How much does a 2024 Ford Explorer weigh?

If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV, the 2024 Ford Explorer is worth your consideration. This popular SUV is an ideal family hauler, thanks to its three-row seating, spacious cabin, and extensive tech and safety features. In addition, it’s an exceptionally robust and capable vehicle that can handle any task you throw at it. If you plan to use your new SUV to transport heavy loads, knowing its curb weight is essential so you won’t overburden it and compromise your safety. So, how heavy is the Ford Explorer? Let’s find out.

What’s the Difference Between Curb Weight and Gross Weight?

Before we get into the 2024 Ford Explorer’s weight, let’s look at the difference between curb and gross weight. Both of these terms refer to the weight of a vehicle, but there’s a subtle difference between them.

Curb weight describes how much a vehicle weighs when it’s empty and ready to be driven. It includes all the equipment on the car, the fluids, and a full gas tank. Gross weight, on the other hand, is the curb weight plus any passengers and cargo the vehicle is carrying. It’s the weight the car isn’t designed to exceed.

How Much Does a 2024 Ford Explorer Weigh?

The 2024 Ford Explorer is a relatively hefty vehicle as a midsize SUV. This is necessary to withstand the demands of transporting an entire family and their cargo and towing heavy loads. How much this Ford model weighs depends on the engine, drivetrain, and trim level.

The 2024 Explorer offers two engine options. Most models get power from a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine rated at 300 horsepower. If you want to add fun to your driving experience, choose the performance-oriented ST. This trim packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with a stout 400 horsepower. Both engines work with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

Most Ford Explorer models are equipped with the standard turbo-four engine and RWD and have a curb weight of 4,345 pounds. Upgrading to AWD increases the curb weight to 4,437 pounds. That’s also the curb weight of the adventure-ready Timberline, which is only available with AWD.

Since it has more features than the other variants, the top-of-the-line Platinum is the heaviest trim in the Explorer lineup. It has a curb weight of 4,969 pounds with RWD and 5,076 pounds with AWD. Despite its larger engine, the ST is lighter than the Platinum, weighing only 4,701 pounds with either RWD or AWD.

As for the Ford Explorer’s gross weight, it’s the same across the board. All models fitted with AWD have a gross weight of 6,160 pounds.

How Does the Weight of the 2024 Ford Explorer Affect Its Performance?

Most car buyers don’t consider the weight of a vehicle when making a purchasing decision. However, knowing how much a certain vehicle weighs is vital to understanding its performance and capabilities. Let’s look at how the curb weight of the 2024 Ford Explorer impacts its performance.

Acceleration

Curb weight directly affects a vehicle’s ability to move quickly from a standstill. Generally, heavier vehicles have a lower power-to-weight ratio, meaning they need more power to accelerate and tend to be slower off the line. However, some are equipped with potent engines that can compensate for their heftiness. Although it’s a relatively heavy vehicle, the Ford Explorer can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds with all-wheel drive. It’s even faster in its ST guise, reducing the sprint time to just 5.3 seconds. That’s impressive for a three-row, midsize SUV.

Handling

In general, lighter vehicles offer better maneuverability and agility, making them easier to control around turns and more fun to drive. However, they may not be as stable and composed as their heavier counterparts in certain situations.

Due to its substantial curb weight, the Explorer can easily absorb bumps and road imperfections, resulting in a calm and smooth ride. It also feels well-planted at high speeds and provides excellent traction in adverse weather conditions. As a family-oriented vehicle, this Ford SUV is designed for comfort and safety rather than driving fun. Nonetheless, it can also deliver an engaging driving experience, especially if you choose the ST trim.

Towing Capability

Curb weight is one of the key factors determining the towing capacity of a vehicle, and it’s something you need to consider if you’re planning to lug recreational equipment on weekend adventures or road trips. To ensure safe towing, a vehicle’s curb weight should be considerably higher than the weight of the cargo or trailer it’s pulling. A heavier vehicle typically has a higher towing capacity than a smaller car.

The Explorer is one of the best vehicles for towing in its segment, thanks, in part, to its heavy curb weight. If you choose the base Explorer, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, or Limited, you’ll be able to tow up to 5,300 pounds. To achieve the maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, get a King Ranch, ST, or Platinum model and equip it with the Class IV Trailer Tow Package. With this kind of towing power, you can pull various loads, such as ATVs, motorcycles, a fishing boat, a pop-up camper, or a small travel trailer.

Test-Drive the 2024 Ford Explorer in Brewster, New York

If you’re thinking of getting the 2024 Ford Explorer in the Brewster area, drop by Brewster Ford for a test drive. Our dealership carries one of the largest inventories of new Ford vehicles in Putnam County, so you can be sure of finding your perfect match on our lot. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable sales consultants to answer any questions you may have about the latest Explorer, including its specifications, weight, and features. We’ll also guide you through the whole car-buying process to ensure everything goes smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.

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