Whether you’re headed all the way to the East Coast or places a little closer to home, nearly everyone enjoys a good road trip. However, most of us can agree that long miles on the road can lead to physical discomfort and acts of impatience. It’s usually not long before the driver and passengers alike are asking the dreaded question, “Are we there yet?”
Thankfully, the 2024 Ford Explorer is designed to accommodate the comfort of up to seven, whether you’re heading to Safeway or South Carolina. Ford has designed the 2024 Explorer with functional engineering to give you peace of mind and power when driving from Point A to Point B. They’ve also included a full array of features that put the fun back into every journey, with an exciting lineup of trims that offer something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2024 Ford Explorer has been specifically created to make every minute spent in the car part of the adventure.
Built to Function the Way You Need It To
When it comes to road tripping, it’s a good idea to have a vehicle that can withstand your travel plans. You need an SUV with plenty of power, of course, but you also need plenty of room for passengers, luggage, and souvenirs. The 2024 Ford Explorer provides ample amounts of both.
The Explorer’s power is supplied by one of two engines. The standard engine for most trims is a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 capable of a truly impressive 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the engine is amazingly economical, with rear-wheel drive models averaging a modest 24 MPG combined. All-wheel drive models are only slightly thirstier, with a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG combined.
Drivers who crave even more pep can choose models with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which provides a mighty 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This pep has a slight price in fuel economy, but the 21 MPG combined on rear-wheel drive models and 20 MPG combined on all-wheel drive models is still remarkably economical in this SUV class.
Spaciousness is also key. The base Explorer trim offers second and third-row bench seats, allowing for seating for eight passengers. Other trims include two plush captain’s chairs in the second row, able to adjust their position to allow greater room in the third row as needed. Drivers can also select PowerFold third-row seating, which stashes quickly at the push of a button to allow you to bring more cargo on board.
Speaking of cargo, the interior of the Explorer provides space not just for passengers but also for cargo. With all seats occupied, there’s room for 18.2 cu.ft. of stuff, but when the second and third rows are folded, that expands to a massive 87.8 cu.ft.
The size of the SUV can hamper power on the open road. However, despite its size, the Explorer is not only well-mannered in its acceleration, braking, and steering response. All Explorers also include standard Side-Wind Stabilization, technology engineered to help drivers handle blasts of winds on the open road.
Every Explorer also has the Ford Copilot 360 suite of driver assistance technology, including Auto High-Beam, Rear View Camera, Lane-Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist, and BLIS blind-spot assistance. Towing capacity ranges among the models in the lineup, but all models can haul at least 5,300 lbs when equipped with the optional towing package.
Balancing Function With Fun
Being the driver is usually the least enviable role on a road trip. As you watch the miles roll by, you not only have to pay attention to traffic and road conditions but also make sure all of your passengers are happy. The 2024 Ford Explorer can’t get you there any faster than the speed limit allows, but it can make every trip comfortable and enjoyable. Standard features across the lineup, like tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, rear auxiliary climate control, and an air filtration system, keep all three rows of passengers comfortable with minimal arguments and bickering. Ford has provided plenty of options to prevent passenger disagreements, including well-placed cargo hooks and cupholders, separate dome lights in each row, and five 12-volt powerpoints to keep everyone’s devices charged and ready to entertain.
While the infotainment system is typically operated via an eight-inch touchscreen, drivers can select an optional 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with a split-screen mode and zoom functions. Another option is a 12.3-inch digital driver information display, which drivers can customize to give them the most critical details. It can also be placed in “Mindful” mode, which provides only the most essential details to avoid distractions while keeping your eyes on the road.
There are also plenty of cool options that may not be completely necessary in the grand scheme of automobile operation but can help keep passengers entertained along the way to their destination. These include multi-color ambient lighting that can be synchronized with the optional 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system for on-the-road dance parties or chill-out sessions. A twin-panel moonroof can also be added to the Explorer to let everyone enjoy fresh air and nature.
Freedom of Choice
To help drivers select the right features for their needs, the 2024 Ford Explorer is offered in eight well-equipped trims: Explorer, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. In addition to the standard features mentioned earlier, the base Explorer trim includes a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, and up to seven selectable terrain-based drive modes, including Slippery and Sport modes. Moving up through the trims, you’ll find more exciting features that make life easier and more enjoyable, like ActiveX seating on the ST-Line or leather upholstery on the King Ranch. The Platinum trim includes quilted perforated leather inserts, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Those who are interested in seeing what lies beyond the pavement may wish to select the Timberline trim, which is geared for off-roading with features like skid plates, a higher 8.66-inch ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a 3.58 Torsen limited-slip rear axle. The ST is the sportiest of the Explrorer’s trims, including the powerful 3.0L engine and an independent front and rear suspension system specifically sport-tuned for the ST model. With great power comes great responsibility, so drivers of the ST trim are gifted an opportunity to attend the Ford Performance ST SUV Experience Driving School to learn how to harness that power for the ultimate road enjoyment.
Choosing Your 2024 Ford Explorer
With so many fantastic options and trims, you might want to take your time selecting the best Ford Explorer for your next road trip. Whether your passion lies in power and performance, the coolest technology, and a full range of trims to make your driving dreams come true. While road trips will still require extra patience and planning, the 2024 Ford Explorer makes the adventure far more enjoyable. From seating passengers in comfort to providing entertainment options, the interior of the Explorer is almost as fun as driving it. While road trip driving might be a great responsibility, it doesn’t have to be a chore behind the wheel of the Explorer.
