A blue 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch parked in front of a wooden fence.
Whether you commute to work or run errands around town, you deserve to feel like royalty behind the wheel. That is easily achieved when choosing the 2023 Explorer King Ranch at Premier Ford Bay Ridge, your Ford dealer in Brooklyn. From the aesthetically pleasing interior with Del Rio Leather seats to the flashy 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with King Ranch center caps, you'll feel pampered from the minute you slide into the driver's seat.

Backed by more than 30 years of development and design, you also get state-of-the-art technology and innovation when choosing the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch. From the first generation of the Ford Explorer to the current sixth generation, Ford has been dedicated to creating a comfortable and reliable vehicle that fuses your family's needs with streamlined efficiency and power. Continue reading to learn more about that history and what the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch offers.

A Look at the Ford Explorer Through the Years

The Ford Explorer was introduced over 30 years ago, in 1991. It was designed to replace the Ford Bronco II, which had seen dwindling sales. Still, Ford felt there was a market for smaller SUVs, so it focused its efforts on a more family-friendly version of the Bronco II. Built from 1991 to 1994, the first generation of the Ford Explorer was available in two-door and four-door models. The boxy design was similar to the Bronco II it had replaced, but consumers enjoyed the functionality of four doors. The first Explorer was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 155 hp.

In 1995, the second generation of the Ford Explorer hit the market. This version was larger and more refined than the first generation, adding a streamlined design that helped it stand out and provided better aerodynamics. In 1996, Ford added a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 210 hp. The two-door version was still available for this generation but was now sold as the Ford Explorer Sport. The second generation also received a fully independent suspension and modern rack-and-pinion steering.

The third generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced in 2002. It was built on a new platform and was available with two engine options, including a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8. However, Ford discontinued the Explorer's manual transmission option. This generation of the Explorer focused on the passengers, including a third-row seat, a rear-seat DVD player, and a navigation system.
The black and brown interior of a 2023 Explorer King Ranch with two rows of seating.

Modernizing a Classic

The Explorer enhanced safety for the fourth generation in 2011, adding canopy airbags and roll stability control. Ford also upgraded the ride quality and handling by shifting from a truck-based platform to a more efficient crossover design with front-wheel drive. Finally, the new 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine improved fuel economy. In 2016, Ford refreshed the Explorer with drivers and passengers in mind when it improved the infotainment center. It also increased the Explorer's power with a larger 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

Today, the Ford Explorer is in its sixth generation and continues to improve on what is already one of the most popular SUVs on the market. Its initial focus on family is still evident in its driver-assist features and its focus on connectivity, comfort, and safety. One of the most significant changes in the sixth generation was the switch from front-wheel drive back to rear-wheel drive. It's also wider than previous versions, increasing cabin space and stability. Additionally, the standard 2.3L engine now provides 300 hp, ten more than the previous generation.

In 2021, Ford introduced the first Explorer King Ranch. The brand's connection to the King Ranch in Texas has lasted for two of the three decades the Explorer has been in production. The collaborative designs began in 2001 with the F-150 King Ranch, which offered a leather-covered front console and captain's chairs. The Expedition and the Super Duty are other Ford models to receive the King Ranch treatment. The latest offering from the relationship between King Ranch and Ford shines through the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch.

Why Does the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch Deserve the Crown?

The 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch exudes luxury, from the hand stitching on the leather seats to the available 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and everything in between. If you're looking for a vehicle that provides your family with some of the best safety and comfort features around while offering pure enjoyment while driving, look no further than the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch.

Ford has focused on families from the first Explorer to today's generation. That includes ensuring you and your passengers are comfortable driving down the road, no matter where you are headed around Brooklyn. Whether you’re having a picnic in Prospect Park or hunting for treasure at the Brooklyn Flea, you’ll ride in style and ease.

One of the first things you'll notice about the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch is the Del Rio Leather center console armrest with the King Ranch "Running W" logo. This matches the two-tone Del Rio Leather seats in Mesa and Norias with the lasso-perforated inserts. The King Ranch logo is also evident on the seat backs of the front and second-row seats.

Speaking of seating, you get second-row captain's seats with E-Z Entry and armrests, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat. That's in addition to the PowerFold third-row bench seat, offering easy access to increased cargo space. The first and second-row seats are heated for even more comfort on chilly Brooklyn mornings. The 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch also comes with Multi-Color Ambient Lighting, offering seven colors to illuminate the first two rows, second-row sunblinds, and a cabin particulate air filter to help you and your passengers breathe easier. With all of that, this SUV is sure to stand out on the lot of the Ford dealer near you.
A close up of the rim on a red 2023 Explorer King Ranch parked on a trail.

Driver-Assist Features for the Whole Family

In addition to providing a comfortable ride, the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch also offers several standard driver-assist features. Here are just a few of the driver-assist features you can expect from the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch. Stop by our Brooklyn showroom for a test drive to see them in action or to find out more.

Front and Rear Parking Sensors

These sensors are located on the bumpers and alert drivers when objects are in your parking path with an audible tone that increases as you get closer to the object. The system works when the vehicle is moving less than five mph. This is key if you find the perfect Brooklyn parking spot, but you’re worried it might be a little tight. Another parking tool is the Rear View Camera with Backup Assist Grid Lines, which helps when reversing into your driveway or a parking spot.

Lane-Keeping System

The Lane-Keeping System is a package of tools that help keep you in your lane, providing safety to you and your passengers. The system uses technology that scans the lines on the road to ensure you're where you need to be. The package includes Lane-Keeping Aid to provide steering corrections, Lane-Keeping Alert to provide warnings, and Driver Alert to let you know when you are drifting too often.

Choose Luxury; Choose the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch

If you want to drive in style and comfort, choose the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch. This unique design is a step above previous Explorers in comfort and safety. It has a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and premium handling with an advanced Terrain Management System, Hill Descent Control, and Trailer Sway Control. Whether heading out to Dyker Beach Park or driving in the carpool lane, your new 2023 Ford Explorer Ranch will provide you with everything you need.

You also have more than 30 years of history and reliability behind you when you choose the Ford Explorer. The Explorer has been paving the way to adventure from the first model in 1991 to the premier 2023 options. When you're ready for your SUV to do more for you, contact us or stop by Premier Ford Bay Ridge and take a tour of the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch.