The Explorer has been one of the company’s most successful models for a long time and the current model is no exception. It was introduced just a few years ago and still looks quite fresh and competitive. After all, it is the most popular model in the class, along with Toyota Highlander. However, that doesn’t mean that the 2023 Ford Explorer will come without updates. If we can trust the latest reports, we are about to see an all-electric version for the 2023 model year. Unfortunately, the officials are still quiet about the details.
Other than the all-electric version, the 2023 Ford Explorer will probably remain largely the same. Some sources talk about the possibility to see a facelift, so we wouldn’t exclude such a scenario either. On the other hand, the overall layout will remain the same, which means you may count on a spacious crossover that comes with capable engines and lots of standard and available equipment. We expect to see it sometime in the second half of 2022.
2023 Ford Explorer Design
As we’ve just mentioned, there is a chance to see a 2023 Ford Explorer facelift but if we consider that the officials are still quiet, that should be taken with a big reserve. If it happens, we presume that the focus would be on things like new front fascia, new grille, new wheels and similar things. We don’t expect radical changes, just a couple of subtle updates.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle will remain the same. The 2023 Ford Explorer will continue to ride on a CD6 platform, which offers an RWD layout, which is one of the Explorer’s strongest points, as most competitors feature front-wheel drive. Of course, AWD models are also available.
Interior
Whether the facelift happens or not, we don’t believe in bigger interior changes. The Explorer has never been famous for great interior quality but the current one looks decent enough to compete with rivals. We particularly like the driving position as well as the long list o standard equipment. Speaking of the standard equipment, one of the possible changes we could see is a new, bigger touchscreen, designed in a similar fashion as the one found in the new Mach E.
On the other hand, the overall layout will certainly remain the same. This SUV features around 118 inches in wheelbase, which is enough to accommodate three rows of seats with a decent amount o space in all of them. Even the third row is quite functional. The cargo area also offers decent numbers. You may count on about  18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 87.8 cubic feet in total.
Features
Of course, novelties regarding the standard and available equipment are always possible. However, we don’ believe that too many things could change, considering that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect. For example, it comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, tri-zone climate control etc. Additionally, you can get things like a 10.1-inch touch screen with a portrait layout, a 12.3-inch customizable driver display, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and wireless device charging, twin-panel sunroof etc.
The same thing is with safety features. The current version comes standard with goodies like a rearview camera, MyKey, driver drowsiness monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Also, there are upgrades like adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, evasive steering assist, perpendicular and parallel park assist, reverse brake assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.
2023 Ford Explorer Engines
As we already mentioned, one of the biggest novelties for the 2023 Ford Explorer should be the introduction of an all-electric version. allegedly, the new model will be built along with Mustang Mach-E, but the officials are still quiet about details.
On the other hand, the rest of the lineup will continue in the same way. The offer should start with a 2.3-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 300 horsepower. Of course, there is also a new 3.0-liter V6, which puts out 400 horsepower. The hybrid version combines a 3.3-liter engine with an electric motor, for a total output of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. Finally, there is the plug-in hybrid version with 450 horsepower, currently available in Europe only.
All powertrains come in a combination with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2023 Ford Explorer Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Ford Explorer will hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. The starting price should go around 34.000 dollars, while the key competitors will be models like Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Pilot etc.
