Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer Limited trim is a more upscale trim with a hybrid option available, and more comfort features.
- The Limited trim adds on heated seats, a nicer sound system, and more safety features while the XLT trim is about $9,000 cheaper but does not have all those fancy features.
- The 2023 Ford Explorer Limited starts at about $50,000 MSRP depending on whether you get AWD or not, and is selling for closer to $55,000.
What is Ford Explorer Limited Package?
The Ford Explorer Limited is not a package but a trim designed for those who want more sophistication and also do not want to overspend at the same time. The Limited trim comes with a standard engine but offers more chrome styling throughout to give it more of a luxury feel. For comparison to the previous trim: the ST-line offers more of an athletic appearance with its blacked out grille.
The Limited includes the features of the previous four trims and comes with a few extra features as standard. These include leather trimmed and heated seats, Ford Copilot 360 plus, Bang and Olufsen sound system, and 360 degree cameras.
Beyond that the Limited has the available option to be upgraded to a hybrid engine. This option is only available on the Limited and Platinum trims which makes the limited the quickest and cheapest way to get a hybrid Ford Explorer. The Hybrid engine is a 3.3 liter V6 with an electric motor and gets 27 mpg in town and 28 mpg on the highway.
What is the difference between Ford Explorer Limited and XLT?
The biggest differences between the Ford Explorer Limited and XLT are that the Limited comes with nicer features and has more available packages. The Limited comes with leather trimmed heated seats, Ford Co-pilot assist +, Bang and Olufsen 12 speaker sound system and a 360 degree camera.
The XLT does not have the nicer speaker system or the safety features and comes with cloth seats. This does come with a significant price difference, however, as the Limited starts at around $49,000 and the XLT starts at about $40,200.
Although the Limited is priced a bit higher it remains one of the more popular trims. It is only the fourth trim up on the lineup and has the available hybrid powertrain option. If you would like the Limited but do not want your vehicle to look as fancy or luxurious and are looking for a more rugged feel we would recommend going for the Timberline trim which is one step up from the Limited and starts at just about $50,100.
How Much is a 2023 Ford Explorer Limited?
The Ford Explorer Limited fair purchase price is $47,730 according to Kelley Blue Book, and this is a base Limited with no paint style that costs more or even 4wd. Adding 4wd puts the fair purchase price up to about $49,700. Most of the new Ford Explorer listings online will start around $52,000 to $55,00 on the lower end.
If you are looking at buying a few different packages as well the hybrid powertrain the Limited is definitely one worth looking into if you want to save money down the road. Depending on gas prices and how much you drive you might break even from the extra $5,300 that it adds on. The Limited technology package is also worth looking into which adds a larger infotainment screen and an even better sound system, it adds on about $1,000.