When your household needs more room and a vehicle that shrugs off Indiana weather, the Ford Explorer earns its spot in the driveway. At Ray Skillman Ford, drivers near Franklin, IN choose this three-row SUV for the way it balances space, capability, and comfort that holds up to daily use.
Families have trusted this nameplate for years, and the current version keeps what works while adding sharper tech and a more refined ride. Whether you are running kids to practice, loading up for a weekend away, or handling a long commute up I-65, there is a configuration that fits how you actually drive.
Most models pair a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with a smooth 10-speed automatic, putting out around 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That is plenty of pull for merging, passing, and hauling a full load of passengers without feeling strained. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and Intelligent 4WD is available when you want extra grip for snowy mornings and slick county roads.
Want more punch? The ST brings a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that pushes output up to around 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, giving you a genuinely quick family hauler. No matter which engine you choose, every model comes with a standard Class III Tow Package rated to pull up to 5,000 pounds, so a small camper or a boat is well within reach for summer trips.
A 13.2-inch center touchscreen anchors the dashboard, paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver display that puts key info right in your sightline. The Ford Digital Experience system responds quickly and keeps menus simple, with Google built in for maps and apps plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so your phone connects the moment you sit down.
Higher trims add an available Bang & Olufsen sound system with rich, room-filling audio for road-trip playlists. Available Ford BlueCruise takes some of the work out of long highway stretches by allowing hands-free driving on approved roads, which makes those long interstate runs feel a lot easier.
With five distinct models, there is a version for nearly every kind of driver. The Active keeps things practical and budget-friendly, the ST-Line adds sporty styling, and the Tremor brings all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension for gravel lanes and back roads. The Platinum leans into comfort with premium leather and standard hands-free driving, while the ST is the one to grab if you want that V6 and a sport-tuned edge. Our team is happy to walk you through each one so you land on the right fit the first time.
Whether your weeks are packed with school runs or your weekends mean towing the boat out for a lake day, this SUV was built to keep up. Come see the lineup in person and get a feel for which model matches your routine.
Seating for up to seven means everyone rides together, and the third row folds flat when you need cargo room instead. Fold the seats down and you get up to 85.8 cubic feet of space, enough for a big-box run or a full trunk of camping gear. Second-row captain’s chairs come standard on lower trims, with a bench available if you want that extra seat.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ comes standard, bundling forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-centering help. The higher trims add a 360-degree camera that makes tight parking spots and busy lots much less stressful. It all adds up to a Ford Explorer that looks after your passengers as much as you do.
Choosing a trim comes down to how much power, comfort, and off-road ability you want. Here is a quick look at how a few standout features line up across the Explorer range.
| Feature | Active | ST-Line | Tremor | Platinum | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 2.3L EcoBoost | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
| Intelligent 4WD | Available | Available | Standard | Available | Available |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Not Included | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera | Not Included | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving | Not Included | Available | Available | Standard | Standard |
| Bang & Olufsen Audio | Not Included | 10-Speaker Standard | Available | 14-Speaker Standard | Available |
| Off-Road Tuned Suspension | Not Included | Not Included | Standard | Not Included | Not Included |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch | 20-inch | 18-inch All-Terrain | 21-inch | 21-inch |
For decades, our family-owned team has helped Indiana drivers find the right Ford without the pressure or the games. We keep a large selection of new and certified pre-owned Fords on the lot, our finance team works with lenders across the board to fit a range of budgets and credit situations, and we will give you a fair, no-obligation number on your trade. Our factory-trained service department is here long after the sale too, with Saturday hours and even mobile service that comes to you.
Stop by, take a Ford Explorer for a test drive, and see why so many local families keep coming back to Ray Skillman Ford. We would love to help you find the one that fits.
You can find the Ford Explorer at Ray Skillman Ford, where we proudly serve drivers throughout the area. We stock a range of trims and colors, and our team can help you compare models side by side. The short drive is well worth it to work with a dealership that puts you first.
The Explorer seats up to seven passengers across three rows, with second-row captain’s chairs or an available bench seat depending on the trim. Fold the second and third rows flat and you get up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That flexibility makes it easy to switch between hauling people and hauling gear.
Yes. Every Explorer comes with a standard Class III Tow Package and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which covers most small campers, jet skis, and boats. That makes it a practical pick for families who like to get out on the water or head to the campground when the weather warms up.
Intelligent 4WD is available on most Explorer models and standard on the Tremor, giving you added grip when snow and ice hit central Indiana roads. Paired with selectable drive modes, it helps you stay confident on slick mornings and rougher back roads. Our team can point you to the configurations that include it.
The Explorer includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, and available Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. Higher trims add an available Bang & Olufsen sound system for premium audio. Everything is laid out to stay simple and easy to reach while you drive.
Absolutely. At Ray Skillman Ford, we offer a fair, no-obligation estimate on your current vehicle and can apply that value straight toward your next Ford. Our finance team then works with a wide range of lenders to help you land terms that fit your budget.
