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Will The 2024 Ford Explorer Get Any Powertrain Updates?

At minimum, we’re several weeks away from the 2024 Ford Explorer official reveal and announcement. As Ford Authority previously reported, the lineup will feature a revised front end and additions to the rear liftgate, while the cabin will get a new center stack. But beyond that, it is unclear if there are any significant changes coming to its three powertrains. The question is, will anything interesting be added or removed from the lineup?

2024 Ford Explorer Platinum

Currently, the civilian Explorer lineup consists of three engines: the standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, the 3.3L V6 hybrid, and the 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, with the latter two engines being featured exclusively on Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. Of those three, the 3.3L V6 hybrid is the least common powerplant in the lineup, as it is optional on Limited and Platinum. This is the weakest engine in the lineup for a number of reasons, but chiefly because it is only marginally more powerful than the 2.3L EcoBoost and while being nearly as efficient, with a combined 25 miles-per-gallon EPA rating vs. the 23 MPG rating for the standard 2.3L EcoBoost. If there are any changes on the way for the 2024 Ford Explorer powertrain lineup, the removal of the hybrid wouldn’t be a total shock.

2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line front three quarter view

As for the standard 2.3L EcoBoost, it’s possible that it’s dropped entirely. In its place would be an entirely new engine with the same displacement, and also a member of the EcoBoost family. As Ford Authority previously detailed, this new iteration of the EcoBoost is part of the 2024 Ford Mustang lineup, and it utilizes the Modular Power Cylinder (MPC) architecture. That architecture allows it to share design continuity with the 1.5L EcoBoost I-4 and 2.0L EcoBoost I-4, which helps the automaker simply manufacturing and reduce costs, which the company is very concerned about right now. The new 2.3L in the Mustang has a new twin-scroll turbocharger, compact variable valve timing, an integrated air induction system, and an integrated hot side exhaust gas recirculation system to help mitigate emissions. Those changes could make its way to the 2024 Ford Explorer lineup in an effort to make the SUV more emissions friendly and possibly more powerful in certain configurations.

2024 Ford Explorer ST front end

As for the 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, that is likely staying in the lineup, although a bump in output is likely. With the engine being a core part of the Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor, it will most likely stick around in the 2024 Ford Explorer too, given its important as the sole ST powertrain. Since the Bronco Raptor is rated at 418 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque, it’s possible the ST could get its own boost in power, although both vehicles are different enough that an exact carryover in output would be unlikely. That said, it would be great if its current 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque is improved upon. As for wild cards, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus features a new 2.0L hybrid turbocharged engine that could be a decent replacement for the current V6 hybrid.

The far less interesting answer involves the 2024 Ford Explorer not receiving any new updates to its powertrains at all. The 2023 Ford Escape received lots of compelling technological updates and a completely new model range along with cosmetic enhancements, but kept the exact same powertrains. Given the Explorer is slated to get an Active trim of its own after its sibling added it, the possibility that the Explorer would emulate the compact crossover cannot be dismissed. After all, both vehicles already feature class-competitive engines. In any event, it will be interesting to see if the company has any surprises up its sleeve for the upcoming refresh, as this is a fairly important vehicle for the automaker.

We’ll have more on the upcoming Explorer soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news, and for comprehensive Ford news updates.

Ed owns a 1986 Ford Taurus LX, and he routinely daydreams about buying another one, a fantasy that may someday become a reality.

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Comments

  1. If it is like the rest of Ford’s changes, the answer is you will get less and pay more.

    Reply
  2. The 2.0L EcoBoost Hybrid is a split power CVT powerpack that can only be used a FWD (C2-based) vehicle. Unfortunately the RWD CD6 setup can’t benefit from this. It is strange that Nautilus seems to be the only vehicle destined to received this power plant.

    Reply
    1. The hybrid transmissions are not CVT. They are electric driven because the main traction electric motor is one fixed gear toward the axles. The speed varies like any electric motor. And it has no hydraulic parts, just a coolant fluid.

      Reply
      1. Ford calls this a CVT.

        Reply
      2. Do not confuse a hybrid with a BEV.

        My 2018 Fusion hybrid and our previous 2013 C-Max had a CVT. When driving under gas engine power the CVT continuously changes ratios as power and efficiency conditions warrant.

        Most BEVs are direct drive electric motors with no input/output ratio changes.

        Reply
  3. The ST should at least come with hp/tq numbers of the Ford Performance tune

    Reply
    1. Agreed. They should find 450hp and 450tq minimum.

      Reply
  4. Why can’t it get the same powertrain as the Bronco/Ranger? It’s roughly the same size as the global Everest.

    Reply
  5. Change the muthafuggin grille

    Reply
  6. Ford needs to offer a simple v6 non turbo…and not direct injection engine….some of us are not in a horsepower race in SUVs….we want something reliable…after all the recalls…and problems with the Ecoboost engines…and i own one in a Escape..head gaskets…open deck engine The seem to think the customer is all about horsepower….seems they upping it like the Muscle Car days…Suvs and Pickups…..I pay twice as much for a simple engine…than a Ecoboost…atleast the did something like that in the F 250/350…went back to simple pushrod and non direct injection….7.3 engine….

    Reply
  7. When will Ford produce the full sized electric Explorer? The Germán. version is based on a VW design and is smaller than the U.S. version.

    Reply
    1. Explorer EV and Aviator EV slated for 2025 at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada

      Reply
  8. I really wish Ford brought over the PHEV powertrain the European Explorer had to the US. Seeing how Ford is prioritizing battery resources to the EV vehicles and even letting the hybrid Maverick slip away, I guess it’s best they don’t until they show concern for their HEV and PHEV variants again.

    Reply
    1. ST and Platinum should have the PHEV from the defunct Euro Explorer!

      Reply
    2. The Aviator has the PHEV, although it’s being dropped for 2024.

      Reply
  9. Hybrid AWD would be nice.

    Reply
  10. I wonder if they’ll fix the SYNC issues in the Explorer and I hear, the F150. My ST has half a map on is always removing preset pages

    Reply

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