Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Ford Explorer SL
The 2023 Ford Explorer SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.7/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.6/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $48,389–$62,635, 23 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2023 Ford Explorer SL sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2023 Ford Explorer SL ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $48,389 starting price is about 34% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Explorer SL Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford Explorer SL scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Common Questions — 2023 Ford Explorer SL
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer SL reliable?
We rate the 2023 Ford Explorer SL's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer SL worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2023 Ford Explorer SL cost?
The 2023 Ford Explorer SL starts at $48,389 and ranges up to $62,635 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Explorer SL years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 11 Explorer SL model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
Owner Essentials — Ford Explorer SL
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More Ford Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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