Lower-priced Explorers have a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque), while higher-priced models include a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp, 415 lb-ft). A 318-hp hybrid drivetrain employing a 3.3-liter V6 is available on selected Explorers. All versions of the SUV use a 10-speed automatic transmission, and most offer standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option across the board, except for the Timberline, which has it as standard equipment.
Base
The most affordable Explorer starts you off with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- Triple-zone automatic climate control
- Cloth seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat
- 50/50-split folding third-row seats
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- FordPass Connect services including Wi-Fi access
- Satellite radio
- Six-speaker sound system
Ford also equips every Explorer with these safety features:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
- Trailer sway damping (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)
XLT
The XLT trim adds the following features:
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Roof rails
- Keyless access with push-button engine start
- Upgraded interior trim
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Second-row captain's chairs (reduces seating capacity from seven to six people)
- Second-row USB ports
Choosing the XLT is your ticket to a wider variety of options. A popular one is the XLT Sport Appearance package:
- 20-inch Carbonized Gray wheels
- Carbonized Gray exterior trim
- Black side mirror caps
- Exclusive interior trim
ST-Line
The ST-Line builds on the XLT trim with sporty styling cues and more:
- 20-inch alloy wheels with a machined-finish surface
- Dark-tinted headlights and taillights
- Black grille and exterior trim
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Remote engine start
- Ambient interior lighting
- Simulated leather and suede upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Navigation system
- Wireless smartphone charging
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
The ST-Line also adds a few more driver assist and collision avoidance systems:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Explorer and the car in front)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Explorer and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Limited
For a little bit of luxury, the Explorer Limited expands on XLT equipment with:
- 20-inch alloy wheels with a bright finish
- Added chrome exterior trim
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Hands-free liftgate
- Remote engine start
- Ambient interior lighting
- Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power-folding and heated second-row seats
- Second-row sunshades
The Limited trim also includes the infotainment system, premium sound system and safety features found in the ST-Line. It is also available with the Explorer's optional hybrid powertrain.
Timberline
This is the version you want for exploring off-road. It is based on XLT trim, but like the Limited it comes with the infotainment, audio and safety equipment found on the ST-Line. Additionally, the Timberline has:
- All-wheel drive
- Limited-slip rear differential (helps maximize available traction)
- 18-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires
- Off-road suspension tuning with added ground clearance
- Underbody skid plates
- Trailer towing equipment
- Unique front styling
- Front tow hooks
- Simulated leather upholstery with cloth inserts
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated second-row seats
ST
For enjoying the journey as much as the destination, the performance-tuned Explorer ST expands on the ST-Line styling and equipment with:
- Turbocharged V6 engine
- Transmission paddle shifters
- Quad exhaust outlets
- Sport suspension tuning
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
- Sport-bolstered front seats
- Leather seats with simulated suede inserts
- Second-row sunshades
An ST High-Performance package is available for this model. It installs:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Performance brakes
- Red brake calipers
King Ranch
The King Ranch is an upscale Western-themed version of the Explorer. In addition to the Limited trim features, it includes:
- Turbocharged V6 engine
- Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
- Exterior approach lighting
- Wood interior trim
- Leather-wrapped interior panels
- Unique leather upholstery
- Multi-contour front seats with massage
- 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
- Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Platinum
This is the luxury version of the Explorer. In addition to the King Ranch features, it has:
- 21-inch alloy wheels with a polished finish
- Satin aluminum grille and exterior trim
- Exclusive wood interior trim
- Diamond-pattern leather upholstery
- Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
The Explorer's hybrid powertrain is available for the Platinum trim. Choosing it reduces the SUV's price.
