2013 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Ford Explorer is the arrival of the Sport trim, which pairs a twin-turbo V6 with standard 4WD and a sport-tuned chassis. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2013 Ford Explorer
5th generation (2011-2019), third model year, pre-refresh.
Ford positions the Explorer as a family-ready three-row SUV that blends everyday comfort, road-trip usefulness and more upscale technology than many mainstream rivals. The brochure leans on seven-passenger flexibility, towing confidence, available all-weather traction and the "Go. Do." adventure theme. In this generation, Explorer is less about old-school truck toughness and more about quiet highway driving, flexible seating and a premium-feeling cabin with SUV space.
The 2013 Explorer ranges from a practical three-row base model to the luxury-leaning Limited, which has heated leather-trimmed front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. The new Sport is the performance-focused version, with quicker acceleration, a firmer suspension and blacked-out exterior details.
What changed, by category
2013 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost Trb 2.0L | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost 2.0L | V6 EcoBoost Twin Trb 3.5L | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost Trb 2.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft / Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft / Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 16 mpg | 17–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–28 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 22 mpg | 23–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–290 hp | 240–290 hp | 350 hp | 240–290 hp |
| Torque | 255–270 lb-ft | 255–270 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 255–270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft | 80.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Ford Explorer?
The biggest change is the new Sport trim. It combines a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, standard 4WD, a sport-tuned suspension and darker exterior trim.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer a redesign?
No, the 2013 Explorer is not a redesign. It is the third model year of the fifth generation, and most of the lineup carries over with light updates.
What safety features changed on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
A front passenger knee airbag became standard on every 2013 Explorer. Lane-keeping technology also joined upper Limited equipment groups.
Was the Explorer Sport new for 2013?
Yes, the Sport joined the Explorer lineup for 2013. It is the quicker, more aggressive seven-passenger version, with a twin-turbo V6, standard 4WD and a firmer suspension.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
The difference is most meaningful if you want the Sport trim or the added passenger knee airbag. Otherwise, the 2013 Explorer is a light update, with most other changes limited to upper Limited equipment groups.