Ford Explorer: What’s in a Trim?

Finding the right vehicle with everything you need that you can enjoy for many years ahead comes down to making a series of decisions. Once you’ve chosen a make and model you’re interested in, such as the Ford Explorer, you still have some work to do since the trim level you choose can greatly impact the kinds of features you get. As your Albany Explorer dealer, we certainly love the Ford Explorer here at DePaula Ford, but we also know that deciding on just the right trim isn’t always as easy as it could be.

This is especially true with the 2023 Ford Explorer because there are eight fantastic trims available! That’s a ton of options to choose from, and your choice of trim has a big impact on the features you get and your overall driving experience. Since you’re going to be enjoying your Explorer for a long time, you want to make sure you get just what you need. To help with that, let’s take a look at all eight trims of the Explorer and what they offer, particularly in terms of what separates one from the next.

Explorer Base

The Base trim for the Explorer has the starting set of features and options for this three-row, midsize SUV. It features the Explorer’s standard engine: a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 that delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. You get rear-wheel drive standard, with Intelligent 4WD available––living in the Albany area, we always recommend choosing 4WD. The Base comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist features, including a Lane Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and more.

Inside the Explorer Base, you’ll find cloth seating with an eight-way power driver’s seat, a four-way front-passenger seat, and tri-zone automatic temperature control. It has a 4.2-inch color LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel, a 10.1-inch infotainment display, and a standard six-speaker sound system. Overall, this trim is a great place to start and the perfect choice if you want to save money. However, the higher trims bring more to the table if you have the budget.

Explorer XLT

Moving up from the Base to the next trim, the XLT, you get a number of improvements along with some key elements that remain the same. The XLT has the same engine and performance, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything there. However, you will enjoy heated seats up front, second-row captain’s chairs (this eliminates seating for one person but makes the second row more comfortable), and a 10-way power driver’s seat. The XLT has a larger 6.5-inch productivity screen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start. There are also a lot more options available for the XLT, such as more driver-assist features, a twin-panel moonroof, and an advanced sound system that you can’t get on the Base trim.

Explorer ST-Line

The ST-Line trim (not to be confused with the ST trim) brings sportier styling and a number of improvements, as well as some more available options. For starters, you get a wireless charging pad in the ST-Line, along with improved driver-assist technology like a 360-degree camera with Split-View Display to improve your visibility while maneuvering your Ford Explorer. The ST-Line gives you an eight-way power front-passenger seat, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer, and the infotainment system includes navigation functionality. You also get a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and sporty ActiveX seats with red stitching.

Explorer Timberline

The Timberline has the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, though this trim includes paddle shifters with SelectShift capability for a driving experience that keeps you in control. This is the most adventurous trim in the Explorer lineup, highlighted by the fact that it comes with Intelligent 4WD standard rather than as an available option. It also comes standard with all-terrain tires and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for maximum traction on the trail. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Timberline features exclusive Deep Tangerine stitching for a nice aesthetic touch, and you get similar stitching in other parts of the interior to create a unique look. Overall, this model is filled with off-road features and tons of exclusive details intended for adventure-loving drivers.

Explorer Limited

With the Limited, we come to the last trim that features the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine. However, you can also choose an available 3.3L Hybrid engine that delivers 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque while boosting overall fuel efficiency. This hybrid engine is only offered on the Limited and Platinum trims, so this is something worth keeping in mind. For luxury features, you get Front Parking Sensors with the Limited––prior trims had Rear Parking Sensors only––along with leather-trimmed seating with micro-perforated inserts and accent stitching. The Limited has heated second-row seats to keep passengers warm in Albany winters and great options like an enhanced sound system, driver’s seat memory functionality, and much more.

Explorer ST

As we move up to the performance-oriented ST trim (again, not to be confused with the ST-Line), we find a new engine. The ST comes with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers an impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving you an exhilarating driving experience. This is fantastic power for a family-friendly midsize SUV like this, and it’s well worth considering if you want a vehicle that you’ll have a blast driving. You also get paddle shifters with the ST trim, and it comes with a unique sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension for better overall performance.

There are a number of advanced driver-assist options available for the ST, including Active Park Assist 2.0, which can take over and get into or out of parking spots for you, a 360-degree camera with Split-View Display, Front Parking Sensors, and Reverse Brake Assist. You get leather-trimmed seating with a unique ST logo and accent stitching, a heated sport-style steering wheel, and a gorgeous 12.3-inch digital productivity screen in the instrument cluster. Overall, the Explorer ST is a fantastic option for performance-oriented drivers.

Explorer King Ranch

Next, we have the penultimate trim level for the Explorer: the King Ranch. This Western-themed trim comes with the same 3.0L V6 engine as the ST but doesn’t have the sporty trim’s other performance options. The King Ranch is a great choice if you like the power of the ST but want classic style and luxury features. With the King Ranch, you get Del Rio leather seating with exclusive Lasso-Perforated inserts, a wireless charging pad, and a Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system with a subwoofer as standard. The King Ranch comes with navigation functionality, plus second-row heated seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and PowerFold third-row seating that makes it easy to maximize your interior cargo space.

Explorer Platinum

Finally, the Platinum is the ultimate expression of what the 2023 Explorer offers, featuring the 3.3L Hybrid engine as its standard powertrain, with the 3.0L V6 available if you prefer it. The Platinum comes with a full suite of safety features, with Active Park Assist 2.0 available to take things even further. Plus, you’ll find leather seating surfaces inside with Tri-Diamond perforated inserts for a unique touch of luxury. You get voice-activated navigation functionality standard along with a wireless charging pad, and you can choose an available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, twin-panel moonroof, and much more.

Find the Right Explorer!

As you can see, your choice of trim has a big impact on the wide range of features and options for the 2023 Explorer. With eight trims available, delivering three different engines, varying amounts of seating, and substantially different interior experiences, it pays to consider your options and what you need in your midsize SUV before deciding on the right one. Here at DePaula Ford, we are ready to take you through everything the Explorer offers and show you these different trims so you can figure out exactly what you want. Call or come visit our Albany dealership today, and we’ll make sure you get the perfect vehicle in the trim level that’s right for you.