If you are in the market for a new vehicle this year, you should strongly consider the Ford brand. These are American originals, and many models are priced to own, even if you are not exactly wealthy at the moment. The trucks are consistent bestsellers, and the Explorer is always at the top of that list.
The Northside Auto Group San Antonio location is where you can go to check out some of the best deals on Explorers. Before you go, though, let us run through some of the features you should be aware of. We will also talk about some potential drawbacks if you go in this direction.
How Much Does It Cost?
Since we are getting toward the tail end of 2024, you can probably get some good deals on the 2024 Ford Explorer. The asking price for the base model is $36,860, though maybe you can do a little better than that if you catch a salesperson in the right mood.
How Many Does It Seat?
The 2024 Ford Explorer is considered to be a midsize truck. That’s one of the most competitive niches in the automotive world, as millions of these vehicles are sold every year, including competitors like Dodge and GMC.
The Explorer has three rows and can comfortably seat seven adults. That includes heavier or taller individuals. Some midsize trucks claim to be able to seat seven, but it’s going to be a tight fit if you have some more sizable friends or family . That shouldn’t be an issue with this option.
How Many Miles Per Gallon Does It Get?
If you’re going to own a midsize truck, you should not go into the experience thinking you’re going to get amazing fuel economy. That being said, the Explorer is a better option than some others in this category.
You can expect to get about 21 miles per gallon in the city and up to 28 on the highway. There are similar models that top out at about 19-20 miles per gallon in the city, and this selection has that beat, though not by a considerable margin.
What Are Some of Its Best Features?
There are many features of the Ford Explorer’s 2024 model that should impress even the most discerning of drivers. At the top of that list is the four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. That gives you both the power and stability you’re probably looking for if you are strongly considering a midsize truck.
There’s also the engine choices. You can go with either the 2.3-liter four-cylinder option or the juiced up twin turbocharged 3.0 L V-6.
If you’re going to be working on job sites or hauling cargo around in the flatbed, you’ll likely opt for the second configuration. It will cost you a little bit more, but when you rev and engine and try to cover some ground with a heavy load in the back, you’ll be glad you spent the extra cash.
The design of the vehicle is also a strong point. You get a unique grille, LED lighting, and the third-row seat has Ford’s patented PowerFold technology. You can easily fold it up and out of the way or drop it down again depending on whether you have more people or supplies in the vehicle.
What New Tech Does It Have?
If you’re someone who can’t wait to get a new vehicle for the technological advancements, you’re definitely in luck with the Explorer. The company went all out with this one, as you get the Copilot 360 tech package.
That includes blind spot monitoring, lane assist, and a full suite of anti-collision systems. The vehicle comes equipped with cameras on the bottom that instantly detect when you’re moving out of your lane without signaling. If you’re ever in danger of drifting off behind the wheel, you’ll get an auditory alert and a gentle nudge in the right direction.
The truck knows to slow down if you’re about to collide with a vehicle or large object ahead of you. You also get the rear backup camera that’s standard with all new American vehicles at this point.
What About Any Drawbacks?
Some from owners of the Explorer seem to indicate that complaints are relatively minor. Some drivers mention that there’s noticeable wind noise. However, it’s a truck, so it’s not likely to be whisper-quiet.
Some also feel like the engine is on the noisier side. The 10-speed automatic transmission might also not be as smooth as you would like, especially during low-speed shifts.
The other complaint that some mention is that there is no hybrid powertrain option. That’s a shame, but it’s probably not enough to deter most potential buyers, especially since there are so many positive features to balance the scale.
Should You Get the 2024 Ford Explorer?
The third-row seating, decent city and highway mileage, and suite of safety features are probably this vehicle’s best selling points. The noisy engine and a lack of smooth shifting in the lower speeds likely stand out as the biggest complaints.
It’s competitive price-wise when you look at others in its class, and the resale value is also a key feature. Consumers tend to like the Ford brand, so if you try to sell this model gently used in 10 years or trade it in, you should do well for yourself.
It’s also an ideal time to try and land a deal for this model since we’re approaching the end of the year. The holiday season often brings deep discounts, while the influx of 2025 vehicles means car lot owners and operators should be eager to clear away the older stock.
You might also want to look into certified pre-owned Explorers as well as brand-new ones. While you won’t always be able to find them, if you are lucky enough to come across one, the deep discount for a vehicle that probably doesn’t have more than a few thousand miles on it should make this an attractive prospect.
