The 2024 Ford Explorer ST is your family’s muscle car

Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds is typically reserved for high-performance cars like the Audi S4, BMW M235i, Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG and Subaru WRX. But guess what? The 2024 Ford Explorer ST has earned its spot in that exclusive club.

Yep, you heard it right. This three-row, all-wheel-drive SUV, weighing in at a hefty 4,853 pounds, can match the acceleration of a Mercedes-Benz AMG with its hand-built engine. Now, isn't that something? Talk about making your daily grind of carpooling, soccer practice runs and piano lessons a whole lot more exciting.

Photo courtesy of Jason Bell

Ford handed over the keys to the Explorer ST and KSL Cars couldn't wait to see if it could live up to its promises of practicality and thrills. How would it handle the everyday tasks of shuttling kids around and tackling daily commutes? And would the ST tuning satisfy car enthusiast’s craving for some driving excitement?

Spoiler alert: It absolutely does.

Car and Driver gave the 2024 Explorer a solid 7.5/10 rating. If you're in the market for a hot SUV that won't break the bank, the Explorer ST stands out as one of the top contenders offering an enticing blend of features for the price. Here are a few highlights from my time with it.

 See Ford Explorer ST listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy of Jason Bell

Impressive power and performance

No surprises here: the Explorer ST is all about power and performance. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine packs a serious punch, delivering a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. While it wasn’t pushed to its limits, even with just half-throttle, the ST roars to life with authority. It's a thrilling experience, especially once the 10-speed transmission kicks into gear. And it's quicker than anything else in its price range.

The suspension is another standout feature. Thanks to slightly stiffer springs compared to the standard Explorer, it strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. Sure, it's a tad firm in certain driving situations, but nothing that would ruin your ride. Plus, with the optional Street Pack, those larger brake rotors provide some serious stopping power. Combine that with Ford's rear-wheel drive bias platform, and you've got an SUV that feels stable and eager to tackle any road.

 View Explorer ST listings

Photo courtesy of Jason Bell

Sporty styling

Style sells, and the Explorer ST doesn't disappoint in that department either. With its muscular design, sloped roof and wide grille, it exudes athleticism from every angle. The black 21-inch wheels, red brake calipers and black and red color scheme add to its sporty vibe. It's a head-turner, especially when coated in Ford's eye-catching Rapid Red paint.

Photo courtesy of Jason Bell

Comfortable and practical interior

Of course, practicality is key in a three-row SUV, and the ST delivers. The seats are top-notch, providing excellent support without feeling too firm. Second-row passengers will appreciate the comfort of the captain's chairs, although the third row is a bit snug for adults. Still, it's usable for most kids and offers enough cargo space for your everyday needs. And while the vertically mounted infotainment screen may raise an eyebrow, the interior overall is comfortable, well appointed and feels solidly built.

Photo courtesy of Jason Bell

Final verdict

With a price tag of $62,105 for the test vehicle, the Explorer ST isn't cheap. But if you're in the market for a serious performance SUV that can still handle family duty with ease, it's worth every penny. 

Shop Ford Explorer ST listings on KSL Cars

Highs

• A Mustang for the family

• Serious power

• Serious attitude

• Comfortable and practical

• Sporty and muscular styling

Lows

• Very heavy steering

• Suspension can be a bit stiff

• Surprisingly small, vertically mounted infotainment screen

• Snug third row

FAQs

Is the Explorer ST fun to drive? 

Definitely. With 400 horsepower and the ST tuning, you can feel the soul of the Mustang here. 

Is it good for families? 

Yes, especially for smaller ones. There’s not a lot of space in the third row, nor in the cargo area when the third row is up, so plan accordingly. 

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The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist, and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.