“We just drove 750 miles over the course of two days and my husband was comfortable and not bothered by the seats/armrests/climate in car and had a great experience going from Vegas to Denver!!!”
2014 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The most important change for the 2014 Ford Explorer is that automatic headlights become standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign, with Limited also gaining standard heated second-row outboard seats.
About the 2014 Ford Explorer
5th generation (2011-2015), final year before the 2016 refresh
Ford positions the Explorer as a three-row family SUV that blends everyday comfort with bad-weather confidence and light adventure capability. The brochure emphasizes room for seven, flexible cargo space, towing ability, and driver-assist technology, while also stressing a more car-like ride than older truck-based SUVs. For most buyers, the Explorer’s draw is that it can handle commuting, road trips, kids, cargo, and occasional towing in one package without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
The 2014 Explorer remains a three-row family SUV with four distinct versions. The base trim covers the practical basics, XLT adds everyday conveniences, and Limited brings leather seating, heated seats in both rows, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Sport is the performance-focused model, with a twin-turbo V6, four-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and darker exterior trim.
What changed, by category
Tech
Automatic headlights become standard across the lineup. Limited also gains standard heated second-row outboard seats.
2014 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl EcoBoost Turbo 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl EcoBoost Turbo 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17 mpg | 16–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–28 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 23 mpg | 22–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240–290 hp | 240–290 hp | 365 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 High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| 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 Rear 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 changed on the 2014 Ford Explorer compared with the 2013 model?
The 2014 Ford Explorer gains standard automatic headlights on every trim, while Limited adds standard heated second-row outboard seats. The four-trim lineup, engine choices, and basic design otherwise carry over.
Was the 2014 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No, the 2014 Ford Explorer was not redesigned. It received a light equipment update and remained part of the fifth generation introduced for 2011, before the refresh for 2016.
Do all 2014 Ford Explorer trims have automatic headlights?
Yes, automatic headlights are standard on every 2014 Ford Explorer trim. This is the main lineup-wide change for the model year.
Which 2014 Ford Explorer has heated second-row seats as standard?
The 2014 Ford Explorer Limited has standard heated second-row outboard seats. It also has leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
Did the 2014 Ford Explorer get a new engine?
No, the 2014 Ford Explorer keeps the same basic engine choices as the prior year. The model-year changes center on convenience equipment rather than a new powertrain.
2014 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Ford Explorer.
3.6
2014 Ford Explorer
(34 reviews)
“Great car. Lacking navigation and infotainment usability. Had a drive belt snap at 90k which cost about 100 dollars to fix. Sound system is lacking for an XLT model. No button to close the back hatch, but not a big deal.”
“Great value, reliable, decent off-road capability, great utility, love it. Great overall SUV.”