Currently in its sixth generation, the Ford Explorer 2023 is a five-door midsize crossover SUV. It was introduced globally in 2019, and then Ford Philippines launched it for the local market in December 2021 for the 2023 model year. In the local market, the Explorer's sole variant is the Limited 2.3 EcoBoost 4WD AT, which comes with a Php 3,498,000 price tag.
Under the hood of the Ford Explorer is a 2.3-liter inline-4 turbocharged gasoline engine that's capable of making up to 300hp and 420Nm of torque. The said engine is then linked to a 10-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels.
Size-wise, the all-new Explorer is 5,049mm long, 2,268mm wide, and 1,783mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,025mm, and a ground clearance of 208mm.
In the Philippines, the Ford Explorer rivals the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Kia Sorento.
Launch
Ford globally introduced the Ford Explorer in the 1990s as the brand’s very first four-door full-size sports utility vehicle. Since then, it maintained its place as one of the best-selling Ford models in its parent country – the United States of America.
The current Explorer is the sixth-generation model, which was introduced globally back in 2019 at the North American International Auto Show.
In 2021, Ford Philippines brought in the all-new Explorer for the 2023 model year. For the local market, the said model only has one variant: the Limited 2.3 EcoBoost 4WD AT.
Ford Explorer Exterior
The exterior features of the Explorer 2023 include LED headlamps, LED taillights, LED front fog lamps, a twin-panel moonroof, a rear spoiler, roof rails, body-color door handles with chrome inserts, silver-painted faux skid plates, as well as a silver-colored mesh grille decorated with chrome bars.
Ford Explorer Interior
Inside, the new Explorer Philippines comes standard with three rows. The second row gets an armrest, the third row has a 50:50 split folding function, and the front row seats have ventilation. The said seats are then clad in Leather with micro perforations for breathability, as well as accent stitching.
Furthermore, the Explorer's interior is also equipped with a triple-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, powerfolding and power adjustable side mirrors, a push-to-start button, 10 cupholders, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free foot activated tailgate, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and plenty of tie-down points and hooks for the trunk.
Technology & Safety Features
To entertain its occupants, the 2023 Ford Explorer is kitted out with a SYNC3 eight-inch touchscreen headunit. This unit also has plenty of connectivity options including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, and Bluetooth. The said screen is then connected to a 12-piece Band and Olufsen sound system.
For the driver, the Explorer also provides a 6.5-inch LCD screen. It also gets a wireless smartphone charger.
Safety-wise, the Explorer gets seven airbags, stability control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, hill descent control, the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, a post-crash alert system, LATCH child-seat anchors, a car alarm, tire pressure monitoring, among others.
Also assisting the driver of the all-new 2023 Ford Explorer is the latest version of the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist. This includes technologies like reverse braking assist, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, pre-collision warning, evasive steering assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane centering, automatic high-beams, auto on/off for the LED headlamps, front and rear sensors, among others.
Lastly, the Explorer also comes with 360-degree view camera.
Platform & Chassis
Ford Explorer 2023 is a five-door crossover that can comfortably accommodate seven occupants. It comes with a length of 5,049mm. It is also 2,268mm wide, and 1,783mm in height. Its wheelbase length then measures 3,025mm long, and it has a ground clearance of 208mm.
Suspension-wise, the all-new Explorer uses a Macpherson strut for the front, and an independent integral link suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all-wheels. It also uses an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Of note, the all-new Explorer, like its predecessor, is a unibody crossover SUV with a transverse mounted engine.
Engine & Drivetrain
For the Philippine market, Ford offers the 2023 Explorer with one engine option: a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 gasoline mill capable of making up to 300 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. The said engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which then sends power to all four wheels.
The new Explorer's 4WD system comes with a terrain management system with specific modes. This includes a mode for towing, trail, slippery terrain, deep sand, Eco, Normal, and Sport.
aesthetics
Safety & Technology
Performance
Comfort & Practicality
Value for Money