Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Ford Explorer Trim: Explorer

This base-level trim is going to establish a solid line on what you can expect to see throughout the trim levels. Going forward from here, the Explorer model is equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine that’s been paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard drivetrain, although there is also an available Intelligent 4-wheel drive (4WD) option.

The audio and entertainment features at this stage include SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with an All Access trial subscription, and an AM/FM radio that’s MP3-compatible and comes with six speakers. Both FordPass Connect™ and a FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot come standard.

For the next few trims, the safety menu looks like this: SOS Post-Crash Alert System™, front-passenger knee airbag, Safety Canopy® System, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children), and, finally, a Belt-Minder®.

Ford Explorer Trim: XLT

Building upon the previous Explorer base, the XLT trim introduces some upgrades in the seating and Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology suites.

For the interior upgrades, the XLT trim introduces second-row captain’s seats, first-row heated seats, and ActiveX™ seating material as an available option. As you can see, traveling becomes more comfortable and convenient with the additions of deluxe seating. In addition, a third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat opens up the area for more passengers or more cargo space.

The Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology suite includes a Lane-Keeping System (which includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert); a rear-view camera with washer; and the available option of SYNC® with a Voice-Activated Navigation System.

Ford Explorer Trim: ST-Line

The ST-Line trim adds a dash of style and luxury to the Explorer line. An early example of this is that ActiveX™ seating material with Miko® inserts and red stitching is standard on this trim, when previously it was only available as an option.

Going further into the interior, the ST-Line trim also has finery such as the following:

• Floor mats: Front “EXPLORER” branded, while the front and second rows have black carpet with red stitching
• First-row center floor console with wrapped armrest and storage bin
• Manual tilt/telescoping steering column
• Overhead console with dome/map lights and sunglasses holder
• Passenger-assist grab handles (one at the front-passenger seat and two in the second row

Advanced technology under the comfort and convenience banner now includes a robust lineup in this trim. These features include an Integrated Key Fob, MyKey®, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, a Universal Garage Door Opener, and a wireless charging pad for your compatible smartphone.

Looking at the audio upgrades, the ST-Line trim, along with the Limited and Platinum trims, all have access to the 12-speaker B&O® Sound System. Supplied by Bang & Olufsen®, this premium sound system gives you a front-row seat to a personal music experience whenever you go for a drive.

The ST-Line trim also offers new standards of security by including:

• Battery Saver
• Perimeter Alarm
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad
• SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System

Ford Explorer Trim: Timberline

The Timberline trim is a good way to cap the first half of the Explorer trims. There aren’t too many upgrades to the Timberline trim, except for some in handling and power.

Included under this banner are the following four tech features: Hill Descent Control™, Terrain Management System™, 3.58 TORSEN® Limited-Slip Rear Axle, and Trailer Sway Control, which will probably be familiar if you’ve driven a Ford before. Once only offered as an available option, Intelligent 4WD is now the standard drivetrain on the Timberline trim.

Aside from those upgrades, it is essentially a summation of the best that’s come before, bringing you right up to the big leap in the following trim.

Ford Explorer Trim: Limited

A variety of upgrades is what you’ll find in the heart of the Limited trim.

The standard drivetrain returns to RWD, as Intelligent 4WD goes back to being an available option. However, this is the first trim to introduce an available alternate engine, which is the 3.3L Hybrid engine.

The advanced tech includes Trailer Sway Control, while Hill Descent Control™ and the Terrain Management System™ are now offered as available options.

In addition, the Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology suite gets a Forward Sensing System, while SYNC® with a Voice-Activated Navigation System is a standard feature.

Seating is also upgraded with the following:

• Leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and accent stitching
• Second-row heated captain’s seats
• Third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat
• Powerfold® third row (which is offered as an available option)

Ford Explorer Trim: ST

Right off the bat, the ST trim introduces new and exciting features. In the Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology suite, the following are available options: Active Park Assist 2.0, Forward Sensing System, and SYNC® with a Voice-Activated Navigation System.

Seating isn’t left behind, either, with leather seating surfaces with Miko® micro-perforated inserts, City Silver accent stitching, and the ST logo.

Here on the ST trim, the B&O® Sound System is offered as an available option.

Some mechanical changes present in the ST trim include the unique sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension, which is standard, as is the 3.0L EcoBoost® engine. RWD remains standard.

Ford Explorer Trim: King Ranch

As an upper-level trim, the King Ranch is going to have all the bells and whistles that have accumulated throughout the previous trims. A first example is that it has the full roster of features in the Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology suite.

Seating is rounded out with Del Rio leather with Lasso-perforated inserts on all rows. The second row is given captain’s seats that are heated. The PowerFold® third-row seat is now standard, along with the third-row 50/50 split-fold bench seat. The floor mats are black carpet with King Ranch branding, and a Mesa Del Rio leather-covered center console comes with a King Ranch logo.

The entertainment system includes a 3-month All Access trial subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.

Carrying over from earlier trims, the 3.0L EcoBoost® engine and RWD remain standard.

Ford Explorer Trim: Platinum

As the final trim in the Explorer-model lineup, the Platinum trim focuses on luxury, and it comes standard with a 3.3L Hybrid engine, with the 3.0L EcoBoost® engine as an available option.

Regarding interior amenities, you’ll encounter black carpet floor mats with Brunello stitching, and Platinum-branded front and second rows. A major addition to seating is the Tri-Diamond perforated leather seating surfaces.

Entertainment systems on this level include both the SiriusXM® Satellite Radio trial subscription and the 12-speaker B&O® Sound System.

Come Test Drive the Ford Explorer Today!

Now that our friends and neighbors around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, Virginia, have read our Ford Explorer trim levels guide, it’s time to take it further. Now is a great time to schedule a test drive with the team at Cavalier Ford Greenbrier, so you can get a better feeling for these different trims.