2024 Ford Explorer Review For The American Buyer

The Ford Explorer has been carrying families in the US since 1990 and remains a strong contender in the crowded three-row SUV market. The 2024 Explorer comes with cutting-edge technology, improved power, and unparalleled updates. The looks of the explorer have also undergone some changes.

2024 Ford Explorer Engine Options

The 2024 Ford Explorer comes with two engine options, both of which are internal combustion engines.

  • Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine

2024 Ford Explorer Transmission Options

  • 10-speed automatic transmission

2024 Ford Explorer  Trims

The 2024 Ford Explorer is available in 8 grade options.

  • Base
  •  XLT
  • ST-Line
  • Timberline
  •  Limited
  • ST
  •  King Ranch
  • Platinum

For a detailed review of these trims and the best to pick while buying this truck, please refer to the Ford Explorer Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Ford Explorer Interior

The 2024 Ford Explorer’s cabin is more about comfort than flashy design. It can swiftly accommodate up to 7 passengers.

The front and second-row seats are well-cushioned and supportive even on long drives. The third-row seats may however feel a little bit cramped since the seats sit pretty low to the floor. They are suitable for children or average-sized adults.

The inside of the explorer gets even better with seven different colors of ambient light available in the first and second rows and the twin-panel moonroof which opens up the space letting in lots of light.

Standard features in the 2024 Explorer include an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition, two USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Optional features are a 10.1-inch touch screen, a 12- or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless device charging, two second-row USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

2024 Ford Explorer Exterior

The 2024 Ford Explorer features a refreshed exterior design and now exudes confidence and dominance. In the front end,  the Explorer is dominated by a larger Grill, and the headlights are now positioned further out no longer cutting into the bumper as before. The  LED headlights bear a resemblance to the previous model but bring a fresh look to the SUV. The fog light housings have been moved closer to the edges and now have a vertical orientation giving the vehicle a more refined look.

While the side profile retains the Ford Explore’s iconic curves, the rear end now features an extended tail light strip that seamlessly integrates into the Bodywork. The bumpers have been subtly revised and the exhaust tips are no longer visible resulting in a cleaner look.

Color options in the 2024 Ford Explorer include; Agate Black, Stone Blue, Carbonized Gray, Forged Green, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic, and Star White Metallic.

2024 Ford Explorer Cargo Capacity

The 2024 Ford Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of storage space when the third-row seats are upright. Folding the third row opens up 47.9 cubic feet while folding down the third and second-row seats delivers 87.8 cubic feet of room. It comes standard with a power liftgate while a hands-free power liftgate is optional.

Safety Features

The 2024 Ford Explorer is equipped with an extensive range of advanced safety features and cutting-edge driver-assist technologies they include; Forward-collision warning, Lane-departure warning, Lane-keeping assist, Blind-spot monitoring, Rear cross-traffic alert, Automatic emergency braking, Adaptive cruise control, Auto high-beam headlamps, Anti-lock brakes, Stability control, Front-impact airbags, Side impact airbags, Overhead airbags, Knee airbags and Pretensioners.

2024 Ford Escape Fuel Consumption

The 2024 Explorer has decent fuel economy, the standard 2.3-liter engine has a combined mpg of 24, with around 21 mpg in city traffic and 28 mpg on the highway. The V-6 engine has a slightly lower fuel economy, with 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain on the other hand gets you 28 mpg in the city.

Ground Clearance

The 2024 Ford Explorer has 7.9 inches of ground clearance.

 Performance

The 2024 Ford Explorer delivers a driving experience that is nothing short of extraordinary for drivers. Under the hood, two distinct and powerful engine options offer outstanding performance, the standard engine is a potent 300 horsepower 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission this combination allows the explorer to accelerate from 0 to 60 in approximately 6 seconds with a peak torque of 310 lb-feet. Higher trims are outfitted with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3 l V6 engine. This powerhouse will have no issues in getting you to 60 mph in an astonishing 5.2 seconds and covers a quarter of a mile in a mere 13.8 seconds, this offers a similar performance to that of the BMW X3 m40i.

The 2024 Explorer is built on a rear-wheel drive platform offering all-wheel drive as an optional feature across all models. It also comes with a smart terrain management system offering up to seven selectable Drive modes to suit your adventures. These modes include normal, Trail, deep snow sand, slippery, sport tow/ Hall, and eco mode. Read The Ford Explorer Buyer’s Guide for a detailed performance report. 

 Reliability

The 2024 Ford Explorer is considered to have a reasonably good reliability. According to JD Power, it has a score of 82 out of 100  for quality and reliability. There have been no safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so far. The 2024 Explorer comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

For a detailed reliability report read the Ford Escape Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Ford Explorer  Maintenance Schedule

The 2024 Ford Explorer is eligible to undergo a maintenance service after every 5000 to 75000 miles. In this interval, the technicians should change the engine oil, replace the oil filter, Rotate tires, Inspect the brake system, Check tire pressure and tread depth, Inspect and replace the air filter if necessary, Check and top-up all fluid levels, Inspect and replace the wiper blades if needed and Check and tighten all belts and hoses. Read the 2024 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual for detailed maintenance insights. 

2024 Ford Explorer Problems

Engine problems

  • Noisy engine
  • Oil starvation
  • Carbon build-up
  • Engine running hot

Transmission Problems

  • Hard shifting
  • Fluid leaks
  • Burning smell

Electrical problems

  • Battery Drain
  • SYNC system problems

Read the Ford Explorer Buyer’s Guide for detailed insight on how to avoid and solve these issues.

2024 Ford Explorer Competitors

The 2024 Explorer rivals the Mazda CX-90, Toyota Grand Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Volkswagen Atlas.