Hey everyone, today we're diving deep into the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, a popular choice for families and adventurers alike! This SUV has been a staple in the mid-size SUV segment for years, and for good reason. It offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and capability. In this comprehensive review, we'll cover everything from its performance and features to its interior and overall value proposition. So, whether you're considering buying one or just curious, let's get started.

Unveiling the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD: First Impressions and Overview

Alright guys, let's kick things off with a general overview. The 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is positioned as a mid-size SUV, slotting perfectly between smaller SUVs and larger, full-size models. This size makes it ideal for a wide range of drivers, from those needing a spacious family vehicle to those who enjoy weekend getaways with a bit of off-road capability. The XLT trim sits in the middle of the Explorer lineup, offering a sweet spot in terms of features and price. AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is a crucial feature, especially for those living in areas with inclement weather or anyone who enjoys venturing off the beaten path. The Explorer has a muscular and modern exterior design, featuring a prominent grille, sleek headlights, and a sculpted body. It gives off a confident and capable vibe, hinting at its performance and versatility. Inside, you're greeted with a comfortable and well-designed cabin. Ford has put a lot of effort into providing a user-friendly experience, making sure the interior is both functional and stylish. The XLT trim offers a good balance of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and premium materials. Overall, the first impression of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is positive. It feels like a well-rounded SUV that's ready for anything you throw at it. The Explorer's size is also a huge advantage. It's not too big to maneuver in city traffic, but it's spacious enough to comfortably accommodate passengers and cargo. It is very versatile. This is crucial for families. Families will find that the Explorer XLT AWD can handle everything from daily commutes and school runs to weekend adventures and road trips with ease. The vehicle also has a great resale value.

Performance and Driving Experience: How Does It Handle?

So, let's talk about what makes this SUV move: its performance and driving experience. The 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which is a turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The EcoBoost engine delivers a solid 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This provides plenty of power for everyday driving, including merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth acceleration and efficient fuel economy. You'll find that the transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly. The all-wheel-drive system is one of the Explorer's key selling points, especially for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The system enhances traction and stability, providing confidence on slippery surfaces. It automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring optimal handling and control in various conditions. The driving experience is generally smooth and comfortable. The suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road well, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The Explorer XLT AWD also offers decent handling, making it feel relatively agile for its size. The steering is responsive and precise, allowing you to navigate corners and curves with confidence. Fuel economy is competitive for the mid-size SUV class. The EPA estimates around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This is pretty good for an SUV of this size and capability. The Explorer also boasts a decent towing capacity, which is important for those who need to haul trailers or other equipment. Overall, the performance and driving experience of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is positive. It's a capable and versatile SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions. The EcoBoost engine provides sufficient power, the AWD system enhances traction, and the ride quality is comfortable. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the Explorer XLT AWD should meet your needs. Ford has done a great job of balancing performance, efficiency, and practicality in this vehicle.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Closer Look Inside

Let's move inside the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD and explore its interior comfort and technology features. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The front seats are supportive and offer ample headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers and passengers. The second-row seats are also comfortable, with plenty of space for adults. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they do provide added versatility when needed. Ford has used quality materials throughout the cabin, giving it a premium feel. The seats are upholstered in cloth or available leather, depending on the options. The dashboard and door panels are made of soft-touch materials, which add to the overall comfort and refinement. The XLT trim includes a range of technology features to enhance the driving experience. A touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the dashboard. It provides access to various functions, including navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The system is user-friendly and responsive. You can easily control the different functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, and listen to music. The Explorer XLT AWD also offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance technologies. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies can help to improve safety and reduce driver fatigue. The interior also has a lot of storage options, including a large center console, door pockets, and various compartments. The cargo area is spacious, with plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other items. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is comfortable, functional, and well-equipped. It provides a pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers, making it ideal for daily commutes and longer journeys. The technology features are user-friendly, and the driver-assistance systems add an extra layer of safety.

Trim Levels and Features: What Does the XLT Offer?

Alright, let's discuss the trim levels and features that come standard with the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD. The XLT is positioned in the middle of the Explorer lineup, offering a great balance of features, performance, and value. The XLT trim includes a long list of standard features. On the exterior, you'll find features such as LED headlights, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, and a power liftgate. These features enhance the vehicle's appearance and convenience. Inside, the XLT offers cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These features provide a comfortable and upscale feel. The infotainment system is another key feature of the XLT. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. It also offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance technologies. These include features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies enhance safety and provide peace of mind on the road. The XLT trim also offers several optional packages and individual features that can be added to the vehicle. These options allow you to customize the Explorer to your specific needs and preferences. Some of the optional features include a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and a navigation system. The XLT trim provides a lot of value for its price. It offers a well-rounded package of features and capabilities, making it a great choice for a wide range of buyers. It strikes a good balance between comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a practical and enjoyable SUV to drive. When considering the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD, you'll find that it includes a comprehensive set of features that make it an attractive option in the mid-size SUV segment. The XLT offers a solid foundation of standard features. With available options and packages, it allows for customization to create a truly personalized driving experience.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies: Staying Safe on the Road

Safety is a top priority for families. Let's delve into the safety features and driver-assistance technologies of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD. Ford has equipped the Explorer XLT AWD with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and help prevent accidents. The Explorer has a strong safety rating. It performs well in crash tests conducted by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It gives the driver and the passengers the much-needed confidence. The SUV is equipped with a variety of airbags, including front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. These airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a collision, providing cushioning and protection for occupants. The XLT also includes a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies, which enhance safety and can help to prevent accidents. These features include: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes. It can help to mitigate or avoid a collision; Lane-Keeping Assist, which helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane; Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. It can help to prevent lane-change accidents; Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It can reduce driver fatigue and improve safety on highways. Ford also offers additional safety features as optional equipment, such as a 360-degree camera system, which provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings. It makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The safety features and driver-assistance technologies of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD provide a high level of protection and peace of mind for drivers and passengers. These features, combined with its strong crash test ratings, make it a safe and reliable choice for families and anyone looking for an SUV with excellent safety credentials. Ford's commitment to safety is evident in the comprehensive suite of features and technologies offered in the Explorer XLT AWD, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing safety on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality: MPG and Storage

Fuel efficiency and practicality are critical factors for any SUV. Let's explore the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD in terms of MPG and storage. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, delivers a competitive fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These figures may vary slightly depending on driving conditions and driving habits. The Explorer XLT AWD also offers a generous amount of cargo space. This is a key advantage for families and anyone needing to haul luggage, groceries, or other items. Behind the third-row seats, there's ample space for luggage. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo space expands significantly. If you need even more room, you can fold down the second-row seats. It provides a massive cargo area. The Explorer XLT AWD also offers several practical features to enhance its usability. These include a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and a variety of storage compartments throughout the cabin. Inside, there's a center console, door pockets, and other storage areas. It's a convenient and well-designed interior. The Explorer XLT AWD also has a decent towing capacity. It can tow a trailer, boat, or other equipment. The fuel efficiency of the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is competitive for its class, and its generous cargo space and practical features make it a versatile and family-friendly SUV. These features combine to make the Explorer XLT AWD a practical choice for everyday driving and various adventures. The Explorer is designed to handle a variety of needs. It can handle daily commutes and weekend getaways alike.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

As with any vehicle, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD has its pros and cons. Let's weigh them to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in the front and second rows. The third row is suitable for children or smaller adults.
• Capable Performance: The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving, and the AWD system enhances traction and stability in various conditions.
• Well-Equipped XLT Trim: The XLT trim strikes a great balance, including a touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and various comfort and convenience features.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The advanced driver-assistance systems add an extra layer of safety.
• Practicality: Generous cargo space and practical features, such as a power liftgate, make it a versatile SUV for families and those needing to haul cargo.

Cons:

• Fuel Economy: While competitive, the fuel economy could be better compared to some rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
• Third-Row Seating Space: The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults. If you regularly need to transport adults in the third row, it might feel cramped.
• Optional Features: Some desirable features, like a panoramic sunroof or a premium audio system, are optional and add to the overall cost.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD Right for You?

So, guys, after this comprehensive review, is the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD the right SUV for you? Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is a compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment. Its spacious interior, capable performance, well-equipped XLT trim, user-friendly technology, and practicality make it a strong contender for families and anyone seeking a versatile SUV. The XLT trim offers a sweet spot in terms of features and price. It provides a well-rounded package of comfort, convenience, and technology. The all-wheel-drive system is a key advantage, especially for those living in areas with inclement weather or who enjoy outdoor activities. While the fuel economy could be better and the third-row seating might be a bit cramped for adults, the Explorer XLT AWD offers a lot of value. If you're looking for a mid-size SUV that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD is definitely worth considering. It's a reliable, capable, and practical vehicle. If you want a comfortable SUV, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT AWD can be right for you. It's a good choice for families, offering a blend of space, comfort, and capability that's hard to beat. The Explorer continues to be a popular choice. The features and capabilities will make it a smart choice. So, test drive and determine what best fits your needs and preferences. Thanks for reading. Hope this helps.