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2023 Ford Explorer Vs St: Battle Of The Suvs

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a mid-size SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer ST.
  • Both the Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST offer a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • The Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST both come standard with a variety of features and technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance features.

When it comes to choosing a mid-size SUV, two of the most popular options on the market are the Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer ST. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of power, and a variety of features. However, there are also some key differences between the two models that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision. In this article, we’ll compare the Ford Explorer vs ST side-by-side to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Performance and Engine Options:

The Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

The Ford Explorer ST gets a more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

In terms of performance, the Explorer ST has a clear advantage over the standard Explorer. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, compared to 7.8 seconds for the Explorer. The ST also has a higher top speed of 143 mph, compared to 118 mph for the Explorer.

Interior and Cargo Space:

Both the Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST offer a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer has a seating capacity of up to seven passengers, while the ST has a seating capacity of up to six passengers.

In terms of cargo space, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down. The ST offers slightly less cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows of seats folded down.

Features and Technology:

The Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST both come standard with a variety of features and technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance features.

The Explorer ST gets some additional features over the standard Explorer, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Ford Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Ford Explorer ST gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Price:

The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,970. The Explorer ST has a starting price of $48,155.

Which One is Right for You?

The Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST are both great choices for mid-size SUV shoppers. The Explorer is a more affordable option with good fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The ST is a more powerful and performance-oriented SUV with a luxurious interior and more features.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable SUV with good fuel efficiency, the Explorer is a great option. If you’re looking for a more powerful and performance-oriented SUV with a luxurious interior, the ST is a great choice.

Wrapping Up:

The Ford Explorer and the Ford Explorer ST are two excellent choices for mid-size SUV shoppers. The Explorer is a more affordable option with good fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The ST is a more powerful and performance-oriented SUV with a luxurious interior and more features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

What You Need to Learn

Q: What is the difference between the Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST?

A: The Ford Explorer ST is a more powerful and performance-oriented version of the standard Explorer. It features a more powerful engine, a stiffer suspension, and a more aggressive exterior design.

Q: Which one has better fuel efficiency, the Explorer or the ST?

A: The Ford Explorer has better fuel efficiency than the Explorer ST. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. The ST gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which one has a more spacious interior, the Explorer or the ST?

A: The Ford Explorer and the Explorer ST have the same amount of interior space. Both vehicles have a seating capacity of up to seven passengers and offer plenty of cargo space.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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