Howdy,
I’m shopping for a 2022/2023 Ford Explorer. I am interested in hearing from current Ford explore owners with the 2.3 L four-cylinder engine. please provide feedback on the items below.

• Power (merging onto the highway and towing small trailer)
• Real world MPG highway & city
• Engine Reliability
• Engine maintenance: Oil changes easy or hard

Makes me very nervous to purchase another 2.3 L four-cylinder engine (2013 Chevy equinox 2.3L engine needed rebuilt at 75,000 miles).

Appreciate everyone’s input.
Thank you
Jonesy

 

Jonesy,

I have a 2021 Explorer XLT/4WD 2.3L 4CYL Turbo, brand new from the lot since May2021, To date I have had zero issues with the engine and drive train. Acceleration in Normal mode is very responsive, Sport mode is IMPRESSIVE for a 4-banger! I have not towed with it yet but the torque seems more than sufficient to get the job done. Tow package is laid out nicely and electrical connection doesn't require a combat low-crawl to access. Driving Conditions are adaptable through a Dial-A-Yield **** on the center console, which is very intuitive.

Mileage in town has been averaging 19.5~20MPG. Level highway will get me 27MPG. There is an economy mode that will eek out 2~3 more. Anything above 70MPH shows a noticeable economy drop.

Both my previous Explorers (1992 & 2005) & their engines have been rock-solid. The Transmission on my 2005 gave out after 149K miles. The drive is very quiet compared to my previous two Explorers (both 4WD). The handling is tight and responsive, turning radius is amazingly tight for a mid-size SUV. Start-up is quick and trouble free.

Under warranty, all maintenance has been by the dealership.

Hope this helps! Good luck!
EBT

 

Thanks ETB.

Yes this helps my Explorer search allot.



Jonesy

 

I have a 2020 that we b ought new and now has 27K miles on the clock.

From Virginia, the car has been to Maine and back and to Georgia many times and nary an issue. Around town it's logging a solid 19-20 MPG's and on the freeway it's a solid 28+. When my bride or I are traveling alone, 30 MPG's is easy to achieve. Our Explorer replaced a 2004 Ford Expedition.

Power is abundant and she loves to cruise at 80 all day long.
The 2.3L and 10 speed combo is a great drive train that actually isn't giving Ford much issue with recalls or warranty work. This combo in the Ranger has elevated the Ranger to become one of the most reliable midsize trucks in the market.
Oil changes and air/oil filter replacements are a breeze. My only gripe is that the engine sits way back in the engine bay making all service points hard to reach unless you're seven feet tall.

The 2023 Explorer has now just been labeled by JD Power as more reliable than the Toyota Highlander though Ford's per visit cost is more.

The Explorer is not cheap, in fact, I'm not convinced that it's a great value unless one can get a wicked deal like I did. Right place / right time for me.

Of all the vehicles in this segment, the Explorer experiences the highest depreciation of all, according to JD Power.

 

Thank you Tseekins.

Appreciate your input. Your input helps me with my new car purchase.

🤠

 

Howdy Fellas, we did purchase a new 2022 Ford Explorer for my Wife. The turbo gives it allot of power. Made our first payment a few weeks ago...

Happy Wife, happy life. Guess I'm a redneck, I still love my 2019 Ford F-150 best.

 

I think you're going to love the 2.3L. It's easy to change the oil and has gobs of power for it's size and the MPG's are mighty respectable.

 

we have a 21 limited and love it good mileage usually around 25-27 to work and home we live in a small town and wife works at the school that is 9 miles from home all highway. long trips is usually 26-28 have seen 30 a couple times. the power is really good we pull our boat with a few times a year boat weighs 4500-4800 pounds i was impressed with how it handles the boat we average 12-15 pulling that is cruise set at 68mph. engine runs around 2200rpms pretty much just stays there.

 

I know this thread has been dormant for about 2 years, but I was wondering if anyone has an opinion of the explorer 2.3? We are looking for a vehicle and it seems that most used explorers in our price range are 4cyl. I tend to keep vehicles until around 200k miles, so any long term review or issues would be helpful

 

Ford parts guy viewpoint? The 2.3 seems to be a really good little engine.

-Steve

 

Thanks. Anything in particular that’s a common issue? Obvious things to look out for when used vehicle shopping?

 

I read somewhere that a handful of 2025 3.0 and 2.3's are having some valve issues but but seems to be identified and corrected. The 2.3L is heavily employed with minimal issues.

 

Well, we ended up getting a 2021 with the 2.3 and 76K miles. I’m hoping for at least 5 years out of it. By then, the kids will all be out of the house and we’ll be able to get a smaller vehicle.

 

We have 88k on our 21 now with no issues

 

We're approaching 61K on our 2020. The only issues that we've had have been the rear camera which has taken years to get settled and the third row seat buttons in the back of the car. Otherwise, it's been a very good car.

Brakes will need to be done in March just prior to state inspection