2023 Ford Explorer — Full Specifications
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The 2023 Ford Explorer is an SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (3.3L 6-cyl), returning around 31 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Ford Explorer workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2022 Ford Explorer: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 29 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2022 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo · 3.3L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 10-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 25 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 21 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 10 configurations for the 2023 Ford Explorer across 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 26 mpg (US), or 24 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (19/21) | 277 | $3,350 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 277 | $3,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 272 | $3,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 266 | $3,200 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (23/24) | 235 | $2,900 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 10-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic 10-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (25/26) | 213 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Running Costs: 2023 Ford Explorer
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2023 Ford Explorer at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2023 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2023 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (6), Seats (2), Equipment (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seats — campaign 26V451000, reported 14 July 2026. Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Seat belts — campaign 26V159000, reported 17 March 2026. Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Back over prevention — campaign 26V123000, reported 3 March 2026. Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 25V685000, reported 10 October 2025. Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 15 campaigns.
Owners have filed 112 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (25), Suspension (14), Electrical system (13). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 9 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 733 complaints across the 17 Ford Explorer model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Seats (2 recall campaigns) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
- Suspension (14 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
- Electrical system (13 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (13 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ford Explorer compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 29 mpg figure is 2 mpg better than that average. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 29 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 28 mpg average for Ford models in our database. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 25 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 17 Ford Explorer model years we cover, the 2023 is the most economical on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined). See every Ford Explorer year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 Ford Explorer have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2023 Ford Explorer: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.3L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic 10-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 31 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2023 Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2023 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns that include the 2023 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (6), Seats (2), Equipment (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2023 Ford Explorer?
Among the 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (25 complaints), Suspension (14 complaints), Electrical system (13 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ford Explorer's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.