Hey guys! Let's talk about the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD. This SUV is a beast, known for its performance and sporty vibe. But is it the right choice for you? We're going to dive deep, checking out everything from its engine to its tech, and helping you decide if this ride is worth your hard-earned cash. Buckle up, because we're about to go on a detailed journey through the ins and outs of this popular SUV.

Performance and Handling: Unleashing the Beast

First off, let's get into what makes the Explorer ST stand out: performance. The 2023 model packs a punch with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant cranks out a hefty 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. That's a serious amount of get-up-and-go for an SUV, making it feel surprisingly agile. When you hit the gas, the ST doesn't hesitate, delivering brisk acceleration that'll put a smile on your face. Ford pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive shifts. The transmission does a good job of keeping the engine in its powerband, ensuring you always have access to that thrilling performance.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is a crucial element, especially if you live where weather conditions can be challenging. The AWD system is designed to provide excellent grip and stability. It constantly monitors the road conditions and adjusts power delivery to each wheel, enhancing traction in various situations, whether you're navigating a snowy road or simply accelerating on wet pavement. This AWD setup adds to the ST's confident feel, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving and adventurous outings. The ST also boasts a sport-tuned suspension, which further enhances its handling capabilities. This suspension setup is firmer than the standard Explorer, reducing body roll and providing sharper responses when you're cornering. This makes the ST feel more connected to the road, giving you a sense of control that you don't typically find in SUVs of this size.

Driving the Explorer ST is an engaging experience. The steering is precise, and the brakes are strong, providing confident stopping power. You can also customize your driving experience with the selectable drive modes. These modes, such as Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul, adjust the engine's responsiveness, transmission shift points, and steering feel to match your preferences and the current driving conditions. This level of customization allows you to tailor the vehicle's performance to your liking, maximizing both fun and functionality. The combination of a powerful engine, a responsive transmission, a sophisticated AWD system, and a sport-tuned suspension gives the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD impressive performance and handling capabilities, making it a genuinely enjoyable SUV to drive. It's a vehicle that can satisfy the need for speed while still providing the practicality and versatility that SUVs are known for. Overall, the performance aspects of the Explorer ST are a huge selling point, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

Interior and Technology: Where Comfort Meets Innovation

Moving inside, the 2023 Ford Explorer ST is all about blending comfort with modern technology. The interior is well-designed, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and upholstered in high-quality materials, often featuring leather trim and ST-specific accents. The front seats are usually heated and power-adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position for everyone. The second-row seats also offer plenty of space, making it easy for adults to relax on long trips. And the third-row seating, while best suited for kids, adds to the versatility of this SUV, allowing you to carry more passengers when needed.

In terms of technology, the Explorer ST is packed with features. The centerpiece is the large touchscreen infotainment system, usually running Ford's SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 software. These systems are known for their user-friendliness, offering intuitive menus, responsive performance, and a wide array of features. They include smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your devices and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system also provides access to various vehicle settings, climate controls, and entertainment options. You can expect to find a premium audio system, which delivers high-quality sound throughout the cabin. The sound system enhances the overall driving experience, making your trips even more enjoyable.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Explorer ST includes a host of other tech features designed to enhance safety and convenience. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are standard, including features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These systems provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and making your driving experience safer. The ST also typically includes a digital instrument cluster, providing customizable information about your vehicle's performance and status. Other available features might include a hands-free liftgate, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. The interior of the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD is designed to provide a comfortable, technologically advanced, and user-friendly experience, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip. The combination of luxurious materials, advanced technology, and practical features makes the ST a top choice in its class, appealing to drivers who want both style and substance.

Safety Features: Keeping You Protected

Safety is a top priority in the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD. Ford has equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. These features are a combination of passive and active safety systems, working together to provide peace of mind on the road. Standard safety features include a robust airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Explorer ST also has a strong structural design that helps absorb impact forces, reducing the risk of injury. In addition to these passive safety features, the Explorer ST is equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that actively work to prevent accidents and assist the driver.

Adaptive cruise control is one of the key ADAS features. It maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe following distance. Lane-keeping assist helps you stay in your lane by providing steering assistance if you start to drift. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot, making lane changes safer. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an impact. Other safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space, and a rearview camera with parking sensors, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Ford also offers the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety technologies, which bundles many of these ADAS features together. Depending on the trim level and options selected, you may also find features such as evasive steering assist, which helps you steer around obstacles in an emergency, and a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering easier. The 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD has received high safety ratings from leading safety organizations, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings reflect Ford's commitment to safety and provide reassurance that the Explorer ST is a reliable and protective vehicle. With its comprehensive safety features, the Explorer ST gives you the confidence to drive with peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected. Safety is not just a feature, it’s a commitment, and the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD delivers on that promise.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs: What to Expect

Let's talk about the practical side of owning a 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD: fuel economy and running costs. The Explorer ST, with its powerful engine and all-wheel-drive system, is not designed to be the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road. However, you can still get a good idea of what to expect when it comes to fuel consumption. Typically, you can anticipate fuel economy figures in the range of 18-20 mpg combined. The exact numbers can vary based on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and the specific trim and options you choose. City driving will tend to result in lower fuel economy figures due to the stop-and-go nature of urban traffic, while highway driving will generally yield better results.

Beyond fuel consumption, it's also important to consider the other running costs associated with owning an Explorer ST. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to prevent more significant issues down the line. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine service items. Ford vehicles generally have competitive maintenance schedules and costs, but it's always a good idea to check with your local dealer to get an estimate of what you can expect to pay. Tire replacement is another significant cost to consider. The Explorer ST typically comes with performance tires, which may wear out more quickly than standard tires, and they can be more expensive to replace. Insurance costs will also vary depending on your location, driving history, and the type of coverage you choose. The Explorer ST's performance-oriented nature and higher value may result in higher insurance premiums compared to a standard SUV. Overall, the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD will likely have higher running costs compared to a more fuel-efficient or less performance-oriented vehicle. However, these costs are often balanced by the vehicle's exciting performance, luxurious features, and overall versatility. When considering the purchase of an Explorer ST, it's wise to factor in these costs to ensure that it fits within your budget and lifestyle. Knowing what to expect when it comes to fuel economy, maintenance, insurance, and other running costs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your driving experience to the fullest.

Trim Levels and Options: Customizing Your Ride

The 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD usually comes with a well-defined set of features and options, allowing you to customize your SUV to meet your specific needs and preferences. While the exact configurations and packages may vary slightly from year to year, here's a general overview of what you can expect. The Explorer ST is typically offered as a single, well-equipped trim level. This means that many desirable features come standard, including the powerful EcoBoost V6 engine, the 10-speed automatic transmission, the sport-tuned suspension, and the advanced all-wheel-drive system. Inside, you can anticipate to find a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features.

Ford often provides a range of packages and options to allow you to further personalize your Explorer ST. These packages may include features such as a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the feeling of spaciousness; upgraded wheels and tires, which improve the vehicle's appearance and handling; and a technology package that adds advanced features such as a 360-degree camera system and enhanced driver-assistance features. You may also find options for different exterior paint colors, interior trim choices, and accessories to customize the vehicle's appearance and functionality. It is always a good idea to research the specific options and packages available for the model year you are considering, as Ford may make changes to the offerings from year to year. Make sure you check the manufacturer's website or consult with a Ford dealer to confirm the features and options available for the 2023 Explorer ST. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the packages and options that best suit your lifestyle. This approach will allow you to create an SUV that is tailored to your taste, making every drive more enjoyable and perfectly suited to your needs. This level of customization ensures that you can create an Explorer ST that fits your individual style and requirements, making it a truly personal driving experience.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Choices

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD to give you a clearer picture. On the plus side, the performance is a major draw. The powerful EcoBoost engine delivers exhilarating acceleration, and the sport-tuned suspension and all-wheel-drive system provide confident handling and grip. The ST trim typically offers a well-equipped interior with premium materials, comfortable seating, and a host of modern technology features, like a large touchscreen infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance systems. The safety features are also a big plus, with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies to keep you and your passengers protected. The Explorer ST also offers practicality, with three rows of seating and plenty of cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families and those who need to haul gear.

However, there are also some downsides to consider. The fuel economy is not the best. The high-performance engine and all-wheel-drive system mean that you can expect lower miles per gallon compared to a more fuel-efficient SUV. Running costs can be higher due to potentially more expensive maintenance, tire replacement, and insurance premiums. While the ST offers a comfortable interior, some may find the ride a bit firm due to the sport-tuned suspension. The third-row seating, while functional, may be a bit cramped for adults. And finally, the price of the Explorer ST is generally higher than that of the standard Explorer trims. It's a premium vehicle with a premium price tag. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD is right for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize performance, a well-appointed interior, and advanced technology, and you don't mind the higher fuel costs, then the ST is definitely worth considering. However, if fuel economy and lower running costs are a bigger concern, or if you don't need the extra performance, you might want to look at other options.

Final Verdict: Is the Explorer ST AWD for You?

So, is the 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD worth it? The answer depends on what you're looking for in an SUV, guys. If you are looking for a vehicle with thrilling performance, sporty handling, a comfortable and tech-filled interior, and a strong safety package, then the Explorer ST is a great choice. It delivers a fun-to-drive experience that sets it apart from more mundane SUVs. The ST is also practical, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a good option for families or those who need extra versatility.

However, there are some factors to consider. The higher fuel costs, potentially higher maintenance costs, and the higher price tag may not be ideal for everyone. If fuel economy is a top priority or you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider other options. But, if you're willing to pay a bit more for the performance, features, and overall experience, then the Explorer ST is a standout SUV. It's a vehicle that provides a great balance of performance, luxury, and practicality. The 2023 Ford Explorer ST AWD is a compelling choice, especially if you appreciate a sporty driving experience and don’t mind the extra expense. It's an SUV that you'll enjoy driving every day. If you want a fun, capable, and well-equipped SUV, this one is definitely worth checking out. Ultimately, the best way to know if it's right for you is to test drive one and see how it feels. Happy driving!