The Ford Explorer has long been an iconic name in the SUV world. Known for its blend of performance, comfort, and versatility, the Explorer has evolved over the years to meet the needs of an ever-changing market. With the release of the 2024 Ford Explorer, Ford has once again raised the bar for midsize SUVs. In this comprehensive review, we will take a closer look at the latest model, exploring what’s new, what’s improved, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Exterior Design: A Bold, Modern Look
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2024 Ford Explorer is its refreshed exterior design. While the Explorer’s classic SUV silhouette remains intact, Ford has introduced subtle design changes that give the vehicle a more modern, dynamic appearance. The front grille has been slightly redesigned, now featuring a more aggressive and streamlined look. This change is complemented by new LED headlights that offer a sharper, more defined lighting pattern.
The rear of the vehicle also sees updates, including redesigned taillights and a more sculpted bumper. These changes, though subtle, give the 2024 Ford Explorer a sleeker and more refined look, making it stand out in the crowded midsize SUV segment. Ford has also offered new exterior color options, allowing buyers to further personalize their Explorer to match their tastes.
The overall proportions of the Explorer remain the same, retaining its spaciousness while enhancing its road presence. Whether you’re driving through the city or cruising on the highway, the 2024 Ford Explorer is sure to turn heads.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Family-Friendly Cabin
Step inside the 2024 Ford Explorer, and you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail that has gone into creating a more comfortable and luxurious cabin. The interior design is elegant, with high-quality materials used throughout, including premium leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and refined trim. Ford has also made sure that there’s plenty of space, with the Explorer offering ample room for both passengers and cargo.
The first and second rows of seating are spacious, offering excellent comfort even for taller passengers. The third row, while slightly tighter than the first two rows, is still suitable for adults on shorter trips and can easily accommodate children or smaller adults during longer journeys.
Ford has also taken great strides to enhance the tech features of the 2024 Ford Explorer. The centerpiece of the cabin is the updated SYNC 4 infotainment system, which is now housed in a larger, more responsive touchscreen. The system features seamless integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected and entertained during your drive.
In addition to the improved infotainment system, Ford has made sure that the 2024 Ford Explorer includes plenty of charging ports, including fast-charging USB-C ports, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices powered up on the go. The updated instrument cluster is now fully digital, offering customizable displays that provide real-time information in a more intuitive and user-friendly format.
Performance and Towing Capabilities: Power and Capability in Abundance
Under the hood, the 2024 Ford Explorer continues to offer an impressive range of engine options that cater to a variety of driving needs. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for most buyers.
For those who crave more performance, Ford offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is available on the Platinum and ST trims and provides a thrilling driving experience. Whether you’re accelerating on the highway or navigating tight turns, the V6 engine offers plenty of power for all your driving needs.
One of the standout features of the 2024 Ford Explorer is its impressive towing capacity. With the right equipment, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is more than enough for most boats, trailers, or campers. This makes it an excellent option for families who need a vehicle that can handle both daily driving and weekend adventures.
The Explorer also features rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive available for those who need additional traction in challenging road conditions. The suspension system has been fine-tuned for 2024, providing a smooth, controlled ride, whether you’re navigating city streets or off-roading on rough terrain.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind on Every Journey
Safety is always a top priority for Ford, and the 2024 Ford Explorer is no exception. The new Explorer comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features designed to keep you safe on the road. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
One of the most notable new features for the 2024 Ford Explorer is the addition of Active Park Assist 2.0. This system can automatically steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, making it much easier to park in tight spots. The Explorer also offers an optional 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, improving visibility during low-speed maneuvers and parking.
In addition to these technologies, the Explorer comes with a robust airbag system and a strong, rigid frame designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Ford’s attention to safety ensures that the 2024 Ford Explorer is one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Fuel Efficiency: A Greener, More Efficient Explorer
The 2024 Explorer also shines in the area of fuel efficiency, offering improved economy across its various powertrains. The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine provides competitive fuel economy, making it a great option for those looking to save at the pump without sacrificing performance. On the higher-end V6 models, the Explorer also provides solid efficiency, making it a good balance of power and fuel savings.
For those who are particularly environmentally conscious, Ford now offers a hybrid powertrain option for the 2024 Ford Explorer. The Explorer Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, offering a great balance of power and fuel efficiency. This hybrid powertrain allows the Explorer to achieve better mileage than traditional gasoline engines, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the capabilities of a midsize SUV.
Trim Levels and Customization: A Perfect Fit for Every Driver
The 2024 Ford Explorer comes in a wide range of trims, each offering its own set of features and capabilities. The base model offers all the essential features and is an excellent option for those on a budget. The XLT trim adds a few more premium features, including a larger touchscreen and more advanced safety technologies.
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Limited and Platinum trims offer high-end features such as premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a larger infotainment screen. The ST trim, on the other hand, is designed for those who crave performance, offering sportier styling and enhanced driving dynamics.
Ford also offers a variety of packages and options to further customize the 2024 Ford Explorer to suit individual preferences. Whether you’re looking for more technology, improved comfort features, or performance enhancements, there’s a package that can tailor the Explorer to your needs.
Conclusion: The Perfect Blend of Performance, Comfort, and Technology
The 2024 Ford Explorer stands out as one of the most well-rounded SUVs in its class. With a striking new design, powerful engine options, advanced technology, and a host of safety features, it’s clear that Ford has put a lot of thought and effort into improving the Explorer. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a powerful tow vehicle, or a luxurious commuter SUV, the 2024 Explorer delivers in all areas. With its excellent combination of performance, technology, and versatility, the 2024 Ford Explorer is truly an SUV worth considering.