Okay, I’ll admit it. I never thought I’d be writing an article about an SUV.
My world usually revolves around browser games. You know, the quick-launch, oddly-addictive little digital distractions that somehow eat up three hours before you realize dinner’s still frozen and your cat is sitting on your keyboard. But then I test-drove the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT—and now I’m rethinking my whole “I only need a compact car because I just go to work and the grocery store” mindset.
Spoiler: this SUV is a total unit. And not in a “muscle-bro revs it obnoxiously at stoplights” kind of way—more like, “this is the vehicle I’d drive into a real-life boss battle with a trunk full of snacks and a six-speaker sound system.” 2024 ford explorer xlt
So whether you’re here because you’re car-shopping, curious, or just want to know if the Ford Explorer XLT is worth the hype (and the money), buckle up. I’m breaking it all down—from the driving experience to how many consoles I can fit in the back—for casual readers, gamers, and real-world adventurers alike. 2024 ford explorer xlt
First Impressions: Smooth Operator with Big NP Energy
I rolled into a parking lot in the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT, and I swear people looked. Not in a “you’re driving a Batmobile” kind of way, but in a “oh hey, that’s a nice SUV” kind of way.
The Explorer XLT hits a nice balance—it’s not flashy or obnoxious, but it has real presence. It’s the equivalent of picking the coolest-looking armor set in a browser RPG: practical, polished, and totally elevates your vibe without making it look like you’re trying too hard. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Its LED headlights and 18-inch wheels give it a clean, confident stance. It doesn’t scream “look at me!” but it absolutely whispers “I’ve got this.”
And yeah… I kind of love that.
What’s New in the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT?
So, what’s actually new in the 2024 model year for the Explorer XLT? While the overall look stays familiar (no major redesign this year), Ford gave it some modern love with updated safety features, tech refinements, and smoother drive quality. 2024 ford explorer xlt
If you’re like me and haven’t touched a “new” car since your 2010 sedan with the haunted Bluetooth system, the 2024 Explorer XLT feels like entering the next generation of open-world realism. Better connectivity, more customization, and just enough cool-factor to keep things fresh.
And let’s talk about the engine…
300 Horses and a Sense of Humor
Pop the hood, and you’re greeted by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine pushing out 300 horsepower. I didn’t expect much from a four-cylinder (I’ve played enough racing games to be skeptical), but this one? It moves.
Seriously, it’s like a character with average stats who turns out to have a legendary weapon hidden in their inventory. Whether I was merging onto the highway or climbing a steep road to a scenic overlook (which I totally did just to test it), the Explorer XLT delivered a smooth, confident performance.
Bonus: it doesn’t chug gas like a power-hungry boss. More on that in a sec.
Inside the Cabin: Cozy, Classy, and Console-Approved
Let’s talk interior—because if you’re anything like me, you judge a car by how many drinks you can stash and whether your Switch fits in the center console. 2024 ford explorer xlt
The 2024 Ford Explorer XLT nails it.
You get plush cloth seating (with optional heated upgrades), room for up to seven passengers, and a cabin that’s surprisingly refined for a mid-tier trim. It feels like someone took a gamer’s lounge setup and added seat belts. There’s ambient lighting, intuitive buttons, and—bless the designers—a generous number of cup holders.
Rear legroom is fantastic, even for adults (or tall teens with long legs and louder opinions). And with the third row folded down, cargo space becomes downright cavernous. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Trust me, you could easily load up a full-size PC tower, a folding table, snacks, and a couple of bean bags for an on-the-go LAN party. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Infotainment: Your Real-Life Heads-Up Display
Here’s where the Ford Explorer XLT really shines: the tech.
You get a super responsive 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 3 system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built-in. Translation? You can map out your next road trip, stream your favorite lo-fi chill playlist, and yell “skip” at your phone like a chaotic bard—and it all just works.
There’s also a voice-activated navigation system if you spring for the Tech Package, and let me tell you, it’s a lot nicer than yelling at your GPS while trying to exit a highway that splits like a Choose Your Own Adventure game.
Optional digital upgrades like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are also available, which turns your dash into something straight out of a sci-fi sim. And the sound? With the upgraded Bang & Olsen audio system, every song feels like the soundtrack to your journey. Highly recommended. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Driving Experience: Casual Mode Engaged
If you’re expecting the Explorer to feel like driving a tank, think again. It’s agile, confident, and downright chill on the road.
The steering has a nice weight to it—not twitchy like some compact cars, but not lumbering like a full-size SUV either. I didn’t feel like I was piloting a spaceship or struggling to keep it between the lines, even on winding roads.
And highway cruising? Dreamy. Like background-music-and-sunset kind of dreamy.
The suspension soaks up bumps without sending your latte flying, and there’s enough pep from the engine to pass slow drivers without a panic sweat.
Storage Space: Inventory Management IRL
Here’s the part that made me shout “YES” out loud in a Target parking lot (true story): the Explorer XLT’s cargo space.
With all seats up, you get 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space—which is plenty for groceries, gym bags, or a modestly sized cosplay setup. Fold down the third row, and it jumps to 47.9 cubic feet. Drop the second row too, and we’re looking at a whopping 87.8 cubic feet. 2024 ford explorer xlt
You can literally load this thing up like a loot run—whether it’s IKEA furniture, band gear, or half your Steam library in physical form. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Also, the power liftgate? A game-changer. You don’t have to fumble with keys while holding a six-pack of energy drinks. Just press the button and it’s like: whoosh. Magic.
Safety: Shields Up
Ford didn’t skimp on safety tech in the Explorer XLT. It comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot suite, which includes: 2024 ford explorer xlt
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane-Keeping System
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Post-Collision Braking
You also get an optional 360-degree camera, which makes parallel parking this beast way less intimidating. (Side note: parking this SUV is honestly easier than trying to land in Fortnite while dodging rockets.)
It feels like having a full squad watching your back in real life. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Fuel Economy: Surprisingly Not a Mana Drain
I expected the Explorer to burn through gas like a wizard through mana potions—but nope. Ford’s EcoBoost engine is surprisingly efficient.
EPA estimates put it at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the RD version. I averaged around 24 mpg during a week of casual errand-running and a short weekend getaway. 2024 ford explorer xlt
That’s pretty dang respectable for a three-row SUV with 300 horses under the hood.
And with the available Auto Start-Stop tech, you save even more at red lights and drive-thrus. Efficiency bonus unlocked.
Cost: Is the 2024 Explorer XLT Worth It?
Here’s the million-gold-coin question: is it worth it?
The base MSRP for the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT starts around $39,000. Add in some extras (like AWD, tow package, or upgraded tech), and you’re likely in the $42k–$45k range.
Compared to other midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, that’s extremely competitive—especially for what you’re getting in space, power, and features.
It’s not the cheapest ride on the lot, but for gamer, creatives, parents, or road trip warriors who want comfort and versatility without going full luxury, it’s a smart investment. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Who Should Drive the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT?
If any of these sound like you, this SUV is worth a test drive:
- You want to haul people and stuff without sacrificing tech or style.
- You like a commanding view of the road (and not sitting on the floor like in some sedans).
- You enjoy road trips and want to actually feel comfortable for 3+ hours.
- You need more room than a compact crossover but don’t want a full-size land yacht.
- You occasionally treat yourself to coffee, snacks, and two hours of Nintendo Switch in the backseat. (Respect.)
Bonus points if you’re a gamer looking for your IRL vehicle equivalent of a balanced tank-DPS hybrid. It can handle real-life quests, side missions, and boss-level emergencies (like Costco runs) with ease.
Final Thoughts: A Real-World MVP
The 2024 Ford Explorer XLT didn’t just impress me—it kind of changed how I think about driving.
It’s not the flashiest SUV out there, but it’s incredibly well-rounded. Comfy, tech-savvy, powerful, spacious, and easy to live with. It’s basically the “S-tier starter character” of midsize SUV. 2024 ford explorer xlt
Whether you’re commuting, gaming on the go, hauling gear to your next con, or just want a dependable ride that feels more like a luxury item than a chore… this might just be the perfect match.
Now if Ford could just add RGB lighting and a built-in snack drawer, we’d really be talking. 2024 ford explorer xlt
