Continuing to give consumers who “want it all”, well, “all of it”; Ford offers up one more year of its popular Explorer ST. Debuting in 2020, the ST is one of the latest in the Automaker’s line of performance-oriented variants of otherwise run-of-the-mill models.
The ST blends style, comfort, and performance in an aggressive package compared to the standard Explorer and falls on the upper end of eight available models of Explorer with only the Platinum and King Ranch coming in higher in the range. It follows a long list of performance SUVs in this segment intended to help drivers shed the utilitarian feel of the standard car and look a little cooler in the school drop-off line.
2023 Ford Explorer ST
- Aggressive Styling
- One of the few performance models in the segment
- Availability
- Model: Explorer ST
- Engine: 3.0-L Twin-Turbo
- Power Output: 400 HP
- Torque: 415 LB-FT
- Transmission: 10-Speed Auto
- Driveline: Rear-Wheel Drive / Four-Wheel Drive
- Power 400hp engine
- Standard bundle of safety equipment
- Available in both 4-wheel and 2-wheel drive
- High starting price
- Interior quality
- Tight third row
2023 Ford Explorer ST Performance And Capability
Sport Technologies or ST have been making boring Ford’s exciting since the 1997 Ford Mondeo ST24. More than a decade later, models such as the Focus ST and Fiesta ST became hugely popular as the cars drivers once upgraded from at the rental counter quickly became some of the coolest you could get for under $30,000.
Ford decided to give the Explorer the same treatment turning this lifted Taurus into an absolute rocket ship. It’s powered by Ford’s 3.0-liter Ecoboost that puts out 400 horsepower and 415-ft-pounds of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive versions.
60mph comes quickly as the seven-seater reaches the mark in just under six seconds at 5.5 seconds. Fuel economy is decent for a vehicle this size as drivers can expect to see 18 city and 25 mpg on the highway.
All of this performance and capability don’t come cheap. The ST has one of the highest starting prices in the segment coming in at $50,005 before any boxes are checked. But for those interested, that price does include a trip to Ford’s Performance ST SUV Experience Driving school for you and a guest to teach you how to get the most out of your Explorer.
Now interestingly enough, Ford will give buyers the option to get something similar looking, sans the performance in the Explorer ST-Line. The ST-line comes standard with a smaller, 2.3-Liter four-cylinder that puts out 300 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and is mated to the same 10-speed automatic transmission. It comes in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
Gas mileage is marginally better -- drivers should expect to see 21mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. Starting price is a little less than its more powerful sibling coming in at $47,760 for the 4WD version. But with such a minimal difference in starting price, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more buyers opting for the more powerful version.
Engine | 3.0-liter Turbo V6 |
Power | 400hp |
Torque | 415 ft-lbs |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
0-60mph | 5.5 seconds |
Weight | 4701lbs |
Exterior Design
Ford did a great job with Explorer ST’s appearance. Styling is aggressive as compared to the regular Explorer. On the first approach, you’ll notice the more muscular stance and a front fascia with more sharp angles. Other subtle design cues include the blacked-out grille with the large “ST” logo, blacked-out trim, and the optional 21-inch blacked-out wheels. Most shoppers will opt for ST’s “Street Pack” ($995) which includes the 21-inch aluminum wheels and performance brakes with red painted calipers.
Other exterior features include body-colored front and rear bumpers along with body-colored door handles. From certain angles, it looks more like Land Rover than Ford. ST is available in the same color choices as other Explorer models with Rapid Red Metallic ($495) and Black being the most popular colors. But overall, the exterior is completely unchanged from last year’s model, although Ford has hinted at huge changes on the horizon.
Agate Black Metallic | - |
Carbonized Gray Metallic | - |
Star White Metallic | $795 |
Stone Blue Metallic | $495 |
Forged Green Metallic | - |
Atlas Blue Metallic | - |
Rapid Red Metallic | $495 |
Iconic Silver Metallic | - |
Interior Quality And Technology
Once inside the cabin, the interior isn’t all that different from that of other Explorer models. It also remains unchanged from the previous year. Small styling cues such as the exposed stitching and the “ST” logo on the seatbacks help differentiate the hotter version from the other Explorer models. Seating can best be described as functional, but comfortable.
Passengers in the front and second rows will find things roomy and inviting while anyone over the age of eight sitting in the third row on long road trips as things are tight in every direction. Some passengers even complained of sitting too close to the floor once in the final row of seats. But those with larger families, both in number and size should consider Explorer’s larger sibling – the full-size Expedition, although it doesn’t offer an ST model.
Still, this Ford still falls behind in the overall interior feel as it doesn’t feel as nice inside as competitors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the super-popular Kia Telluride. However, ST buyers aren’t necessarily looking for plush as most have prioritized performance over a luxury feel.
In an attempt to keep up with quickly advancing technology and trends, Ford has packed Explorer with a lot of technology. Not to be left out of the big screen party, once inside, drivers can opt for a large 10.1-inch vertical tablet-like infotainment screen protruding from the dash. This screen is standard on higher Explorer trims. While functional and intuitive, its placement feels more like an afterthought.
Other standard features include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Every model is available with voice-activated navigation as well as rear-seat entertainment that in a world of tablet computers seems pointless these days and a 12-speaker B&O stereo system.
2023 Ford Explorer ST Price And Availability
As previously mentioned, ST is pricey when compared to other premium trims across other models in the segment but when looked at as a package of performance and technology, it seems like a relative bargain. Starting price according to Ford is $50,005. Add in popular packages such as the ST Street Pack, Intelligent 4WD, and the 401a equipment group, and buyers quickly enter base Porsche Cayenne territory.
Ordering opened earlier this year, although certain options may cause delays or may not be available at all due to ongoing supply chain shortages that are still plaguing the auto industry.
Configure Your 2023 Ford Explorer ST here
Base | $38,255 |
XLT | $40,065 |
ST-Line | $47,500 |
Limited | $48,565 |
Timberline | $50,475 |
ST* | $50,005 |
Platinum | $55,315 |
King Ranch | $56,865 |
Safety
In an automotive world that’s becoming more à la carte and pay-to-play, Ford is giving every Explorer a host of standard safety features. Those include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, standard blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert along with lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
For those looking for even more, Ford offers self-parking assistance, a 360-degree camera, and an Evasive Steering assist. But one thing to note is that over 250,000 Ford Explorer SUVs (2020-2022) were recalled due to rollaway risk.
Main Competition
Explorer has managed to hold its own in this increasingly competitive segment. It remains one of the more popular choices among offerings from other automakers such as the Mazda CX9, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Traverse. But its stiffest competition showed up from the unlikeliest of automakers a few years ago in the Kia Telluride.
Kia Telluride SX Prestige | $50,390 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee | $41,035 |
Chevy Traverse RS | $45,045 |
Mazda CX-9 Carbon Edition | $44,780 |
Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy | $42,050 |
The Telluride comes in 10 different models and gives buyers everything they could want in a midsize SUV combining a premium feeling interior, lots of technology, and elegant styling. The most comparable model to Explorer ST is the SX Prestige ($50,390) which comes standard with a head-up display, a digital rearview camera mirror, and rain-sensing wipers along with the available all-wheel drive. The Telluride remains a hot seller as they were in short supply, long before the vehicle supply shortage where buyers in some cases were waiting up to a year for their vehicle to arrive.
One clear advantage that the Explorer ST has over the Kia is in performance as its engine has more than 100 horsepower on the Telluride’s most powerful engine. But as automakers continue to transition to EVs, this will become less and less of an issue for drivers. Ford expects to debut its EV Explorer as a 2024 model. We’ll see how this segment continues to unfold in the coming years.
FAQ
Q: Will there be a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Yes, all Ford Explorer models are all available in 2023
Q: Does Explorer ST require premium gas?
It does not require premium fuel, but for maximum performance, Ford recommends 91 octane fuel
Q: Can Ford Explorer St go off road?
Ford Explorer ST is available in 4-wheel drive, but to be off-road capable the vehicle must be equipped with the correct tires
Q: Is the Ford Explorer ST good in snow?
As with being off-road capable, the Explorer, while it does have various drive modes, must be equipped with the correct tires before traversing out into snowy conditions
Q: Is Ford Explorer St AWD or 4WD?
Explorer ST is available with Ford's Intelligent 4wd