Experience The New Ford Explorer For Sale & Lease In Toledo OH
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Ford Explorer in Toledo, OH
What engines are available on the new Explorer?
Three options. The base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and is the volume engine. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces 400 hp and powers the Explorer ST and Platinum trims. The Hybrid uses a 3.3L V6 plus electric motor for 318 hp combined and noticeably better fuel economy. All pair with a 10-speed automatic. RWD is standard, with AWD available on most configurations and standard on ST.
How does Explorer compare to other 3-row SUVs?
Explorer's RWD-based platform (since 2020) gives it a sportier driving feel than most competitors and enables towing up to 5,600 lb (V6 configurations). Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride are the closest cross-shops at similar price points. Explorer ST is the genuine performance variant with 400 hp - few three-row SUVs offer that kind of power. Explorer Hybrid offers strong fuel economy without sacrificing third-row capability, which not all competitors match.
Is the third row actually usable?
Adults can fit for shorter trips - school runs, restaurant visits, weekend errands. For longer drives, the third row works comfortably for kids and teens. The second-row captain's chair option (which reduces total seating from 7 to 6) makes third-row access substantially easier and is worth considering if you have three or more kids who climb in regularly.
What's the difference between Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum?
Active is the value entry point with 2.3L engine and core features. ST-Line is the appearance package - black exterior accents, sport interior, but same base engine. ST is the genuine performance variant with 400 hp 3.0L V6, sport-tuned suspension, larger Brembo brakes, and AWD standard. Platinum is the luxury-loaded trim with full leather, ventilated seats, premium audio, all driver assistance features. King Ranch is also available for buyers wanting the western-themed luxury treatment.
Can Explorer tow a boat or camper?
Yes, with appropriate setup. Explorer rated for up to 5,600 lb with the V6 and the Class III Trailer Tow Package (factory installed). That covers most boats up to 25 feet, small to mid-size travel trailers, and pop-up campers. For heavier trailers approaching or exceeding 5,600 lb, F-150 or Expedition becomes the better path. Hybrid Explorer's tow rating is lower (5,000 lb).
Cross-Shopping Explorer Trims?
Active, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch each target different buyers. The differences in powertrain, equipment, and ride character are substantial.
Tell us your priorities and we can pull comparable Explorers for direct comparison.
Reach out and we'll work the trim choice with you.
The Ford Explorer at Yark Ford in Toledo
Explorer remains Ford's volume three-row SUV and the workhorse of family transportation for Northwest Ohio households. The current sixth-generation Explorer launched in 2020 with a fundamental change - the platform shifted from front-wheel-drive-based to rear-wheel-drive-based, which improved towing capability, handling balance, and made the ST performance variant possible. At Yark Ford, Explorer sees consistent demand from Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Perrysburg, and the broader Lucas County family market. Anthony Wayne corridor buyers (Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova) cross-shop Explorer regularly against Pilot and Telluride.
The buyer profile is straightforward - families with two or three kids, regular school and activity transport, occasional towing for boats or trailers, and weekend trips. Explorer handles all of these without strain. The hybrid version has gained ground with buyers who do a lot of city or stop-and-go driving where the hybrid efficiency benefit is largest. The ST variant has carved out an enthusiast niche - parents who want family practicality without giving up driving engagement, with 400 hp and genuinely competent handling for a three-row.
- Sixth-generation Explorer, 2020+ platform
- Three-row, seats 6 or 7 depending on second-row config
- RWD-based platform, AWD available on most trims
- 2.3L EcoBoost, 3.0L EcoBoost V6, or Hybrid
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Up to 5,600 lb tow rating with V6
For shoppers cross-shopping Explorer against the smaller Escape, our new Escape inventory covers the compact two-row alternative. For shoppers needing serious off-road capability rather than three-row family duty, our new Bronco inventory covers the body-on-frame alternative.
Engine Choices and the Right Fit
Engine choice on Explorer comes down to driving pattern and priorities. The 2.3L EcoBoost is the volume choice and works fine for everyday family duty - 300 hp is sufficient for highway merging, suburban driving, and light towing. EPA combined fuel economy runs around 22 mpg. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (400 hp on ST/Platinum) adds substantial performance and works better for buyers who tow regularly or want the engine response on highway passing. Combined economy drops to around 20 mpg.
The Hybrid configuration uses a 3.3L V6 plus electric motor for 318 hp combined, with a 10.5 kWh battery. EPA combined economy is around 27 mpg - notably better than the 2.3L base, especially in city driving. For Toledo-area buyers with significant city driving (commute through downtown Toledo, school runs through Sylvania or Maumee, errands in Perrysburg), the hybrid pencils well. For predominantly highway buyers from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova on US-24 commutes, the gas 2.3L is comparable on efficiency. ST gets the 400 hp tune of the 3.0L V6, sport suspension, larger brakes, and AWD standard - genuine performance variant, not just appearance.
- 2.3L EcoBoost: 300 hp, 22 mpg combined, volume engine
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6: 400 hp on ST/Platinum, sportier feel
- Hybrid: 318 hp combined, 27 mpg combined, city-focused buyers
- 10-speed automatic across the lineup
- RWD standard, AWD available on most, standard on ST
For shoppers focused on Explorer's performance variant specifically, the ST is genuinely engaging to drive. For shoppers focused on fuel economy and city driving, the Hybrid is the better fit. Our vehicle specials page shows current Explorer lease and finance offers, with the most aggressive incentives typically running on the volume 2.3L Active and ST-Line configurations.
Family Use, Cargo, and Practicalities
Explorer interior dimensions matter more for buyers than spec sheet horsepower. Cargo behind the third row is 18.2 cu ft - enough for a typical grocery run or small luggage haul. Behind the second row (third row folded), cargo expands to 47.9 cu ft - comfortable for weekend trips, hockey gear, or larger purchases. Behind the first row (both rows folded), 87.8 cu ft - approaches the cargo of a midsize SUV without three rows, which matters during furniture moves or large hauls. Maximum cargo width at the floor is 51 inches between wheel wells, which is a real number for Costco-style runs.
Second-row configuration choice matters for families. The standard bench seats three across, total Explorer seating 7. The second-row captain's chair option seats two with center pass-through, total Explorer seating 6 - and substantially eases third-row access for kids climbing in and out repeatedly. For families with three or more kids, the bench is usually the better fit for total capacity. For families with two kids who frequently bring friends or grandparents, captain's chairs are usually the better fit for access and second-row passenger comfort.
- Cargo behind 3rd row: 18.2 cu ft
- Cargo behind 2nd row: 47.9 cu ft
- Maximum cargo: 87.8 cu ft both rows folded
- Second-row bench (7 total) vs captain's chairs (6 total)
- Captain's chairs ease third-row access for kids
For shoppers also considering used or certified pre-owned Explorers at lower price points, our pre-owned inventory covers Ford and multi-make options, and Ford Certified Pre-Owned provides manufacturer-backed late-model Fords with extended warranty coverage.
Acting on a New Explorer at Yark Ford
For Explorer shoppers ready to move, the recommended sequence: confirm second-row preference (bench vs captain's chairs), pick a powertrain (2.3L for value, V6 for performance/towing, Hybrid for fuel economy), narrow trim level, and identify must-have options (Class III Trailer Tow Package, panoramic sunroof, captain's chairs, premium audio). Pre-approve through our finance application so spending range is clear before the visit. Schedule a test drive to confirm the powertrain choice - the difference between 2.3L, V6, and Hybrid is real and shows up immediately on a drive.
For trade-in shoppers, Ohio sales tax is 5.75% state plus 1.5% Lucas County (7.25% combined). Trade-in fully deducts from taxable purchase price - no cap, unlike some neighboring states. Our trade-in tool provides a starting estimate, and in-person appraisal at our Toledo location firms up the actual number. For factory order scenarios, configuration and pricing happens during the visit and the order goes in same day. Lead times on Explorer typically run 6-10 weeks. Visit Yark Ford in Toledo to drive what's currently in stock, or contact our team to confirm specific Explorer trims and configurations before making the trip from Sylvania, Maumee, Perrysburg, Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, or anywhere in Northwest Ohio.
- Confirm second-row preference (bench vs captain's chairs)
- Pre-approval clarifies real spending range before visit
- Lead times typically 6-10 weeks on Explorer
- Ohio sales tax 7.25% combined in Lucas County
- Trade-in fully deductible (no cap in Ohio)
For shoppers wanting truck capability instead of three-row SUV, our new F-150 inventory covers the full-size truck with similar tow capacity and different use cases. For shoppers wanting an electric SUV alternative, our new Mustang Mach-E inventory covers the EV path.