The 2024 Ford Explorer Is Gaining Spicy Updates

It’s time for the Ford Explorer to enter the salon! It’s getting a refreshed look and revamped interior because its mid-cycle refresh is underway. Check out what to expect with the 2024 Ford Explorer as it gets a new face and attractive upgrades. 

2024 Ford Explorer: What’s new? 

2024 Ford Explorer mid-cycle refresh
2024 Ford Explorer (Chinese model) | Ford

The 2024 Ford Explorer will have a mid-cycle refresh. It won’t have a complete redesign, but it will have an updated front facia and rear end. The interior will probably receive some modern updates as well. 

A few spy shots have emerged, but the Explorer is heavily covered under camouflage. But the images still provide a few clues. For example, the front end is hidden from view, indicating that the Explorer could have a new grille design, updated headlights, and a revised bumper. 

The headlights could adopt a C shape to match The Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Ford Maverick. Also, revising the front bumper could provide improved off-roading angles. 

The rear end is also covered up, so we could see new LED taillights and refreshed rear bumper. The tailgate could have a few changes as well. 

Typically, mid-cycle updates include new shades of paint, more wheel designs, and updated trim levels, but we have to wait to learn more. 

One of the biggest interior improvements includes a new infotainment screen. A horizontal unit like the one in the F-150 could replace the 10.1-inch vertical screen. The older screen doesn’t make the best use of its available space. 

According to MotorTrend, you can spot a new digital gauge cluster too. Other updates may include a head-up display, an enhanced wireless phone charging pad, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. 

How much power will the 2024 Explorer have? 

The official stats for the 2024 Ford Explorer haven’t been released, but typically when vehicles receive a mid-cycle refresh, engines are carried over. But reportedly, the Explorer could get the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine for the Ford Mustang with 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. 

It’s safe to expect the new Explorer to have the same options, but they could be updated to have more power and an improved fuel economy. 

The standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a solid amount of power. You can upgrade to the 3.0-liter V6 engine for 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, the 3.3-liter V6 hybrid setup includes an electric motor to generate 318 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway.

The gas-powered models get an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway. So, we hope the hybrid option gets an economic boost. 

Will the 2024 Explorer EV come out too? 

China's 2024 Ford Explorer Timblerine
China’s 2024 Ford Explorer Timblerine | Ford

While rumors suggest that a Ford Explorer EV model is in the works, we don’t think it will debut in 2024. It sounds like the electric Ford Explorer has been pushed back until 2025 or 2026. However, the camouflage might be hiding a charging port. 

Other markets have a plug-in hybrid Ford Explorer model, but it might not come to America. The Explorer PHEV might be skipped because Ford is designing the electric model. But the PHEV would provide a nice transition between gas and electric power. 

It’s good that the 2024 Explorer is already being tested. This means we should learn more about it soon. Stay tuned for the latest updates.