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The current generation of Ford’s three-row crossover has been around since 2020 and it looks like the Blue Oval company already works on updates. According to the latest reports, the 2023 Ford Explorer is about to receive an update, just three years after the launch. The main reason probably is in the fact that Explorer is no longer the best-selling mid-size SUV on the market. The leading position is now held by the recently redesigned Grand Cherokee, while the second place belongs to the Toyota Highlander.
Even though the officials are still quiet, many believe that we are about to see a typical facelift. The next year’s model would come with styling changes, while most of the cars would remain the same. Also, many believe that the company could finally offer the plug-in hybrid version in North America, as this version is currently available in Europe only.
Considering the expected update, we presume that the 2023 Ford Explorer would arrive a little bit earlier than usual, though still sometime in the second half of the year.
2023 Ford Explorer Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Ford Explorer should receive a mid-cycle update. From what we know so far, the focus of this update will be the styling, so we count on a typical facelift. If we can trust rumors, the new model would come with the new grille, designed in the same fashion as the Chinese version of the SUV. Along with the new grille, the front end would bring a new front bumper, while headlights would probably come with new internals only. A couple of tweaks on the rear end are possible too, while we would probably see things like new color options and similar things.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle would remain the same. This model rides on a CD6 platform and features a suspension setup that balances between comfort and athleticism pretty well.
Interior
Interior changes are expected as well, especially if we consider that the current model features one of the least attractive cabins in the class. Not that it looks bad, but rivals simply offer more upscale interior designs. One of the main issues is the lack of high-quality materials, so this is something that could change with the 2023 Ford Explorer. Also, we could see new tech features, including a bigger infotainment system, similar to the one found in the updated expedition.
On the other hand, the overall cabin layout will remain the same. The Explorer comes with three rows of seats and a capacity for seven passengers. While the first rows are as spacious and comfortable, the third row is typically tight for the segment. The cargo area offers around 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 87.8 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is pretty good for the segment.
Features
Novelties in this aspect are expected too. As we already mentioned, there is a chance to see a bigger infotainment screen on the offer. That unit would be optional, while the currently available 10.1-inch touchscreen would become standard. We expect that some of the current options will become standard in the 2023 Explorer.
For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a six-speaker sound system, satellite radio, two USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, push-button start and tri-zone automatic climate control. Some of the current options that could become part of the standard equipment are a twin-panel moonroof, a 10.1-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12- or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, HD Radio, two second-row USB ports, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
2023 Ford Explorer Engines
The 2023 Ford Explorer will come standard with the same 2.3-liter turbo-four as the current model year, which puts out around 300 horsepower. While that’s enough for most drivers, there is also a version with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which puts out around 400 horsepower. Finally, there is a hybrid model, based on a 3.3-liter V6, with a combined output of 313 horsepower.
Some sources speculate about the possibility to see a plug-in hybrid version offered in North America. Currently, this system is available in Europe and it combines a twin-turbo V6 with a 100-hp electric motor, for a total output of 450 horsepower and a massive 620 pound-feet of torque.
2023 Ford Explorer Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Ford Explorer will hit the market sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars.
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