Ford Explorer Top Speed: How Fast Is It?

Published December 21, 2023
in Model Info and Features

The Ford Explorer is a unique and popular SUV option, offering room for up to seven passengers for even the largest families. It might be an efficient mover for those who need to cart loved ones back and forth - but how quickly can it move on the highway? What is the Ford Explorer top speed you can anticipate?

If you’re curious and want to learn more about the top speed of the Ford Explorer, you’re in the best place to understand more. Searching for as much knowledge about the top speed as possible will help you make a well-informed choice about the Explorer. Read on to learn more about the maximum mph of the Explorer and other helpful information about the iconic SUV.

How Fast is the Ford Explorer?

According to getjerry.com, the Ford Explorer top speed when referring to the Ford Explorer XLT taps out at 145 miles per hour. This trim is slightly higher than the base trim, so it’s safe to say this number is a solid average for the car as a whole. The Explorer can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.0 seconds.

There are eight trims available for the Ford Explorer - the Explorer, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. There might be variations in the acceleration, power, and speed depending on the engine in each system and its general design.

The speed of the Ford Explorer is solid for its size, as many won’t get nearly as much as 145 miles per hour out of an SUV - especially one equipped for the entire family. Its capability of going from 0-60 miles per hour is particularly impressive and it’s worth a consideration if you’re hunting for an Explorer with some kick.

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Speed By Ford Explorer Trim

Typically, the Ford Explorer will go from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.0 seconds. However, that rate will vary depending on the Ford Explorer trim you invest in.

According to carhp.com, here is the rate at which a Ford Explorer can go from 0-60 miles per hour based on trim:

Ford Explorer: 6.0 seconds
Ford Explorer XLT: 6.0 seconds
Ford Explorer ST-Line: 6.0 seconds
Ford Explorer Timberline: 6.0 seconds
Ford Explorer Limited: 6.0 seconds
Ford Explorer ST: 5.2 seconds
Ford Explorer King Ranch: 5.2 seconds
Ford Explorer Platinum: 5.8 seconds

There’s less than a second variation between the fastest and slowest trims.

If you want the fastest version of the Ford Explorer, go with the Ford Explorer King Ranch or the Ford Explorer ST. If you don’t want to spend as much money, the four cheaper trims are less than a second slower in the power department.

What Engines Does the Ford Explorer Possess?

The engine equipped in a Ford Explorer makes a difference in the speed, especially when dealing with the higher models. The pricier versions of the Ford Explorer cost more, but they also have a more powerful engine system.

According to carhp.com, here are the engines you will find in the Ford Explorer:

2.0-liter turbo-4 engine
3.0-liter twin-turbo V6

These offer variations of power and energy on the road.

The lower-end models of the Ford Explorer come with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, which allows acceleration from 0-60 mph in around 6.0 seconds 300 horsepower, and 310 pound-feet of torque. The higher-end selections have the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 which provides 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.

FORD EXPLORER PROS & CONS

If you’re interested in the Explorer, it’s critical to look at all aspects before buying. You might wonder - what are some prominent Ford Explorer pros and cons?

Is A Ford Explorer Faster Than a Pilot?

The SUV is a large category on the market, so there are many competitors to the iconic Ford Explorer design. One of the most competitive is the Honda Pilot - so how do these competitors rank when considering speed?

According to newcars.com, the Ford Explorer is the faster of the two. The Explorer has a maximum speed of 145 miles per hour, while the Pilot is only able to kick it to about 130 miles per hour. The Explorer also has a horsepower of 300-400, while the Pilot falls behind at 285 horsepower.

Both cars are solid options for families, as they can seat up to seven people and offer very similar space for cargo in the rear. However, if speed and power are one of the most critical factors in your investment, consider the Ford Explorer over the competing Honda Pilot.

What Is The Fastest Ford?

When looking at the Ford Explorer top speed, it’s helpful to think about the fastest vehicle Ford has ever created. The Ford Explorer is decent in its performance, but how does it stack up when compared to the speediest Ford selection ever created?

According to encycarpedia.com, the fastest Ford ever made is the Ford GT. It can access a maximum speed of 216 miles per hour and shift from 0-60 miles per hour in an incredible 2.9 seconds. There’s also access to 660 horsepower with a 3.5-liter V6 bi-turbo engine.

Of course, the Ford GT is a supercar, which means it isn’t street legal and it comes with a substantial price tag - 1.7 million dollars, to be exact. The Ford Explorer still puts up an excellent fight and you can get the base model for a mere $36,760.

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Final Thoughts

The Ford Explorer top speed is around 145 miles per hour, and it gets 300-400 horsepower depending on which of the two engine options you select. For a family car, the Ford Explorer offers decent power and performance in each of the trims, though to get 0-60 miles per hour in under 6.0 seconds will cost you a bit more than the base trim.

We hope this information comes in handy! It’s always a good plan to analyze every detail before purchasing it yourself. Although the performance of the Ford Explorer might not mean anything to seem, this factor could mean all the world to others. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine if it’s correct for your life.

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