When you want to be a king or queen, only the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch will do. There are plenty of trim options available with the new Ford Explorer, but the King Ranch is the top trim tier that really knows how to treat its driver like royalty, loaded with goodies designed to make your time behind the wheel feel luxurious.
The Explorer has been around for more than thirty years and has seen some impressive changes over the years. As a replacement for the Bronco, the Explorer has managed to make a name for itself even after the Bronco re-entered the scene. Now, with the King Ranch in the picture, the Explorer has proven it has even more to offer than before. So, what makes the 2023 Ford King Ranch so great?
Kingly Exterior
At first glance, the King Ranch looks bold, yet somehow unassuming. The mesh grille avoids dominating the front, sharing the spotlight with strip fog lights and black lower front fascia. A silver skid plate offers off-road protection and rugged appeal. The rear lower fascia matches the front, with quad exhausts popping out of each side. Side cladding brings the whole thing together, making one good-looking SUV.
The exterior is decked out with all the latest and greatest features, such as smart high and low beams and rain sensing wipers. Power heated side mirrors are a fantastic feature for cold weather, and the addition of a power liftgate makes loading and unloading feel effortless. Roof side rails add some style, but are also useful for carrying payloads.
The Comforts Of A King
No matter where you sit in the King Ranch, you will feel the comforts this Explorer provides. Buttery Mesa Del Rio leather throughout the interior in a warm two-tone design makes the cabin feel warm and rich. Gorgeous genuine wood trim elevates the interior further. Captain’s chairs open the second row, giving passengers ample room. Ventilated and heated front seats come standard, with a heated second row as an optional upgrade. Keep the third row upright to seat seven, or use the power fold option to expand the cargo area. The King Ranch even upgrades the steering wheel with Mesa Del Rio leather, special stitching, and a heating feature.
For a true spa environment, swap out the leather for the optional Multicontour Seats with Active Motion. These revolutionary seats contour to you, relieving fatigue and even offering a massage feature. Throw in the optional moonroof, and you will think you are spending a day relaxing under the warm sun.
Increase the indulgence factor even more with ambient lighting. Set the mood in your car with multi-colored lighting to transform the Explorer into a real experience. Charge your phone, tablet, or other compatible devices easily with the standard wireless charging pad.
Say goodbye to the driver having all control over the temperature. Tri-zone Temperature Control offers individualized options for those in the front and the second row by allowing multiple temperature settings at the same time. Once you are cozy, enjoy the upgraded sound system that comes standard in the King Ranch. A Bang and Olufsen speaker setup, complete with twelve speakers and a subwoofer, will keep the beat going, especially when you connect to your own music with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, you can keep your phone charged with more than just the wireless charge pad. A full array of charge features, like AC power outlets and USB ports.
If you thought that was enough to wow you, there is even a voice-activated Navigation system that with a touchscreen. The addition of FordPass Connect provides the convenience of mobile Wi-Fi for up to ten devices. The Wi-Fi works within 50 feet of the vehicle, so use it while camping or hanging out nearby.
The Crown Jewel Of The Explorer
Under the hood, what makes this King run is a 3.0–liter EcoBoost V6. An impressive 400 horsepower and 415 ft-lb of torque enable you to rule the road. Plus, with Auto Start-Stop Technology, you’ll save on fuel without even thinking about it. Of course, the V6 has some help getting the most out of the power. A ten-speed automatic transmission makes shifting gears seamless, so you can enjoy the ride.
The King Ranch has an advanced Terrain Management System. When paired with optional Intelligent four-wheel drive, you can use up to seven different drive modes. Optimize fuel efficiency with Eco mode, go off-road with confidence when using Trail mode, or switch to Tow/Haul mode maximize its towing abilities, especially with features like Trailer Sway Control that help keep you and your trailer straight and stable.
The King Has Support
It isn’t just the exterior or interior that makes this SUV a pleasing drive. All the bells and whistles come together to give you the total experience, making you wonder if there will ever be another SUV to match. To start, a 360-degree camera not only provides a rear-view feed but also a birds-eye view to increase safety and convenience when towing, navigating small spaces, and backing up. The image can be rendered as a split screen, giving all-around camera coverage.
The Explorer King Ranch also comes standard with Ford’s MyKey system, a unique and clever system designed to increase not only your safety but the safety of others who may drive your vehicle. Program speed limits, audio volume limits, and more. Additional safety features are included as well, such as Lane Keep, and front and rear sensors for parking and collision detection. AdvanceTrac is another system that increases stability and control in varying road and weather conditions.
Get The Most
The King Ranch is well loaded and comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 package. This is Ford’s stocked safety suite which includes features such as the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering. Just like normal cruise control, you can set a designated speed. However, if traffic slows down, this program will slow to match its speed, then resume your set speed when the road ahead clears. Lane Centering will help keep you within your designated lane. This smart system revolutionizes the way cruise control behaves.
This suite also comes with Evasive Steering Assist. Much like the name, it works to steer you around oncoming obstacles, such as an oncoming vehicle or a stalled vehicle. In the event where it is impossible to stop before colliding with an obstacle, swerving around it may be your escape route, and Evasive Steering Assist helps provide that. The suite also includes Post-Collision Braking, which will automatically apply the brakes to stop your vehicle after a collision, when the driver may be disoriented and release the brake pedal. Automatic high-beams, Blind Spot Detection and Emergency Braking are a few more programs available in the standard package.
A few available package upgrades are available. Consider the Class IV Trailer Package if you intend to use your King Ranch for extensive towing and hauling. For upgraded comfort, try the Premium Technology Package. The already impressive sound system receives an upgrade with some extra speakers, and the infotainment screen also receives an upgrade.
Live And Drive Like A King With The King Ranch
There are many available trims for the new Explorer, but the King Ranch will treat you the way you deserve to be treated. The lavish interior is warm, rich, and comfortable. The exterior is everything you could hope for, offering a unique vehicle that stands out from the crowd and will turn heads. Plus, with so many comforts, conveniences, and safety programs, you will have everything you need within reach.
