Mike Reichenbach Ford

May 25, 2023

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!