaning the Ford Explorer 2024 can continue improving after purchase.







Towing & Utility Capabilities



One of the Ford Explorer 2024 ’s major strengths lies in its utility. With the turbocharged engine and available trailer tow package, the SUV can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, sufficient for mid-size trailers, boats, or campers. Integrated trailer sway control comes standard, while optional trailer back-up assist simplifies hitching and maneuvering.



Roof load capacity scales up to 165 pounds, while interior tie-down anchors and cargo nets help secure gear. The available power-fold third row reduces manual work, leaving more time for adventure.







Trim Levels & Value



The 2024 lineup mirrors Ford’s tiered approach, giving buyers choice based on their needs:




Base/XL/Big Bend – value-focused trims with heated front seats, basic infotainment, and cloth upholstery.



XLT/Limited – adds leather seats, upgraded sound systems, and more advanced tech.



Timberline – off-road-oriented trim with mild enhancements such as all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and unique exterior styling.



ST – performance version with the twin-turbo V6, sport suspension, and athletic styling cues.



Platinum – luxury-focused trim featuring premium materials, panoramic sunroof, and all-wheel drive as standard.




Pricing begins in the low $40k range and climbs to the mid-$60k territory for the ST and Platinum editions. Each trim offers strong value, keeping pace with competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Palisade.







Fuel Efficiency & Real-World Efficiency



Despite its size and capability, the Ford Explorer 2024 delivers commendable fuel economy. EPA figures for the base turbocharged engine with rear-wheel drive are estimated around 24 mpg combined , while the hybrid powertrain approaches 30 mpg combined . All-wheel drive trims show a slight drop, but still remain competitive in their segments. The hybrid, in particular, excels in urban driving, offering better efficiency during stop-and-go traffic.







Final Verdict: A Smart Move for 2024



The Ford Explorer 2024 represents a refined and mature evolution of a proven SUV formula. It continues to deliver what has made it popular for three decades: spaciousness, capability, comfort, and versatile performance. The upgrades to interior quality, tech, powertrain options, and safety features ensure it stays relevant in a crowded mid-size SUV market.



Whether your priority is everyday family driving, weekend adventures, towing capability, or even performance thrills with the ST model, there’s a Ford Explorer 2024 tailored to fit your lifestyle. This SUV quietly reaffirms why it remains one of the most compelling choices in its class.
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