2023 Ford Explorer® Trim Levels | McHenry, IL

Hit the road with all your favorite people in the 2023 Ford Explorer® and take the adventure essentials with you in its excellent cargo space. The lush interior features make every trip, no matter how long, a breeze, and innovative safety technology keeps you alert and mindful. With a choice between eight unique trims, you’ll find a Ford Explorer to fit your lifestyle. This 2023 Ford Explorer trims guide has been put together by the team at Buss Ford in McHenry, IL, to show you the advantages of each.

If you’d like to see the colors available or performance specs, check out our Explorer review. To get a firsthand look at the Explorer, schedule a test drive, and once you’ve found the right Explorer in our inventory, pair it with a finance or lease offer to take it home. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (815) 385-2000.

2023 Ford Explorer Base

The 2023 Ford Explorer base provides excellent amenities for a base trim, including a strong and efficient engine, versatile seating arrangements, and an infotainment system to keep everyone connected.

Key Features:

Key features include:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine with auto start/stop technology
  • 300 HP
  • 310 lb.-ft. of torque
• Ten-speed automatic transmission
• Terrain Management System™
• Trailer sway control
• 18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• Automatic LED low and high beam headlamps
• LED tail lamps
• Power liftgate
• Power exterior mirrors
• Chrome exterior highlights
• Cloth seats
• Eight-way power driver’s seat
• Four-way manual front passenger’s seat
• Second-row 35/30/35 split-folding bench seat
• Third-row 50/50 split-folding bench seat
• Tri-zone automatic temperature control
• 12V outlets
• Steering wheel with audio and cruise controls
• 4.2-in. productivity screen
• Six-speaker audio system
• SYNC® 3 infotainment system with 10.1-in. touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 
• FordPass™ Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
• Lane keeping system
• Rear view camera with backup assist grid lines
• Rear parking sensors
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
• LATCH system
• MyKey®

2023 Ford Explorer XLT

If you’re looking for a bump up in interior comfort and utility, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT provides some additional features to improve your cabin.

Key Features:

Includes most base features, plus:

• Roof rack side rails
• Heated, power exterior mirrors with security approach lamps
• Second-, third-row, and liftgate privacy glass
• Ten-way power driver’s seat
• Four-way power front passenger’s seat
• E-Z Entry second-row captain’s seats
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 6.5-in. productivity screen
• Intelligent Access with push-button start

2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line

The 2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line brings new features, like remote start and a premium audio system, to make every drive more convenient and exciting.

Key Features:

Includes most XLT features, plus:

• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• LED fog lamps
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with security approach lamps
• ActiveX™ trimmed seats with Miko® inserts and red stitching
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Remote start
• Wireless charging pad
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• 12-speaker B&O® sound system by Bang & Olufsen® with subwoofer
• Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• HD Radio™ 
• SecuriCode® keyless entry keypad

2023 Ford Explorer Limited

For a luxury ride, choose the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited and its host of interior and exterior features.

Key Features:

Includes most XLT features, plus:

• 20-in. premium painted aluminum wheels
• LED fog lamps
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with security approach lamps
• Leather-trimmed seats with micro-perforated inserts
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Heated and ventilated first-row seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Second-row sunblinds
• Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with subwoofer
• Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• HD Radio
• Remote start
• Universal garage door opener
• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• Front parking sensors
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad

2023 Ford Explorer Timberline®

The 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline® is built for the rugged outdoors, being as comfortable on road as off it.

Key Features:

Includes most XLT features, plus:

• 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road front struts and rear shocks
• Hill Descent Control™
• SelectShift® capability with paddle shifters
• 18-in. high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels
• Unique LED fog lamps
• Front tow hooks
• Heated, power exterior mirrors with security approach lamps and Timberline projection
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Heated, leather-wrapped sport style steering wheel with Deep Tangerine stitching
• Cargo area management system
• Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Remote start
• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad

2023 Ford Explorer ST

Being equipped with a V6 engine gives the 2023 Ford Explorer ST excellent performance, while interior features like leather seating take the driving experience to a whole new level.

Key Features:

Includes most XLT features, plus:

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine with auto start/stop technology
  • 400 HP
  • 415 lb.-ft. of torque
• SelectShift capability with paddle shifters
• Unique sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension
• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• LED fog lamps
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with ST projection lamps
• Quad chrome exhaust tips
• Leather-trimmed seats with Miko micro-perforated inserts
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Heated, sport style steering wheel with ST logo
• 12.3-in. productivity screen
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Remote start
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad

2023 Ford Explorer Platinum

If you’re interested in a hybrid engine, then the 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum provides that and more in a stylish package.

Key Features:

Includes most Limited features, plus:

• 3.3L hybrid I4 engine
  • 318 HP
  • 322 lb.-ft. of torque
• 21-in. bright machined-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
• Adaptive headlamps with LED signature lighting
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, security approach lamps, memory, and driver’s side auto-dimming
• Leather seats with tri-diamond perforated inserts
• PowerFold® third-row seat
• 12.3-in. productivity screen
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• Reverse brake assist

2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch®

Inspired by the famous ranch, the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch® seeks to capture a grand and free lifestyle with its mighty engine and unique styling.

Key Features:

Includes most Limited features, plus:

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with auto start/stop technology
  • 400 HP
  • 415 lb.-ft. of torque
• 20-in. ten-spoke aluminum wheels with King Ranch center cap
• Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, security approach lamps, memory, and driver’s side auto-dimming
• Quad chrome exhaust tips
• Del Rio leather seats
• PowerFold third-row seat
• Heated, Del Rio leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Del Rio leather covered center console armrest
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• 12.3-in. productivity screen
• Reverse brake assist

2022 Ford Explorer Trim Levels

With three rows of seating, cavernous cargo space, and impressive power and performance, the 2022 Ford Explorer is a full-size SUV designed to offer the durability modern families need. And with numerous trim levels available, you can select which Explorer features are best suited for your lifestyle.

The team at Buss Ford has crafted this 2022 Ford Explorer trims review to help you compare features and capabilities. Once you have an Explorer in mind, find it in our inventory and schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in McHenry, IL. Directions to find us are on our website, where you’ll also find information on attractive lease deals for the Explorer. And if you have any questions, contact us online or call us at (815) 669-1371.

2022 Ford Explorer

The base model 2022 Ford Explorer is designed for impressive versatility, with a suite of safety and driver assistance features and in-cabin amenities the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Key Features:

• 18-in. painted aluminum wheels
• Power liftgate
• Automatic LED headlamps and LED tail lamps
• Configurable daytime running lights
• Power Glass side mirrors
• Remote keyless entry
• FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
• Tri-zone automatic temperature control with rear auxiliary climate control
• Six-speaker MP3-compatible sound system
• Cloth seating surfaces
• MyKey® configurable key system
• Ford Co-Pilot360™
  • Lane keeping assist, lane keeping alert, and driver alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
  • BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert
• Reverse sensing system
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™

2022 Ford Explorer XLT

Upgrade to the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT for practical features like roof rails and heated side mirrors, plus comforts like heated first-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs.

Key Features:

Most base model features are included, plus:

• 18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels
• LED signature lighting
• Heated side mirrors with security approach lamps
• Roof rack side rails
• Intelligent access with push-button start
• Heated first-row seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• E-Z Entry second-row captain’s chairs
• Optional twin-panel moonroof

2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is packed with useful technologies, from remote start and power-folding side mirrors to a premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

Key Features:

Most XLT features are included, plus:

• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• LED fog lamps
• Remote start
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• PowerFold® side mirrors
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
• 12-speaker B&O® sound system
• SYNC® with voice-activated navigation system
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• ActiveX™ seating material with Miko® inserts
• Wireless charging pad
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+

2022 Ford Explorer Limited

Relax in the luxe comfort of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited, offering leather seating surfaces and heated second-row seats among other features.

Key Features:

Most ST-Line features are included, plus:

• 20-in. hand-polished aluminum wheels
• Leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and accent stitching
• Heated second-row seats
• Second-row sun blinds
• Power-folding side mirrors with autofold and LED turn signal indicators
• Forward sensing system

2022 Ford Explorer Timberline

Take the road less traveled in the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline, with suspension and drivetrain features optimized for off-road exploration and all-weather traction.

Key Features:

Most Limited features are included, plus:

• Intelligent 4WD
• 18-in. high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels
• Unique Timberline grille and badging
• Leather-wrapped sport-style steering wheel with paddle shifters
• ActiveX seating material with heathered cloth inserts
• Hill descent control
• Terrain Management System™
• Trailer sway control

2022 Ford Explorer ST

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST comes standard with a hybrid powertrain engineered for energetic acceleration and impressive fuel economy, as well as upgraded upholstery and more.

Key Features:

Most Limited features are included, plus:

• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• Quad chrome exhaust tips
• Leather seating surfaces with Miko suede micro-perforated inserts
• Steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Optional 360-degree camera

2022 Ford Explorer Platinum

The 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum offers a range of premium in-cabin amenities paired with a powerful V6-powered drivetrain.

Key Features:

Most ST features are included, plus:

• 21-in. machine-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
• Adaptive headlights with LED signature lighting
• Side mirrors with memory function and driver’s side auto-dimming
• 14-speaker 980W B&O sound system
• Tri-diamond perforated leather seating surfaces
• Contour seating
• PowerFold third-row seats
• Illuminated front scuff plates
• Active Park Assist 2.0

2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch®

Boasting opulent interior furnishings, a refined hybrid powertrain, and an iconic western-inspired aesthetic, the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch is a truly distinctive — and distinguished — SUV.

Key Features:

Most ST features are included, plus:

• 20-in. ten-spoke aluminum wheels with King Ranch center caps
• Del Rio leather seats with lasso-perforated inserts
• Heated steering wheel with Mesa Del Rio leather and Norias stitching
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
• Side mirrors with memory function and driver’s side auto-dimming
• 14-speaker 980W B&O sound system
• Tri-diamond perforated leather seating surfaces
• PowerFold third-row seats

2022 Ford Explorer Performance Specs

You’ll find three powerful engine options, including a hybrid powertrain, available with the 2022 Ford Explorer. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on most trims, but for added traction all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all trims and standard on the off-roading optimized Timberline. All Explorer models come with a ten-speed automatic transmission. For specs on the various engine options, see the accompanying chart.

2.3L EcoBoost® turbocharged I4

3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6

3.3L Hybrid V6

*Using premium fuel

Explore Your Choices

The Ford Explorer is an icon in the SUV class with its rugged performance qualities, spacious interior, and cutting-edge technology. You have several fantastic options with five exceptional trim levels that all have unique features. Our sales professionals created this list to review the Ford Explorer trim level differences to help with your selection. The first task is determining what are the Ford Explorer trim levels? The answer is the Base model, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. All have extraordinary traits and the option for Intelligent 4WD that will prove beneficial in challenging weather. Take a look at the Ford Explorer trim level differences below, and visit Buss Ford for a test drive.

Ford Explorer Base Model

This trim level is standard with the 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 turbo engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. There is 87.8 cu.ft. of maximum cargo volume with second- and third-row flat-flat seats. There are a plethora of standard features, such as a power liftgate, Ford Co-Pilot360™, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and more.

Ford Explorer XLT

This Ford Explorer trim level difference begins with the exclusive and optional Sport Appearance package that outfits the SUV with Carbonized Gray-painted 20-inch wheels and matching grille, hood lettering, skid plates, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Front-row heated seats are standard, and you can add the available Ford SYNC® 3 infotainment system with the voice-activated touchscreen navigation system.

Ford Explorer Limited

The Ford SYNC® 3 infotainment system is standard on this trim level, and you have the option for the 3.3L hybrid engine that generates 318 horsepower and 322 lb.-ft. of torque. It also adds the 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen as the standard audio system, along with heated second-row bench seats or available second-row Captain’s Chairs.

Ford Explorer ST

The standard 3.0L EcoBoost® twin-turbo V6 is a significant Ford Explorer trim level difference, and it produces 400 horsepower, 415 lb.-ft. of torque, and achieves a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. The Intelligent 4WD, along with sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension are both equipped as standard systems.

Ford Explorer Platinum

When performing our Ford Explorer trim level comparison, we found this variant offers the most upscale amenities with Tri-Diamond perforated leather seating with Platinum branding, a digital gauge cluster display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and more.

Shop for a Ford Explorer

Visit the Buss Ford showroom to get an in-person look at all the unique Ford Explorer trim level differences, and pick the one that matches your personality.