Thinking of getting the 2023 Explorer Limited 2.3L with the 10-speed transmission... Is the small engine enough for performance, acceleration, and tech?

Discussion
1

I’m considering getting the 2023 Explorer Limited with the 2.3L engine and 10-speed transmission. I’m wondering if the small engine is enough for everyday use, especially in terms of performance, acceleration, and tech features. Has anyone had experience with this model? What are your thoughts?

2

The 2.3L engine is the same as in the Mustang. But if you’re looking for more power, I’d go for the 3.0L TT V6.

3

Haze said:
The 2.3L engine is the same as in the Mustang. But if you’re looking for more power, I’d go for the 3.0L TT V6.

I haven’t driven the 2.3L, but the 3.0L really has some power. It just wants to go.

4

I haven’t had any issues with acceleration. It can get a bit loud when it revs high, but that’s expected for a 4-cylinder.

5

It’s a solid engine. Makes 300hp, and it runs really well. It gets a little loud at higher RPMs, but overall it’s great for city driving and getting on the highway.

6

We have the same vehicle, and we love it. The 300 HP has more acceleration than the older V6 models. On a 1500-mile trip with 4 adults and a full trunk, it had plenty of power. On the highway, it gets about 25-26 mpg, and in the city, it’s around 19-20 mpg. Great for long drives.

7

@Frances
Thanks for the info! That’s really helpful.

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@Frances
I second this. I drive mine from PA to FL a few times a year. It’s comfortable, accelerates well enough (not super fast), and is spacious with kids and dogs. The roof rack and trailer hitch come in handy too. I prefer driving it in ECO mode since the shifting can be a bit odd.

9

@Frances
I wish I could get 21 mpg on the highway. My 2022 Timberline only gets around 15-17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. But I still love the Explorer.

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Nyx said:
@Frances
I wish I could get 21 mpg on the highway. My 2022 Timberline only gets around 15-17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. But I still love the Explorer.

The Timberline has a different rear end, so it’s rated for 22 mpg on the highway, compared to the other trims which can get 27 mpg on the highway.

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@Jesse
I figured it could be the 4WD, tires, or maybe the differential. Whatever the cause, I still love it.

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Nyx said:
@Jesse
I figured it could be the 4WD, tires, or maybe the differential. Whatever the cause, I still love it.

It’s likely the rear-end gear ratio. The Timberline is based on a police interceptor, just with a 1-inch lift. We considered buying one but went for the XLT for better mileage.

13

It’s got plenty of power for everyday driving. 300 HP is more than enough. The gas mileage is good too. My main concern is how long the engine will last. I plan on keeping mine for a long time, so time will tell.

14

I’ve never gotten more than 21 mpg in mine. Most of the time it’s around 19-20 mpg. For a small 4-cylinder engine, that seems about right. There are other SUVs out there with better engines and better mileage, though.

15

@Vince
What? Do you have the Timberline? Because I get 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway in my 2024 XLT.

16

I had a 2020 with the 2.3L 10-speed transmission. Honestly, the transmission was terrible. It shifted hard, and sometimes it wouldn’t downshift to accelerate when merging into traffic. It would also vibrate at low RPMs. I took it to Ford, and they reprogrammed it a few times, but it kept getting worse. I traded it for the 3.0L, and the new one is much better.

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Have you test-driven it yet?