2023 Ford Explorer® Trim Levels | XLT vs. Limited vs. ST vs. Platinum vs. King Ranch®

If you’re looking for a mid-size SUV ready to take on your daily commutes and weekend getaways, then consider the 2023 Ford Explorer®. In whichever of the eight trims you select, you’ll find respectable cargo space, advanced safety technology, and convenient interior features. Learn what each trim has to offer by reading through this 2023 Ford Explorer trims guide prepared for you by the team at Mountaineer Ford in Beckley, WV.

For more information on the Explorer as a whole, check out our review. When you’re ready to take the next step, browse through our new inventory, or get a feel for the Explorer in person by scheduling a test drive. Plan your visit to our dealership by using our hours and directions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us online or over the phone at (304) 256-7400.

2023 Ford Explorer Base

The 2023 Ford Explorer Base trim provides all the essentials you need for an excellent SUV experience.

Key Features:

• 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine with auto start/stop technology
  • 300 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque
• Ten-speed automatic transmission
• Terrain Management System™
• 18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels
• Automatic LED low- and high-beam headlamps
• LED taillamps
• Power liftgate
• Power side view mirrors
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Five 12V powerpoints and two USB ports
• Rear parking sensors
• Six speakers
• SYNC® 3 with 8-in. LCD capacitive touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ compatibility 
• FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi®
• Cloth upholstery
• Eight-way power driver’s seat / four-way manual front passenger’s seat
• Second-row 35/30/35 split fold-flat bench seat
• Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat
• Ford Co-Pilot360™
  • Auto high-beam headlamps
  • BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross traffic alert
  • Lane keeping system
  • Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking
  • Rear view camera with backup assist grid lines
• AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)

2023 Ford Explorer XLT

The 2023 Ford Explorer XLT adds premium exterior features and new technology.

Key Features:

Most Base trim features, plus:

• LED signature lighting
• Heated side view mirrors
• Privacy glass on second-row, third-row, and liftgate windows
• Roof rails
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 6.5-in. LCD productivity screen
• Dual second-row smart-charging USB ports
• Unique cloth upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Ten-way power driver’s seat
• Second-row captain’s seats with E-Z entry
• SecuriCode® keyless entry keypad

2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line

The 2023 Ford Explorer ST-Line boasts a unique style and additional safety features.

Key Features:

Most XLT features, plus:

• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• LED fog lamps
• Unique blackout treatment on headlamps and tail lamps
• Power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• 360-degree camera with split view
• Multi-color ambient interior lighting
• Remote start
• Heated, sport-style steering wheel with red stitching
• Wireless charging pad
• Ebony door panel with red stitching
• HD Radio™
• B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen® with 12 speakers, including subwoofer
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
• ActiveX™-trimmed seats with Miko® inserts and red stitching
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
  • Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering
  • Evasive steering assist 
  • Voice-activated navigation system

2023 Ford Explorer Limited

The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited offers enhanced interior comfort with leather seating and heating and ventilation functions.

Key Features:

XLT features, plus:

• Available 3.3L hybrid engine
  • 318 HP and 322 lb.-ft. of torque
• 20-in. premium painted aluminum wheels
• LED fog lamps
• Silver-painted skid plate elements
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• Power-folding side view mirrors with Autofold and security approach lamps 
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• Front parking sensors
• Second-row sunblinds
• Remote start
• Heated steering wheel
• Universal garage door opener
• Wireless charging pad
• HD Radio
• B&O sound system with 12 speakers
• Leather-trimmed seats with micro-perforated inserts and accent stitching
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+

2023 Ford Explorer Timberline®

The 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline® allows you to adventure off-road with specialized systems and standard four-wheel drive.

Key Features:

Most XLT features, plus:

• Hill Descent Control™
• 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Off-road front struts and rear shocks
• SelectShift® capability with paddle shifters
• 18-in. high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels
• Unique LED fog lamps
• Unique blackout treatment on headlamps and tail lamps
• Steel skid plates
• Unique Dark Carbonized Gray Timberline grille
• Timberline projection lamps on side mirrors
• Front tow hooks
• Cargo area management system
• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• Remote start
• Heated, sport-style steering wheel with Deep Tangerine stitching
• Unique Deep Cypress door trim panel with Deep Tangerine stitching
• ActiveX-trimmed seats with heathered cloth insert, Deep Tangerine stitching, and Timberline logo
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
• Class IV trailer tow package

2023 Ford Explorer ST

The 2023 Ford Explorer ST features a V6 engine and premium features for a thrilling driving experience.

Key Features:

Most XLT features, plus:

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
  • 400 HP and 415 lb.-ft. of torque
• Unique sport-tuned independent suspension
• SelectShift capability with paddle shifters
• 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
• LED fog lamps
• Unique blackout treatment on headlamps and tail lamps
• Black skid plate elements
• Black grille mesh insert
• Quad chrome exhaust tips
• Ford Performance branded door sill scuff plates
• Remote start
• Heated, sport-style steering wheel with ST logo
• 12.3-in. digital productivity screen
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Leather-trimmed seats with Miko micro-perforated inserts, City Silver stitching, and ST logo
• Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
• Class IV trailer tow package

2023 Ford Explorer Platinum

The 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum brings hybrid power to the Explorer family.

Key Features:

Most Limited features, plus:

• 3.3L hybrid engine
• 21-in. bright machined-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
• Adaptive headlamps
• Premium silver-painted skid plate elements
• Driver’s side auto-dimming outside mirror with memory
• Illuminated front scuff plates
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column 
• Heated steering wheel
• Multi-piece gray ash swirl real wood instrument panel appliques
• 12.3-in. digital productivity screen
• 110V/150W AC power outlet
• Leather seating surfaces with tri-diamond perforated inserts
• PowerFold third-row seat

2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch

The 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch® is southwest-inspired with unique seats and wood interior trim.

Key Features:

Most Limited features, plus:

• 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
• 20-in. ten-spoke aluminum wheels with King Ranch center cap
• Quad chrome exhaust tips
• Driver’s side auto-dimming outside mirror with memory
• Mesa Del Rio leather-covered center console with King Ranch logo
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• Multi-color ambient interior lighting
• Reverse brake assist
• Mesa Del Rio leather steering wheel with Norias stitching 
• Rear Sapele wood instrument panel appliques 
• 12.3-in. digital productivity screen
• 110V/150W AC power outlet
• Del Rio leather seats in Mesa/Norias color with lasso-perforated inserts
• PowerFold® third-row seat
• King Ranch logo insert in front- and second-row seat backs