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Automotive Editor
Based out of the Washington, D.C. area, Joel Patel is an automotive journalist that hails from Northern Virginia. His work has been featured on various automotive outlets, including Autoweek, Digital Trends, and Autoblog. When not writing about cars, Joel enjoys trying new foods, wrenching on his car, and watching horror movies.
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, Automotive Editor - April 27, 2022
In the midst of Ford splitting into two brands – one for electric cars and another to keep vehicles with internal combustion engines alive – the automaker is also looking into making another big change. Instead of investing money into improving its current SYNC 4 infotainment system that was built in partnership with Blackberry QNX, Ford announced that it would come out with a new Android-based SYNC system last year. Unfortunately, the automaker is running behind schedule for the debut of its new system.
In an interview with The Verge, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that the automaker is a few months behind schedule for the debut of its new SYNC infotainment system with Android Automotive integration. Now, the new version of SYNC is expected to arrive in vehicles by 2023.
“We’re making a lot of progress. I’m very impressed with the team that Google has put in place,” Farley told the outlet. “They’ve been very accommodating – you can imagine that we don’t want a generic solution for the instrument panel for Mustang. We want, like, line lock to do a burnout. But it is slightly delayed so that’ll be later in the fall.”
The delay will give buyers something to think about, as current Ford vehicles that come with the current SYNC 4 infotainment system cannot be upgraded to the upcoming Android-based system. So, early adopters that wanted to get their hands on one of Ford’s cutting-edge vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, will be stuck with the existing SYNC 4 system. F-150 Lightning models that ship out next year will come with the Android Automotive integration.
Unlike Android Auto, Android Automotive integration is an actual operating system that automakers can customize for their vehicles. Instead of having to develop operating systems from the ground up, Android Automotive is a platform with built-in features, like Google maps and Google Voice Assistant. The first vehicle on the market with Android Automotive Integration was the all-electric Polestar 2. The operating system has also migrated to some vehicles from Stellantis and General Motors.
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Pictured: 2022 Ford Explorer [Top], 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning [Middle]
Joel Patel, Automotive Editor
Based out of the Washington, D.C. area, Joel Patel is an automotive journalist that hails from Northern Virginia. His work has been featured on various automotive outlets, including Autoweek, Digital Trends, and Autoblog. When not writing about cars, Joel enjoys trying new foods, wrenching on his car, and watching horror movies.
Follow On: Twitter
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The 2023 Ford Explorer midsize SUV promises to be another superb entry in the Ford lineup of vehicles. It offers the space to haul as many as seven people and looks great doing it.
This article will lay out what we can expect from the new version of the Explorer. We will discuss the potential 2023 Ford Explorer redesign, the specs we're likely to enjoy on this SUV, and the trims it may be available in. As of now, we know that the vehicle is slated to release in Fall 2022. We will update you about the new Explorer when we learn more.
Three different engines are available for the 2022 Ford Explorer. Since the vehicle got its last overhaul in 2020, we don't really expect Ford to make significant changes to this new 2023 model. That means that we can expect the same three engine options, perhaps with minor modifications.
The two traditional gasoline-only engines available for the Ford Explorer are a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that gets 400 ponies. Both of these options are powerful, blending strength with fuel economy.
The Ford Explorer is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with available all-wheel drive. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds,1 which means that you can bring the family boat or camper along for your weekend getaway.
2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The third powertrain option for the 2022 Ford Explorer is a hybrid one. It pairs a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a battery-and-motor setup for a total of 318 horsepower. The rear-wheel-drive hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 27/29/28 MPG [city/highway/combined].2 You'll be able to ferry the kids and their friends to practice without breaking the bank at the pump in a 2023 Ford Explorer hybrid SUV.
There are also rumors of a 2023 Ford Explorer electric vehicle [EV]. This would mean an all-electric version of the car that does not use any gasoline. Unfortunately, industry watchers believe that this version of the vehicle may have been delayed until 2024 so that Ford can focus on other options like the Ford Mach-E Mustang. We, however, are keeping our fingers crossed for a 2023 Ford Explorer EV.
2023 Ford Explorer Facelift
As we mentioned above, the Ford Explorer midsize SUV got an overhaul for the 2020 model year. This makes it unlikely that the vehicle will be entirely redesigned for its upcoming Fall 2022 release. There are, however, reports that Ford is planning aesthetic changes and some upgrades. Features previously reserved for top-tier trims are likely to be available on mid-tier trims, and the lower-tier trims are also likely to see some new features added.
The Ford Explorer is a great all-around SUV. It carries more than half a dozen people in luxurious comfort. It also has the chops to get off the beaten path, especially if you opt for all-wheel drive. Some folks, however, want a more adventure-oriented vehicle. Luckily for them, Ford recently resurrected the Ford Bronco.
The Bronco is a gearhead favorite, offering incredible off-roading chops and a spacious interior. There are a few different versions of this car; if you're interested, check out this page where we compare the Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport.
2023 Ford Explorer Trims
There are ten different trims available for the 2022 Ford Explorer if you count hybrid versions of a given trim as a separate option. These range from the entry-level Ford Explorer Base to the top-tier Platinum and Platinum Hybrid. The lower-tier configurations of the car still offer creature comforts galore and nice interior style, while the upper-level options are packed with features to the point that we might call them decadent.
The mid-tier Limited trim for the 2022 model is a great example. It won't blow a hole in the family budget but still features a heated steering wheel, extra safety features including adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery. We expect that the 2023 Ford Explorer will keep most, if not all, of the trim options found on the 2022 model. It will, however, probably add some features to each option.
2023 Ford Explorer Interior
The interior of the Ford Explorer is perhaps the likeliest part of the car to receive an upgrade for the 2023 model year. Ford has hinted that it will use more upscale materials in its construction. It also seems that the vehicle will get a larger touch screen in the front to make controlling music and navigation with Ford's innovative software even easier.
If you're ready to hop into a new Ford Explorer and don't want to wait until the fall, don't fret. Our dealership has a new Ford Explorer for sale that will serve your family well for years to come.
2023 Ford Explorer Release Date
The 2023 Ford Explorer midsize three-row SUV will release in Fall 2022. While we still don't have all of the details about the expected price, we think that it will offer great value for your hard-earned money.
If you're looking for an even more budget-friendly option, however, you'd do well to browse our pre-owned Ford Explorer inventory. These vehicles are great family car options, no matter the model year. You can expect straight-shooting, friendly service, and a great deal when you shop with us. We have superb options to finance your next Ford vehicle. Contact our team to schedule a test drive of the Ford Explorer SUV or another one of Ford's fantastic vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2023 Ford Explorer release date?
Ford has not yet told us precisely when to expect the 2023 Ford Explorer to hit dealerships around the country, but we do know that it is slated to do so in Fall 2022. We are excited: this SUV promises to be a superb family-friendly vehicle that fits up to seven people without pushing you to spend too much at the pump.
Will there be a Ford Explorer EV in 2023?
The phrase "electric vehicle" [EV] can mean a few things. There are all-electric cars and hybrid vehicles, and EV can refer to both. We know that there will be a hybrid version of the Explorer for this model year. Some rumors have swirled for a while now of an all-electric Ford Explorer too, but it may have been delayed until 2024.
What will the price be on a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Ford has not yet released exact prices for the 2023 version of the midsize Explorer. We can expect them to look pretty similar to the 2022 prices, so you can check those to see about how much you should expect to pay for your preferred trim. However, those numbers are not exact and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Is the Ford Explorer getting a redesign in 2023?
The Ford Explorer is not likely to get a complete overhaul for the 2023 model year. However, it does seem that the car is getting some aesthetic and technological upgrades. The 2022 Ford Explorer is a great vehicle, and we expect the 2023 one to continue in its footsteps.
1Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
2EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.