Auto Guide
2023 Ford Explorer
Used

Review and specifications

2023 Ford Explorer

The redesigned 2020 Explorer has newfound handling agility and a spacious, quiet cabin, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but raspy sounding. The transmission has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid was offered through the 2023 model year, but it focused more on power and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is very easy to use. 2025 models are now equipped with Ford's Digital Experience infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive powered by Google automotive services. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat is less roomy now. A power liftgate is standard. Standard through 2024, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. For 2025, ACC and LCA are added as standard features on all trims (included with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite), and BlueCruise is optional on all but the base Active trim. 2026 adds a new Tremor off-road-focused trim.

Market value
$33,500
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
7
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Model year 2023
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 2/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 10-speed
Category
Midsized SUVs 3-row
Generation began
2020

Pricing

Current retail median
$33,500
Retail value range
$21,650 - $38,800
Original MSRP range
$36,760 - $56,525
Trade-in range
$19,815 - $37,845

Ratings

Road test score
74/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
66%
Reliability
2/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
20 MPG
EPA highway
27 MPG
EPA combined
23 MPG
Tested city
14 MPG
Tested highway
29 MPG
Tested overall
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,890
Cruising range
370 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.1 sec
0-60 mph
7.4 sec
60-0 mph braking
136 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
199 in
Width
79 in
Height
70 in
Wheelbase
119 in
Weight
4,565 lb
Maximum load
1,255 lb
Towing capacity
5,600 lb

Interior

Seating
7 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
3 in
Rear leg room
28.5 in
Cargo volume
44.5 cu ft

Owner feedback

Comfort
4/5
Driving
5/5
Styling
5/5
Value
1/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Ford

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

Vehicle ID: 25414 First published: November 15, 2022 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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