2024 Ford Explorer: Trims, Engines, and What to Look For

The 2024 Explorer was the last year of the sixth generation before the 2025 refresh, which makes it an interesting used buy: a mature, well-sorted version of a platform Ford had been building since 2020, at pre-refresh pricing.

Eight trims and two engines — with a wrinkle in the V6 that’s worth knowing before you compare two trucks. Here’s how it sorts out.

The Engines

Two, both paired with a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available across the lineup.

The wrinkle worth catching: the 3.0-liter V6 came in two states of tune. The ST got the full 400 horsepower. The King Ranch and Platinum got the same engine detuned to 365. If you’re comparing a Platinum against an ST and assuming they’re equally quick, they aren’t.

The 2.3-liter is enough for most buyers. Three hundred horsepower moves a loaded three-row SUV without strain, and it’s the more economical engine to run.

Note: there was no civilian Explorer Hybrid for 2024. Ford discontinued it for this model year — the Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims were both dropped, and the hybrid powertrain continued only in the law-enforcement Police Interceptor Utility. If a listing advertises a 2024 Explorer Hybrid, ask questions.

The Eight Trims

Base — the entry point, 2.3-liter XLT — the volume trim, added comfort and appearance content ST-Line — sport styling on the four-cylinder, without ST running costs Limited — leather, power-folding third row, upgraded audio, 20-inch wheels Timberline — the off-road trim, standard all-wheel drive, more ground clearance and off-road hardware ST — the performance trim with the full-output V6 King Ranch — Western-themed premium interior, 365-hp V6 Platinum — luxury trim, 365-hp V6

The Timberline is the sleeper here. It’s the only 2024 Explorer built for unpaved use, and they’re less common on the used market than the mainstream trims.

Towing and Capability

With the available Class III Trailer Tow Package, the 2024 Explorer tows up to 5,600 pounds — enough for a small camper, a bass boat, or a utility trailer.

Available Intelligent 4WD with the Terrain Management System is worth looking for in this market. Kansas City winters produce ice as often as snow.

Interior and Technology

Seating for six or seven depending on whether the second row has captain’s chairs or a bench. The second row slides and reclines, and the third row folds flat.

SYNC 4 handles infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a configurable digital instrument cluster, available wireless charging, and an available B&O sound system. Screen size varies by trim, so check the specific vehicle.

Available tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a hands-free foot-activated liftgate, roof rails, and wheels from 18 to 21 inches depending on trim.

Safety

Ford Co-Pilot360 was standard across all trims: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System, a Lane-Keeping System, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitoring.

Adaptive Cruise Control, post-collision braking, and additional driver assistance were available depending on trim.

What to Check on a Used 2024 Explorer

Which engine and which tune. As above — 2.3L, 400-hp V6, or 365-hp V6. Confirm it rather than assuming from the trim badge.

Third row with car seats. If you’re installing seats in the second row, test third-row access with your actual seats. The Explorer’s third row is snug, and that’s a known tradeoff in this generation.

Drivetrain. Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, confirmed on the listing.

Remaining factory warranty. Ford’s new vehicle limited warranty typically runs three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain, measured from the original in-service date rather than the model year. Ask for that date.

Service history and open recalls. Recalls are VIN-specific and free to remedy at any franchised dealer. Look up any VIN yourself at NHTSA’s recall tool or Ford’s owner site.

2024 or Newer?

The 2025 refresh brought a redesigned interior and a restructured trim lineup. If those matter to you, look at a newer one. If you’d rather have more truck for the money in a version that had five years of production sorting behind it, the 2024 is a strong value.

Either way, the third row and cargo area decide it. Come sit in one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines did the 2024 Ford Explorer offer? Two. A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The V6 produced 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft in the ST, and 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft in the King Ranch and Platinum. Both use a 10-speed automatic.

Was there a 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid? Not for civilian buyers. Ford discontinued the Explorer Hybrid for the 2024 model year, dropping the Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid trims. The hybrid powertrain continued only in the law-enforcement Police Interceptor Utility.

What trim levels did the 2024 Ford Explorer have? Eight: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.

How much can a 2024 Ford Explorer tow? Up to 5,600 pounds with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package when properly equipped.

How many people does the 2024 Ford Explorer seat? Six or seven, depending on whether the second row has captain’s chairs or a bench.

Does a used 2024 Ford Explorer still have factory warranty? Often, yes. Ford’s new vehicle limited warranty typically runs three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain, measured from the original in-service date rather than the model year. Ask for the in-service date.

What is the Ford Explorer Timberline? The off-road trim in the 2024 lineup, with standard all-wheel drive, additional ground clearance, and off-road-oriented hardware.

Where can I find a Ford Explorer near Kansas City? Greenway Ford at 9505 E 350 Hwy in Raytown, MO. Browse our used inventory or contact us at 816-482-3921.

Come Sit in One

Bring the car seats and the stroller. Fold the third row, then put everything in behind it. Three-row SUVs get decided in the parking lot, not on a spec sheet.

Browse our used inventory, check used vehicle specials, or see current Explorer inventory if you’d consider a newer one. If you need more room, the Expedition is the next step up.

If the trim and configuration you want isn’t here, our vehicle finder service can look for it. Before you visit, estimate a payment, value your trade, or get pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score.