2023 Ford Explorer

The Base Explorer has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Just a step up from the Base to the XLT gets you heated exterior mirrors and roof rails, while the ST-Line adds 20-inch alloy wheels and black exterior accents. Choose the Timberline for 18-inch black alloy wheels, off-road suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, or bump up to the Limited for 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim elements, and power-folding exterior mirrors. The performance-tuned ST trim gains quad exhaust tips, a sport-tuned suspension, and trailering equipment. Another bump up to the upscale King Ranch adds a hands-free liftgate, and The Platinum adds 21-inch alloy wheels and a satin aluminum grille.

The base engine for the Explorer is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine with 300 horsepower. The higher-end models get a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 engine that puts out 400 horsepower. A hybrid powertrain that delivers 318 horsepower is also available for select trims. All the engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission, and most models come with rear-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option.

No matter which engine you have under the Explorer's hood, it moves the SUV with purpose. The ride in the Explorer is smooth and comfortable, but if you want a more athletic feel, the ST stiffens up the suspension. When equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

With the standard seat configuration, there's room for seven in the Explorer, but opting for second-row captain's chairs reduces seating to six. Depending on the trim, you'll see features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat memory settings, a power-folding third row, and a heated steering wheel in the cabin. You'll find an abundance of tech features in the Explorer, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Wireless charging comes in the ST-Line and above, and you'll also get an upgraded stereo in the higher-end trims along with navigation.

Every Explorer comes with a long list of driver aids as part of the Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety systems. It includes automatic high beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic braking, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. It also includes rear parking sensors and trailer sway damping. A 360-degree surround-view camera system is available, and you can get the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system with adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and lane-keeping assist. Front parking sensors come in the Limited and above, and rear automatic braking is available.