Ford is bringing its King Ranch treatment to the midsize Explorer SUV for the first time. Previously found only on the F-150 pickup and larger Expedition SUV, King Ranch editions are top luxury trims. Using western theme inside and out, they take their name from the largest working ranch in American history. King Ranch is a south Texas cattle ranch that stretches over parts of six counties.
Ford’s relationship with Texas runs deep – during the recent cold weather crisis, Ford dealers loaned out F-150 pickups with built-in generators to help neighbors keep their power on.
The Explorer King Ranch offers subtle exterior changes – 20-inch wheels in place of the usual 19-inch models, a stone grey mesh grille, quad exhaust tips, and badges carrying the W-shaped King Ranch logo.
Inside, two-tone Del Rio leather upholstery and Sapele wood trim dominate. A Premium Technology package is optional. It adds a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system with a noise canceling feature that monitors background noises and adjusts volume to compensate, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, and multi-contour massaging front seats.
The King Ranch Explorer is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 making 365 horsepower, and uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is available in rear- or 4-wheel drive.
The Ford Explorer King Ranch comes at an MSRP of $52,350 for the rear-wheel-drive model, and $54,350 for the four-wheel-drive. It reaches dealerships in spring.
We expect another new trim to join the Explorer King Ranch later this year, a more off-road-focused Timberline edition.
