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Off-Roading Adventures with the 2023 Ford Explorer

The Explorer lives up to its name, designed to tame the wildest terrain – and transform any trail into your personal playground. The stylishly appointed cabin is the perfect contrast to the Explorer’s rugged performance, enhancing your experience behind the wheel like only Ford can. 

Whether you’re trekking completely off the grid or loading up the family for a weekend at the campground, the 2023 Ford Explorer is more equipped for adventure than ever before! Over streams, up steep inclines, through rocky terrain – nothing stops this must-drive model!

With a variety of trims to choose from, there’s a model to match every driver’s unique brand of adventure – from occasional weekend warriors to the most daring thrill seekers. Here at Mike Reichenbach Ford, our team is here to help you find the perfect one! Read on to learn more about the 2023 Explorer line-up, then stop by for a test drive!

Back to Basics: Choosing the Right Off-Road Model 

The 2023 Ford Explorer is available in the following unique trim levels:

  • Ford Explorer Base
  • Ford Explorer XLT
  • Ford Explorer ST-Line
  • Ford Explorer Limited
  • Ford Explorer Timberline
  • Ford Explorer ST
  • Ford Explorer Platinum
  • Ford Explorer King Ranch

Consider these factors when choosing a trim level:

  • Ground clearance
  • Drivetrain 
  • Tire traction 
  • Torque 
  • Approach and departure angles 

Our team is here to help! After learning more about your lifestyle and budget, we’d be happy to recommend a trim level that satisfies both – so please don’t hesitate to ask!

Exterior Designed for Exploration 

To help you make the most informed decision, we’ve defined a few key terms below.

Ground Clearance

Used to measure the distance between the bottom of your Explorer and the ground, ground clearance for an off-road vehicle is ideally 8.5 inches or more. Timberline trims, the most off-road-capable of the crew, boast a ground clearance of 8.66 inches.

Angles 

Approach, departure, and ramp break-over angles refer to the maximum angle between the ground and specific areas of the vehicle, used to determine if your Explorer will clear obstacles in its path. The 2023 Explorer’s approach and departure angles (21° and 22° respectively) fall slightly short of the ideal, but Timberline models go above and beyond with 23.5° and 23.7° angles.

Torque 

Torque is the twisting force the crankshaft exerts. Simply put, the greater the torque, the more work the engine can perform. Towing recreational vehicles or job site equipment requires serious torque, so Ford offers a Class IV Trailer Tow package to equip your Explorer for the task at hand.

Tire 

With great power comes the need for great traction, like that provided by the Explorer’s P255/65R18 all-season BSW tires! 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline models take traction one step further with the P265/65R18 BSW all-terrain tires.

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive is essential for off-roading. Every Explorer trim comes with optional Intelligent 4WD, with a Terrain Management System that offers up to seven performance-enhancing drive modes: 

  • Normal
  • Trail
  • Deep snow/sand
  • Slippery
  • Sport
  • Tow/haul 
  • Eco

Hill Descent Control is another key feature, helping drivers with a wild side maintain traction control – and confidence no matter where you roam.

Model Comparison: Timberline’s Standout Features

Considering the Timberline trim? Here’s how the rough terrain-tackling model stacks up against the remainder of the line-up:

2023 Ford Explorer SUV

*Starting at $36,760 MSRP 

  • Terrain Management System 
  • Power Liftgate 
  • SYNC 3 with 10.1” LCD capacitive touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability 
  • Standard rear-wheel drive with Intelligent 4WD optional 
  • AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control 

2023 Ford Explorer Timberline

*Starting at $48,980 MSRP

  • Model-exclusive grille with off-road accents
  • 3.58 TORSEN limited-slip locking differentials
  • Steel skid plates in front, rear, and underbody 
  • Second-row captain’s seats and bench third-row seating
  • Class IV Trailer Tow Package includes frame-mounted hitch and trailer connections 
  • Intelligent 4WD with Hill Descent Control 
  • 18” High Gloss black-painted aluminum wheels 

Venture Onward in the 2023 Ford Explorer!

Spanning the spectrum from budget-friendly base models to top-tier luxury, the latest Explorer line-up includes a model for every driver. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV perfect for transporting your most precious cargo or an adventure companion built for the backroads, you’re sure to find the perfect model here on our lot.

We’ve stocked a wide variety of new Ford Explorers for sale, with several financing options available to make the most of every dollar! Interested in leasing a Ford Explorer instead of buying new? Be sure to ask about current lease deals for the Ford Explorer and enjoy low monthly payments! Or check out our Ford deals, available to help you save! 

Mike Reichenbach Ford, your local new and used Ford dealership near home, is conveniently located in Florence, SC. Come see us today!

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Finding Your Next Ford: 2023 Ford Expedition vs. 2023 Ford Explorer

Ford is known for its SUV lineup, with each model striking the perfect balance between sporty performance and stylish design. Two of its most popular vehicles, the Explorer and Expedition, rank among the market’s top models. With spacious cabins, impressive power, and all the latest technology, both vehicles not only meet the needs of modern families – but far exceed their expectations. more This leaves drivers wondering which model is the better option: the full-size, fully-equipped Expedition or the adventure-ready, versatile Explorer. Read on to learn more about each vehicle’s capabilities, then stop by Mike Reichenbach Ford in Florence for a test drive! Our team knows the new Ford lineup inside and out, and we’re committed to helping you find the perfect vehicle. Because we believe that getting informed is a crucial first step, we’ve compiled the guide below. Check it out! Counting the Cost: Affordability This category requires potential buyers to consider their budget and determine how much they can comfortably afford. The Ford Explorer is certainly the lower cost option with a starting price of $36,760, while the Ford Expedition wears a $55,725 price tag. Keep in mind that the bump in cost also comes with increased capabilities. One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Dimensions The Expedition not only comes with a bigger price tag, but more expansive dimensions as well. Compared to its mid-size contender, the Expedition is a foot longer and sits 6.4 inches taller. And while both vehicles offer third-row seating, the Explorer seats seven and the Expedition offers a roomier ride for eight. Here are the specific dimensions for each Ford SUV: 2023 Ford Explorer Seating Capacity: 7 Total Passenger Volume: 152.7 cubic feet Overall Length: 198.8 in Overall Height: 69.9 in Cargo Space Behind First Row: 87.8 cubic feet Second-Row Legroom: 39 in Third-Row Legroom: 32.3 in 2023 Ford Expedition Seating Capacity: 8 Total Passenger Volume: Overall Length: 210 in Overall Height: 76.6 in Cargo Space Behind First Row: 104.6 cubic feet Second-Row Legroom: 41.5 in Third-Row Legroom: 36.1 in Adventure Per Gallon: Fuel Economy Looking to make the most of every mile? The Ford Explorer comes out on top with an impressive 28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. The Expedition, despite its heftier build, still gets a respectable 23 mpg on the highway. Interior Insights: Technology Features When it comes to advanced technology, Ford is on the forefront – hands down. Both the 2023 Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer pull ahead of competitors in this category, loaded with all the latest infotainment and driver assist features. For instance, both models come expertly equipped with an integrated backup camera, tri-zone automatic temperature control, adaptive cruise control, and the SYNC Ford system. Stop by Mike Reichenbach Ford for a Test Drive Today! Ultimately, the choice between these two family-approved SUVs is based on each unique driver’s lifestyle. If yours requires plenty of space for cargo and crew, the Expedition reigns supreme – and undoubtedly rules the road. But if you don’t regularly transport quite that much precious cargo and prefer to stick to a lower budget, the fun-to-drive, new Ford Explorer for sale is likely just your speed. No matter which model you choose, you’ll enjoy a refined experience behind the wheel. Just make sure you’re prepared to turn heads because Ford’s new SUV lineup is more stylishly designed than ever before! As the locals’ trusted Ford dealership near you, we’re dedicated to providing a car-buying experience that is stress-free and simple. Just ask our satisfied customers – likely your friends and neighbors right here in town! Our team will guide your car-buying journey to avoid any bumps in the road, putting you behind the wheel of a Ford SUV that’s right for you. Plus, our finance specialists will present several options to ensure you leave the lot with a payment plan you’re confident in. If you’re interested in a lease instead of a loan, we offer great Ford Explorer lease deals too – so don’t hesitate to ask! Adventure awaits, just on the other side of your new Ford purchase! Come see us today for a test drive!