2024 Ford Explorer: Performance,Safety, Features, All Trim Review

The 2024 Ford Explorer is a big SUV with three rows of seats. Ford started making Explorers more than 30 years ago. This SUV works well for families. You can fit seven people inside. It’s good for daily trips to work or school. You can also take it on vacation. The 2024 ford explorer comes with different engines. Some engines save gas. Other engines give you more speed. This guide tells you about every part of the Explorer.

Engine Choices and How They Perform

The 2024 ford explorer has different engines. Each engine does different things. You pick the one you like best.

The Base Engine: 2.3L Turbo Four-Cylinder

Most Explorers come with this engine. It has a turbo that makes it stronger.

• Size: 2.3 liters
• Power: 300 horses
• Pulling Force: 310 lb-ft
• Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
• Gas Mileage (four-wheel drive): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• Speed Test: Gets to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds
• Can Pull: Up to 5,300 pounds

This engine works fine for most people. It has good power for passing cars on the highway.

The Stronger Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

This engine is bigger and stronger. It has two turbos instead of one.

• Size: 3.0 liters
• Power: 400 horses
• Pulling Force: 415 lb-ft
• Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
• Gas Mileage (rear-wheel drive): 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• Speed Test: Gets to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
• Can Pull: Up to 5,600 pounds

This engine goes fast. It helps when you pull heavy things like boats.

The Performance ST Engine

The ST model is the fast one. It uses a special tuned V6 engine.

• Size: 3.0 liters with twin turbos
• Power: 400 horses
• Pulling Force: 415 lb-ft
• Gearbox: 10-speed with paddle shifters
• Gas Mileage: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined
• Speed Test: Gets to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds
• Drive System: Four-wheel drive only
• Can Pull: Up to 5,600 pounds

The ST feels like a sports car. It turns corners really well.

Size and Measurements

The 2024 ford explorer is big but fits in normal parking spots. You get three rows of seats inside.

Outside Measurements

Measurement	Specification
Length	198.8 inches
Width (without mirrors)	78.9 inches
Height	69.9 inches
Wheelbase	119.1 inches
Ground Clearance	7.9 inches
Weight	4,345 – 4,701 pounds

Wheel and Tire Sizes

Model Level	Wheel Size	Tire Size Range
Base	18 inches	255/65R18
Mid-Level	20 inches	Varies
Premium	21 inches	275/45R21
ST Model	21 inches (black)	275/45R21

Every Explorer comes with a spare tire. It’s a small emergency spare.

Inside Space for People

The 2024 ford explorer holds seven people if you get the bench seat. You can also pick captain’s chairs that hold six people.

Seating Setup

• Total seats: 7 with bench or 6 with captain’s chairs
• First row: 2 people
• Second row: 3 people with bench or 2 with captain’s chairs
• Third row: 2 people

Captain’s chairs let you walk between them to reach the back row.

Room for Heads, Legs, and Shoulders

Row	Headroom	Legroom	Shoulder Room	Hip Room
First Row	40.7 inches	43.0 inches	61.8 inches	59.2 inches
Second Row	40.5 inches	39.0 inches	61.9 inches	59.1 inches
Third Row	38.2 inches	34.0 inches	55.6 inches	46.6 inches

The front two rows have lots of space. Tall people fit easily. The back row is better for kids. Short adults can sit there too.

Storage Space for Cargo

Configuration	Cargo Volume
Behind Third Row	18.2 cubic feet
Behind Second Row	47.9 cubic feet
All Seats Folded	87.8 cubic feet
Roof Capacity	150 pounds maximum

You can fit groceries with all seats up. Fold the third row for big boxes. Fold both back rows to carry furniture.

Different Model Levels

Ford makes the 2024 ford explorer in seven versions. Each one costs more and has extra stuff.

Base Model

• Price range: Around $38,455.
• Engine: 2.3L turbo four-cylinder.
• Key items: 18-inch wheels, cloth seats, 8-inch screen, LED lights.

XLT Model

• Price range: Around $40,265.
• Engine: 2.3L turbo four-cylinder.
• Extra items: Radio with more channels, roof rails, power driver seat.

Limited Model

• Price range: Around $49,115.
• Engine: 2.3L turbo standard, 3.0L V6 costs extra.
• Nice items: Leather seats, heated front seats, power third row, bigger screen.

ST Model (The Fast One)

• Price range: Around $53,700.
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6.
• Drive: Four-wheel drive only.
• Special items: Sport setup, black wheels, better brakes, sport seats.

ST-Line Model

• Price range: Around $48,595.
• Engine: 2.3L turbo four-cylinder.
• Sport touches: Looks like the ST, sport seats, paddle shifters.

Platinum Model

• Price range: Around $59,310.
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6.
• Luxury items: Fancy leather, wood trim, 14 speakers, massage seats.

King Ranch Model

• Price range: Around $56,795.
• Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6.
• Unique items: Brown leather, King Ranch logos, special floor mats.

Technology and Entertainment

The 2024 ford explorer has modern tech. Everything is easy to use.

SYNC 4 Screen System

• Base screen: 10.1 inches.
• Bigger screen: 12.3 inches on nicer models.
• Apple CarPlay: Works without cables.
• Android Auto: Works without cables too.
• Updates: Downloads new stuff over WiFi.
• Navigation: Shows traffic jams.
• Voice control: Talk to control it.

The tall screen looks like your phone. It’s easy to figure out.

Digital Dashboard

• Base setup: Small screen between regular dials.
• Full digital: Big 12.3-inch screen instead of dials.
• Display options: Change how it looks.
• Windshield display: On expensive models.

Sound Systems

• Base audio: 6 speakers
• Mid-level: 12 speakers
• Premium: 14 speakers
• Satellite radio: Costs extra

You can unlock the doors from your phone. Check how much gas you have too.

Safety Features and Driver Help

The 2024 ford explorer watches the road for you. It helps stop crashes.

Standard Safety Items

• Automatic braking: Stops for people and cars.
• Blind spot warning: Beeps when cars are beside you.
• Lane keeping: Helps you stay in your lane.
• Cross-traffic alert: Watches when you back up.
• Auto high beams: Switches lights by itself.
• Backup camera: Shows behind you.
• After-crash braking: Stops after a crash.

These things watch all the time. They warn you about danger.

Extra Help Systems (Available)

• Smart cruise: Keeps space from the car ahead.
• Steering help: Helps you dodge things.
• Lane centering: Keeps you in the middle.
• Speed sign reading: Shows speed limits.

These make highway trips easier.

How It Drives and Handles

The 2024 ford explorer rides smooth. It turns well for a big vehicle.

Suspension and Steering

• Front setup: Independent parts
• Rear setup: Independent parts
• Standard: Smooth ride
• Sport version: Stiffer on ST model.
• Steering: Electric with good feel.

The ride is comfortable. Small bumps don’t bother you.

Brakes

• Front brakes: 13.6-inch discs (14.8 on ST).
• Rear brakes: 13.6-inch discs.
• Brake help: Extra power when needed.
• Anti-lock: Stops wheels from locking.

Drive Modes

• Normal: For regular driving.
• Eco: Saves gas.
• Sport: Goes faster.
• Slippery: For rain or ice.
• Trail: For dirt roads.
• Tow/Haul: When pulling trailers.
• Deep: For sand, mud, or snow.

Each mode changes how the car acts. Pick what fits the road.

Four-Wheel Drive

• Type: Turns on by itself.
• Power split: Sends power to wheels that need it.
• Normal driving: Uses back wheels only.

This saves gas. It turns on the front wheels when you need them.

Fuel Tank and Driving Range

The 2024 ford explorer holds enough gas for long trips.

Fuel Information

• Tank size: 17.9 gallons
• Fuel type: Regular unleaded (87 octane)
• Premium fuel: Not needed

Regular gas works fine. This saves money.

How Far You Can Drive

You can go this far on one tank of gas.

• 2.3L turbo (rear drive): 378 to 504 miles
• 2.3L turbo (four-wheel drive): 360 to 486 miles
• 3.0L V6 (rear drive): 324 to 432 miles
• 3.0L V6 (four-wheel drive): 306 to 414 miles

Highway driving goes farther. City driving uses more gas.

Pulling Trailers and Carrying Weight

The 2024 ford explorer can pull boats and campers.

Towing Numbers

• 2.3L turbo: Up to 5,300 pounds
• 3.0L V6: Up to 5,600 pounds
• Required package: Tow package needed

Carrying Capacity

• Maximum payload: 1,800 to 2,000 pounds
• Tongue weight: Up to 560 pounds

Inside Comfort and Materials

The 2024 ford explorer uses nice stuff inside. It feels comfortable.

Seat Materials

• Base cloth: Strong fabric.
• ActiveX: Fake leather.
• Real leather: On Limited and higher.
• King Ranch leather: Brown leather.
• Quilted leather: Diamond pattern on Platinum.
• Captain’s chairs: Optional second row.

Climate Controls

• Three zones: Front left, front right, and back.
• Heated front seats: Gets extra.
• Cooled front seats: On nicer models.
• Heated second row: Gets extra.
• Heated steering wheel: Gets extra.
• Remote start: Warm it up before you get in.

Everyone can pick their own temperature.

Plenty of places for your stuff.

Outside Looks and Style

The 2024 ford explorer looks strong and modern.

Front Design

• Big grille: With Ford logo.
• LED headlights: On all models.
• Turning headlights: Turn with the steering wheel.
• Fog lamps: Extra lights down low.

The front looks tough. LED lights work better at night.

Body Style

• Lines: Run down the sides.
• Wheel parts: Stick out.
• Chrome or black: Depends on model.
• Roof rails: Silver or black.
• Power tailgate: Opens by itself.
• Kick tailgate: Wave your foot to open it.

ST models use black instead of chrome.

Lighting

• LED taillights: Special pattern.
• Turning lights: Bend into corners.
• Welcome lights: Blink when you walk up.
• Puddle lamps: Under mirrors.

Taking Care of Your Explorer

The 2024 ford explorer needs regular care. Do this to keep it running well.

Warranty Protection

• Basic coverage: 3 years or 36,000 miles.
• Powertrain coverage: 5 years or 60,000 miles.
• Roadside help: 5 years or 60,000 miles.
• Rust protection: 5 years with no mile limit.
• Hybrid parts: 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Conclusion

The 2024 ford explorer gives you four engine choices to pick from. Rear-wheel drive makes it handle better than other SUVs. Blue Cruise technology lets you drive hands-free on highways. It can pull up to 5,600 pounds when you add the tow package. Seven people fit inside with three rows of seats. Nice models feel like luxury cars inside. The ST model goes faster than any other family SUV. The hybrid saves gas but still pulls trailers. The 2024 ford explorer works great for families who need space and want good features.