2024 Ford Explorer Limited: reliable 6th man

The 2024 Ford Explorer can be considered as Blue Oval’s role-player in its roster. It is still part of the lineup even if its sales volume is not as big compared to the likes of the Territory, Everest, and Ranger nor can be considered a high-performance model comparable to the Ranger Raptor, Mustang, and Bronco.

So, what does the sport utility vehicle from Ford have for it to be considered a “reliable sixth man”? Here’s what Zigwheels Philippines saw in the nameplate’s sole trim.

Dimensions

The 2024 Ford Explorer Limited guarantees presence on the road as it measures 5,049 millimeters (mm) long; 2,268 mm wide; and 1,783 mm tall — with a 3,025-mm wheelbase.

Given the numbers, up to seven individuals can enjoy enough leg- and headroom — ample space for adults on the first two rows, with the rear seemingly allotted for small adults and children.

In addition, its 208-mm ground clearance does not seem to mind the small humps and bumps on the road — guaranteeing comfort to everyone while travelling.

Exterior

The 2024 Ford Explorer Limited has a rich mix of sophisticated and athletic features.

The SUV’s bulky features complement its bold body lines and sweeping contours — with touches of chrome all around.

Rounded wraparound LED headlamps bordering the mesh grille insert with chrome bars and rectangular fog lamps are fitted on the front while its side has 20-inch polished aluminum wheels that match the chromed portions of the doors’ claddings.

For the rear, the 2024 Ford Explorer Limited’s rear is outfitted with numerous chrome portions as seen on the liftgate applique that connects the combination lamps and the dual exhaust tips.

The vehicle’s sporty elements include silver-painted skid plates underneath the front and rear bumpers as well as the satin-hued roof rails.

Striking as the fitments mentioned, the vehicle seems to be little dated as it still carries the same design when it entered the Philippine market in 2021.

Interior

Ford has invested heavily in the 2024 Explorer Limited’s cabin with all the driver- and passenger-centric comfort technologies placed into it.

Welcoming occupants inside are the plush leather seats on all three rows. Since it is still not considered a premium offering (though many buyers consider it as such given the price tag), it still comes with a noticeable segment of plastic portions.

Ergonomics is highly-appreciated as the layout is simple — giving every driver a familiar feel as soon as they step inside the vehicle.

The arrangement of the 2024 Ford Explorer Limited’s gauge cluster panel and the Android Auto/Apple Carplay-compatible infotainment system (matched to a Bang and Olufsen 12-speaker setup) are well thought out. We also love the faux wood trimming on the dashboard classy charm and how Ford neatly tucked the wireless charging dock in front of the armrest.

While it is the case, we would like to see a more updated infotainment system. We believe that with an above-P3 million price point, the 2024 Ford Explorer Limited deserves a bigger touchscreen — a whole lot bigger than the eight-inch available on the current offering.

Powertrain

A 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 gasoline-fed engine — the same mill found in one of the Ford Mustang variations — propels the 2024 Ford Explorer Limited.

On paper, here is what the vehicle can deliver:

Maximum power (in horsepower)	300
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	420

Power is sent to the wheels via its 10-speed automatic transmission using the rotary dial at the center console.

Since it basically carries the same powertrain, overtakes are no problem amid the slight lag. In addition, the drive is not wobbly nor floaty despite its massive size.

Driven for nearly 600 kilometers of city, highways, and provincial roads from Valenzuela to La Jolla in Bagac, Bataan, the vehicle managed to do 8.5 kilometers per liter, which is considered economical given the size of engine and the vehicle itself.

While it seems to be built on paved roads, Ford still equipped the 2024 Explorer Limited with a four-wheel-drive system and seven drive modes (Deep Sand, Eco, Normal, Sport, Tow Haul, Trail, Slippery).

Providing that solid and stopping power are the four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system.

Technology

Ford takes pride in the myriad technological advances that can be found in all its vehicles and the 2024 Explorer Limited — amid the variant name — surely is no exception.

• Below are the safety and security features that the vehicle comes with:
• AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
• Personal safety system for driver and front passenger (dual-stage front airbags; seatbelt pretensioners, retractors, usage sensors; driver seat position sensor; crash severity sensor; restraint control module; and front-passenger sensing system)
• Safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover sensor
• Front seat side airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Lower anchors and tether anchors for children on second and third-row outboard seating positions
• Power child-safety rear door lock
• MyKey Technology
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• SecuriCode Keyless-Entry Keypad
• Perimeter Alarm
• Passive anti-theft system
• SOS post-crash alert system

Moreover, the 2024 Explorer Limited is also engineered with the Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies such as the following:

• Auto Hold
• 360-Degree Camera (with Split View and Washer)
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• Blind Spot Information System
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Lane-Keeping System
• Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability
• Front and Rear Sensing System
• Automatic on/off headlamp functions
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Post-Collision Braking
• Reverse Brake Assist

Pros, cons

Overall, the Ford 2024 Explorer Limited lets the marque’s loyal customers in the country enjoy elegance and ruggedness in one package — a sound consideration for those who want an all-in-one SUV in their garage.

However, given that the 2024 Explorer Limited’s price starts at P3.498 million, buyers might also be checking out the all-new Ford Mustang — which is just a few bucks short from the newer model offering.

It may not be one of Ford’s performance leaders in terms of sales volume or in vehicle functions, but the 2024 Explorer Limited can surely step up for the whole team to enjoy.

Also read:

Autohub celebrates silver anniversary with re-introduction of Explorer in dealerships

Ford reveals Explorer's 'best version yet'

Ford boosts Explorer’s availability in PH