What the 2024 Ford Explorer lineup includes

The 2024 Ford Explorer comes in five trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. Each step up adds interior features, exterior styling, and technology rather than changing the core vehicle. All models use the same 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, though rear-wheel drive is available on Base and XLT trims.

The main differences between trims are seating materials, dashboard technology, lighting systems, and convenience features like power liftgates or heated seats. Ford also offers optional packages on certain trims that bundle related features together, which can be more cost-effective than buying them individually.

Key Takeaways

  • All 2024 Explorer models share the same engine and transmission; trim level determines interior comfort, technology, and exterior appearance.
  • Base and XLT trims offer rear-wheel drive as an option, while Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum come standard with all-wheel drive.
  • Seating material progresses from cloth (Base) through leather (XLT and Limited) to premium leather (King Ranch and Platinum).
  • Optional packages like the Co-Pilot360 Plus bundle safety and convenience features at a lower cost than purchasing them separately.
  • The third-row seat is standard on all trims but is best suited for children or occasional adult use due to limited legroom.

Base and XLT: Core features and rear-wheel drive option

The Base Explorer includes cloth seating for up to seven passengers, an 8-inch touchscreen with Ford Sync 4, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and automatic headlights. Mechanical features include power windows and locks, a power liftgate, and cruise control. All-wheel drive is standard, but you can order rear-wheel drive to reduce cost.

The XLT adds leather-trimmed seats, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a roof rack. The infotainment system remains the same 8-inch screen. Like the Base, XLT offers rear-wheel drive as an option. Both trims may have access to for Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety package, which bundles blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking.

Limited and King Ranch: Leather upgrades and all-wheel drive standard

The Limited trim moves to all-wheel drive as standard and adds perforated leather seats, a 12-inch touchscreen (larger than XLT), a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded exterior trim. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard. The Limited also includes Ford's Intelligent Backup Camera, which shows multiple angles when reversing.

King Ranch is Ford's premium mid-tier trim, featuring unique exterior styling with a distinctive grille and badging. It includes premium leather seating with contrast stitching, a power liftgate with hands-free operation, a 12-inch screen, and a B&O sound system with 12 speakers. Heated and cooled front seats are standard, along with a power-adjustable pedal set and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Platinum: Top-tier comfort and technology

The Platinum trim is the highest level and includes all King Ranch features plus additional refinements. It adds a 13.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive suspension that adjusts to road conditions, and premium leather throughout the cabin. The Platinum also includes Ford's Co-Pilot360 Plus package as standard, which adds adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.

Platinum models come with a power-adjustable steering column, a hands-free power liftgate, and ambient interior lighting. The sound system is upgraded to a 12-speaker B&O system with subwoofer. Platinum is the only trim that includes the adaptive suspension system, which affects ride quality on different road surfaces.

Optional packages and add-ons across trims

Ford offers several packages that bundle features by function rather than trim level. The Co-Pilot360 Plus package (available on Limited and King Ranch, standard on Platinum) includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and evasive steering information. The Convenience Package adds power-adjustable pedals, a power liftgate, and remote start on lower trims.

The Panoramic Roof is available on XLT and higher trims and can be ordered separately. Towing packages are available on all trims and include upgraded cooling, a Class III or Class IV hitch, and integrated trailer brake controller. The Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive system with terrain management modes is standard on all-wheel-drive models but can be configured differently depending on trim.

Seating, cargo, and third-row considerations

All 2024 Explorer models seat seven passengers across three rows. The second row has a 60/40 split-folding bench or optional captain's chairs (available on XLT and higher). The third row is best suited for children or short trips; adult legroom is tight even with the second row slid forward. Cargo space behind the third row is 18 cubic feet; folding the third row gives 47 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows yields 87 cubic feet.

Leather seating is available or standard depending on trim, with heated seats on Limited and higher trims. King Ranch and Platinum add cooling to the front seats. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped on Limited and higher trims, and power-adjustable on King Ranch and Platinum.

Powertrain and drive options by trim

The 2024 Explorer uses a single 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine rated at 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque across all trims. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive is standard on Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum; Base and XLT offer all-wheel drive as standard but allow rear-wheel drive as a cost-saving option.

The all-wheel-drive system on higher trims includes Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive with terrain management modes (Normal, Slippery, Sand, and Tow). Towing capacity is 5,600 pounds across all trims when properly equipped. Fuel economy varies slightly by drivetrain; all-wheel-drive models average around 21 miles per gallon combined, while rear-wheel-drive versions may see slightly higher efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Base and XLT trims?

XLT adds leather seating, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, and a roof rack. Both trims use the same 8-inch touchscreen and engine. XLT also qualifies for the Co-Pilot360 safety package, while Base does not.

Do all 2024 Explorers come with all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive is standard on Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. Base and XLT come with all-wheel drive as standard but offer rear-wheel drive as a lower-cost option. Rear-wheel drive is not available on the three highest trims.

What is the difference between King Ranch and Platinum?

Platinum adds a larger 13.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive suspension, and Co-Pilot360 Plus (adaptive cruise and lane-centering) as standard. King Ranch has a 12-inch screen and standard Co-Pilot360. Both have premium leather and heated/cooled front seats.

Can I get a third-row seat on all trims?

Yes, the third-row seat is standard on all 2024 Explorer trims. However, legroom is limited; it is best suited for children or occasional use. Folding it down provides 47 cubic feet of cargo space.

What packages are worth ordering on the 2024 Explorer?

The Co-Pilot360 Plus package is valuable if you want adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. The Towing Package is worth ordering if you plan to tow, as it includes upgraded cooling and integrated trailer brake control. The Convenience Package bundles useful features like remote start and power liftgate at a discount.