2013 Ford Explorer XLT: A Detailed Review of Its Specs, Value, and Performance
The 2013 Ford Explorer XLT represents a significant evolution in the mid-size SUV segment, blending capability with refined comfort. This specific model year marked a return to relevance for the Explorer lineup after a period of stagnation. Designed for families and professionals alike, it offers a compelling mix of powertrain options, practical technology, and versatile cargo space. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-focused analysis of the 2013 model's key attributes, market positioning, and real-world ownership experience.
The Context: A Return to Form
The 2013 model year was a pivotal one for Ford. Following the discontinuation of the beloved Explorer in 2010, the 2011 model returned as a completely redesigned vehicle, built on a unibody platform shared with the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. This shift from body-on-frame construction was a major strategic move, aimed at improving fuel efficiency, handling, and overall refinement. The XLT trim sat squarely in the middle of the new Explorer's hierarchy, directly below the well-equipped Limited and above the base SE. It was positioned as the "sweet spot" for buyers, offering a balance of features, performance, and value that proved highly attractive in a competitive market.
Design and Dimensions: Substantial and Sophisticated
The design language of the 2013 Explorer, overseen by then-Ford design director Moray Callum, was a deliberate move away from the aggressive "Kinetic Design" language of its predecessors. The result is a more imposing, muscular, and professional aesthetic. Its large, trapezoidal grille, flanked by signature LED daytime running lights, gives it a commanding road presence. The body is proportioned with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, contributing to a stable and planted highway demeanor. The XLT's silhouette is further defined by its chrome-accented window trim and the distinctive, tri-bar LED taillights, which became a hallmark of the new-generation Explorers.
- Length: 197.1 inches
- Width: 76.5 inches
- Height: 70.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 119.2 inches
These dimensions translate to a significant increase in interior volume. With third-row seating deployed, the Explorer offers 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space, a figure that rivals full-size three-row SUVs. The XLT's doors are substantial, and the windows are large, creating an airy cabin feel that was uncommon in SUVs of this class at the time. The new platform also lowered the seating position compared to the old model, making entry and exit easier for passengers of all ages.
Interior and Comfort: A Focus on Quality
Entering the 2013 Explorer XLT reveals a cabin that marked a clear departure from the utilitarian interiors of the past. While not as lavish as the Limited trim, the XLT's dashboard features a clean, horizontal design with soft-touch materials that feel more sophisticated than the plasticky surfaces found in many competitors. The standard instrument cluster is large and easy to read, with a prominent center display for the audio and climate controls. Higher-grade audio and navigation systems were available as options, integrating a now-familiar layout for Ford's MyFord Touch system, though its initial software iteration was met with mixed reviews regarding its user-friendliness.
The seating is a key highlight. The front seats offer ample support and are bolstered for better cornering, while the rear bench provides a comfortable enough perch for adults on longer trips. The third row, while certainly tight for anyone over six feet tall, is a genuine surprise, capable of accommodating two children or smaller adults on a road trip. The XLT also includes practical touches like deep front and rear cargo mats, a flexible rear seat that folds flat, and numerous cup holders and storage compartments, cementing its status as a practical family hauler.
Performance and Capability: Power and Poise
Under the hood, the 2013 Explorer XLT was typically equipped with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and sent to all four wheels via Ford's Intelligent Four-Wheel-Drive system. This combination provided confident acceleration and effortless passing power. The V6 was more than adequate for daily driving, highway merging, and light towing, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The handling was perhaps the most significant improvement over the old model. The unibody construction and revised suspension gave the Explorer a level of agility and stability that surprised many drivers. It carved through curves with a firmness that inspired confidence, and the steering, while not sporty, provided good feedback. Braking performance was strong and predictable, with the standard Vehicle Stability Control system working transparently to maintain traction in various conditions. One automotive reviewer from the era noted, "The new Explorer handles more like a premium crossover than the old truck-on-car architecture, making it a pleasure to drive in everyday situations."
Technology and Safety: Modern Conveniences
For the 2013 model year, Ford equipped the Explorer with a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, many of which were standard on the XLT trim. This included AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, which helped maintain stability during aggressive maneuvers or on uneven terrain. Trailer Sway Control was also a standard feature, aiding drivers in managing a loaded trailer. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert became available, providing an extra layer of awareness in busy parking lots or during lane changes.
The centerpiece of the interior's technology was the SYNC system. This voice-activated system allowed drivers to make hands-free phone calls, manage music playlists from an iPod or USB drive, and use voice commands for climate control. While the initial release of SYNC was not without its bugs, it represented a significant step forward in integrating connectivity into the driving experience. Navigation, when ordered, provided turn-by-turn directions with real-time traffic updates, a rare feature for the segment at that time.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
Fuel efficiency was a primary driver behind the Explorer's platform shift. The 2013 model with the 3.5L V6 and all-wheel drive delivered an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. While these numbers are not class-leading, they were a substantial improvement over the previous body-on-frame generation, which typically managed in the mid-teens for city mileage. This improvement made the Explorer more economical to own, particularly for commuters and road-tripping families who filled up regularly.
Maintenance costs were generally reasonable, aligning with other domestic name-brand SUVs. Routine services such as oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations were widely available at independent shops and Ford dealerships. Parts were also readily accessible, which helped keep long-term repair costs predictable. Reliability for this specific generation has been generally positive, with many 2013 Explorers still serving their owners well well over 100,000 miles with basic maintenance.
Market Position and Enduring Appeal
When it launched, the 2013 Ford Explorer competed directly with stalwarts like the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. Its advantage lay in its combination of size, capability, and driving dynamics. It was larger than the Highlander and Pilot but more car-like to drive than the Traverse. For buyers who needed to tow a boat or camper, the Explorer's available 5,000-pound towing capacity was a key differentiator that few competitors could match. It successfully carved out a niche as the SUV for the active, on-the-go professional who refused to compromise on space or capability.
Today, the 2013 Ford Explorer XLT is remembered as a model that solidified the new generation's success. It offered a compelling formula: a spacious, comfortable, and capable vehicle that was also engaging to drive. For the used car buyer, it represents excellent value, providing a wealth of modern features and proven performance at a fraction of the cost of a new SUV.
