Aug 04, 2022 at 2:40am ET Show
"American sophistication meets Chinese sophistication" is how Ford prefers to describe the recently unveiled 2023 Explorer for the People's Republic. The midsize SUV is labeled as being an all-new model, but in reality, it's just a heavy update for the current generation. Right off the bat, we can observe the front grille has been made substantially wider and uses a heavy dose of chrome while being flanked by fully redesigned LED headlights. The side profile reveals 21-inch alloy wheels with a turbine fan design and there are more changes at the back where the wider taillights take after those of the smaller Equator also sold in China. Prominent "Explorer" lettering on the tailgate replaces where the Ford badge used to be, with the Blue Oval now sitting slightly lower between the taillights. It's joined by a chrome bar that's hinner but wider than before. 2023 Ford Explorer (CN)By far the most notable change is inside where the dashboard now accommodates a gargantuan 27-inch touchscreen we've also seen on the Ford Evos sold in China. Naturally, the massive display has swallowed most of the conventional buttons while the central air vents have been moved lower to make room for the XXL screen stretching across the passenger side of the dashboard. Will these changes be applied to the North American version? Ford Authority claims the tweaks are for the Chinese Explorer only, with the 2023MY US model to remain virtually unchanged. The order books in the SUV’s domestic market are set to open on August 11, with production programmed to kick off on November 7. Exploring The SUV's Range: The purely electric Explorer is still happening, but its mid-2023 original launch date has been pushed back to December 2024 when production is reportedly starting. It's the same story with the fancier Lincoln Aviator EV, with both bound to ride on a dedicated EV architecture. As it stands, it's unclear where the two zero-emissions SUVs will be assembled, but it's unlikely to be in Chicago or Cuautitlan. Source: Ford
 Yes, the 2023 Ford Explorer has an updated face and fresh interior design in a few countries. The new Explorer made its debut in China, and we could get the new model in America. The Chinese-spec Explorer was caught undisguised, so the updated look may have been leaked. If this model comes to America, it will feature new LED headlights that look a little larger. It also has a light bar that stretches across the entire width of the grille. Why the grille was already larger on the Chinese model, now it looks even bigger. The grille designs are different based on trim levels. For example, the sportier ST-Line model has a unique honeycomb pattern. The front bumper is a bit longer and has slimmer side intakes and chrome accents. The rear bumper is larger too. Also, the LED taillights are connected with a chrome accent. A new skid plate protects the larger dual tailpipes too. It looks like the side profile hasn’t changed. Also, it’s safe to expect a few new colors and wheel designs. Does the 2023 Explorer have a new interior?Yes, the 2023 Ford Explorer has a redesigned interior for the Chinese market. These changes could occur in America. While we agree that the Explorer has a comfortable interior, it could use tech updates. Based on leaked images, we can see that the interior has high-quality materials that replace hard plastics. The leather upholstery has an attractive deep maroon color with black seats and chrome accents. It looks like the wireless phone charging pad was moved from the center console to a bin under slimmer air vents. Also, there appears to be more ambient lighting, and pops of wood provide a luxurious feeling. We can’t stop staring at the massive portrait-oriented touchscreen. The infotainment system in the current model seems to have wasted space. Also, there is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. How much does the 2023 Explorer cost?According to Car Scoops, the 2023 Ford Explorer could start at around $33,000. This depends on if the updated model actually comes to America. The American model could share the same design as the Chinese one but with a few tweaks to differentiate them. It’s possible that the 2023 Explorer could gain more power, but engine updates aren’t usually included with midcycle updates. However, rumors are floating around about a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Explorer has had a lot of recent updates with the addition of the Timberline off-roading trim and the ST-Line. So, we wouldn’t be surprised if the American Explorer didn’t get a new look until 2024. We should learn more about the new Explorer any day now as the days tick closer to 2023. We’ll keep an eye out it to provide updates as soon as new information emerges. RELATED: We Disagree With Critics About the Ford Explorer Is there a new Ford Explorer coming out?Those interested in the 2023 Ford Explorer will be able to place their orders on August 11th (2022). Production of the SUV will begin on November 7th (2022).
How much will the 2023 Ford Explorer cost?The 2023 New Ford Explorer starting MSRP is $35,510 and gets 28 MPGs.
What colors will the 2023 Ford Explorer come in?Exterior Colors:. Agate Black Metallic [Black]. Atlas Blue Metallic [Blue]. Carbonized Gray Metallic [Gray]. Forged Green Metallic [Green]. Iconic Silver Metallic [Silver]. Oxford White [White]. Does 2023 Ford Explorer have Sync 4?It's also a little disappointing — but not deal-breaking — that Ford equips the 2023 Explorer with the previous-generation Sync 3 infotainment system. Other Ford models such as the Edge, Expedition, and Bronco come with the latest Sync 4 system.
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