2023 Ford Explorer Limited: Specs, Features & More
Hey guys! Thinking about getting a 2023 Ford Explorer Limited? You've come to the right place. Let's dive deep into what makes this SUV a fantastic choice for families and adventure seekers alike. We’ll cover everything from engine specs and performance to interior features and technology, ensuring you have all the info you need.
Engine and Performance
When it comes to the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited, the engine and performance are definitely something to get excited about. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which delivers a punchy 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is not only powerful but also quite efficient, making it a great choice for daily commutes and long road trips alike. For those looking for even more oomph, there's an available 3.3-liter hybrid engine that combines a V6 engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 318 horsepower. This hybrid option provides a smoother, quieter ride and improved fuel economy, perfect for eco-conscious drivers.
The Explorer Limited comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive gear changes. This transmission helps to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of your engine. Whether you're accelerating on the highway or navigating city streets, the transmission adapts seamlessly to provide the best driving experience. Additionally, the Explorer Limited is available with either rear-wheel drive or intelligent four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive system is particularly useful for those who live in areas with inclement weather or who enjoy off-road adventures. It provides enhanced traction and stability, giving you the confidence to tackle a variety of driving conditions. The Explorer Limited also boasts a respectable towing capacity, making it a practical choice for families who need to haul trailers or boats. With the right equipment, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds, providing ample capability for weekend getaways and outdoor activities.
Driving dynamics are also a key aspect of the Explorer Limited's performance. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers a well-rounded driving experience that combines power, efficiency, and comfort.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the array of high-tech features. The interior is designed to provide a comfortable and connected experience for both the driver and passengers. Let's start with the seating. The Explorer Limited comes standard with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and sophistication. The front seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring that you stay comfortable no matter the weather. They also offer multiple power adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. And for added convenience, the second-row seats can be easily folded down to create more cargo space.
In terms of technology, the Explorer Limited is packed with cutting-edge features. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, which is powered by Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system is user-friendly and responsive, with intuitive menus and voice control functionality. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. Other notable tech features include a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, which delivers crystal-clear audio quality, and a wireless charging pad, which allows you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables. The Explorer Limited also comes standard with a range of advanced driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited truly blends comfort with technology.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. Ford has prioritized safety in the design of this SUV, incorporating both passive and active safety systems to provide a secure driving experience. Standard safety features on the Explorer Limited include advanced airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury in the event of a collision. In addition to these basic safety features, the Explorer Limited also comes standard with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies. These technologies use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide alerts or interventions to help prevent accidents.
One of the most notable safety features is the blind-spot monitoring system, which alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot. This system is particularly useful when changing lanes on the highway. Another important feature is the lane-keeping assist system, which helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it will provide a gentle steering correction to guide it back. The Explorer Limited also comes with adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This feature is especially helpful on long road trips, as it can reduce driver fatigue and make the journey more enjoyable. Other safety features include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle when backing up, and automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate the severity of a crash. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that provide peace of mind and help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited boasts a sophisticated and modern exterior design that's sure to turn heads. From its bold front grille to its sleek profile, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a visually appealing SUV. The Explorer Limited features a distinctive chrome grille that adds a touch of elegance to the front end. The LED headlights provide excellent visibility and give the vehicle a contemporary look. The body-colored door handles and side mirrors create a seamless and cohesive appearance.
The Explorer Limited rides on stylish alloy wheels that complement its overall design. The available panoramic sunroof adds a sense of openness and allows natural light to flood the cabin. At the rear, the LED taillights and chrome accents further enhance the vehicle's premium look. The Explorer Limited is available in a range of attractive exterior colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic color like black or white, or something more vibrant like red or blue, there's an option for everyone. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Explorer Limited's exterior is also designed to be functional. The aerodynamic shape helps to improve fuel efficiency, while the roof rails provide a convenient way to carry extra cargo. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited's exterior design is a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a standout in the SUV segment.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is always a key consideration when choosing a new SUV, and the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers respectable numbers for its class. The fuel economy you can expect from the Explorer Limited depends on the engine you choose and whether you opt for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, those numbers drop slightly to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for a mid-size SUV and make the Explorer Limited a reasonable choice for daily commuting and long road trips.
For those looking to maximize fuel efficiency, the 3.3-liter hybrid engine is the way to go. This engine delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the hybrid Explorer Limited achieves 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These numbers are significantly better than the standard engine and make the hybrid Explorer Limited one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. In addition to its fuel-efficient engines, the Explorer Limited also incorporates other features that help to improve fuel economy. These include an aerodynamic design, which reduces drag, and a lightweight body, which reduces the amount of energy needed to propel the vehicle. The Explorer Limited also comes with an automatic start-stop system, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for a wide range of drivers.
Pricing and Trims
The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited sits in the middle of the Explorer lineup, offering a compelling blend of features and value. The starting price for the Explorer Limited is around $50,000, but this can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. While it's not the cheapest SUV on the market, the Explorer Limited offers a lot of bang for your buck, with a long list of standard features and available upgrades. Compared to the base Explorer model, the Limited adds a number of luxury and convenience features, such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system. It also comes standard with more advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
Compared to the higher-end Explorer trims, such as the Platinum and ST, the Limited offers a more balanced approach. While the Platinum and ST models offer even more luxury and performance, they also come with a higher price tag. The Limited provides a sweet spot for those who want a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. In terms of trims, the Explorer Limited is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. You can also choose between the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and the available 3.3-liter hybrid engine. There are also a number of optional packages that allow you to customize the Explorer Limited to your specific needs and preferences. These include packages that add features such as a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, and a towing package. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers a compelling combination of features, value, and customization options, making it a popular choice among SUV buyers.
