2023 Ford Explorer Interior and Cargo

The interior of the Explorer has been designed to stand up to abuse, whether it's from your toddler or a large man raging on bath salts in the back of a police SUV. The base model features sandstone-colored cloth seats. The XLT gets Unique Cloth seats in Sandstone or Ebony and optional ActiveX fabric that adds Light Slate to the available colors - but compels the new XLT Sport Appearance package for a price increase of over $5,000. Limited models retain the Ebony or Sandstone palette, but get perforated leather as standard, while the Timberline reverts to ActiveX with Heathered Cloth inserts in Ebony only. The new ST-Line also gets the ActiveX upholstery in Ebony only and it's highlighted by Miko inserts and red stitching. The ST takes on a sportier vibe with Ebony leather and City Silver stitching, available either with micro-perforations or Miko suede inserts. In honor of Texans, the King Ranch gets unique Del Rio leather in a color called Java with embossed King Ranch insignias on the seatbacks. The Platinum is the most luxurious thanks to perforated tri-diamond leather in either a brown/Ebony combo or Light Sandstone with accent stitching, but frustratingly, the rest of the interior doesn't feel as classy as the seats do, with cheap plastics in most areas.

Being a seven-seater, the Explorer will naturally offer limited trunk space with all three rows in the upright position. Still, you get a useful 18.2 cubic feet of space, which should be enough for the kids' school bags and a decent run to the grocery store. If the tight third-row seats are dumped, that space opens up to a more impressive 47.9 cubic feet. This is significantly more than you get in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee (37.7 ft³), but the Chevy Traverse provides a stunning 57.8 cubic feet behind its second row. If you need to pack a kiddie-sized jetski or an adolescent Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull in the back, then you're in luck: behind the first row, the Explorer boasts 87.8 cubic feet of space, which again falls between the Traverse and Grand Cherokee. Small items can be stored in the glovebox, first-row center floor console storage bin, and overhead sunglasses holder. There are a total of ten cupholders and driver and front-passenger seatback map pockets. Go for the optional second-row captain's chairs, and you get even more storage space in the form of shallow bins for keys, phones, and the like.

Being one of the most popular SUVs in the world means that the Explorer must be doing something right, and its list of standard features might give you an indication as to why people love this big hunk so much. The base model features tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control with rear auxiliary climate control, a rearview camera with washer, cruise control, a 4.2-inch color LCD productivity screen, an eight-way power driver seat and four-way manual front passenger seat, an electronic compass, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, and keyless entry.

The Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite includes standard auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping assist, driver alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support. Furthermore, the Explorer gets standard post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, and trailer sway control. The XLT adds features such as push-button start, dual second row smart-charging USB ports, a 6.5-inch driver-information display, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and first-row heated seats. The ST-Line gains a heated steering wheel, multi-color ambient lighting, remote start, a universal garage door opener, and a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the Limited gets a forward sensing system and second-row sunblinds. The ST trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, active park assist, and reverse brake assist. Finally, the top-tier Platinum adds illuminated door-sill scuff plates, a leather-covered center console armrest, and adaptive headlamps.

We're fans of Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. This intuitive and easy-to-use system features across the Explorer lineup, albeit with different features. The base model features an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability, Applink connectivity, 911 Assist, first-row USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM radio, speed-sensitive volume control, and a six-speaker sound system. XLT models add two more USB ports for occupants in the second row. The ST-Line adds navigation, HD Radio, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 10.1-inch touchscreen and 14-speaker and 980-watt B&O sound system that were optional last year are now standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trims. For extra money, you can get a rear-seat infotainment system with the displays mounted in the front-seat headrests.