Ford is Adding Some Tweaks to the 2023 Explorer

Photo Source: Ford

The current sixth-generation Explorer is an emblem of Ford’s SUV lineup, and after having been on the market for three years, Ford may give the Explorer a mid-cycle refresh for 2023. If that does occur, the 2023 Explorer would face slight adjustments, but a redesign and an electrified variant are right around the corner. In the meantime, there is one additional change that 2023 Ford Explorer buyers should be made aware of. A SecuriCode delete option is now available for the crossover, specifically for the XLT trim and up, because the option is already standard on the XLT 202A and above. 

Supposedly, such a change would become obligatory if problems with the supply chain come to the fore, but for the time being, there is nothing to indicate an issue. Understandably, the Ford Motor Company is taking preventive measures to ensure production can continue if the supplies of necessary parts or particular chips run out. However, at the moment, that is all it is: a preventative measure. The SecuriCode keypad marks one of the automotive industry’s least-known but most highly valued features.

SecuriCode Keypad Popularity

Millions of Ford consumers have utilized the item, and, interestingly, the keypad persists as a forte of Ford’s. Quite curiously, in a business that considers imitation a means toward profitability, no other brand has favorably managed to copy the formula that has attracted many Ford owners. Furthermore, the SecuriCode is priced at fewer than $50 on automobiles where it is a choice. 

The feature is desirable to individuals who participate in outdoor activities, such as bicycling, hiking, swimming, and other action sports. The advantage of the SecuriCode is that keys can be left inside the SUV when the vehicle is locked. When ready, the driver has to enter a combination known only to them, and the automobile can be unlocked easily. There is no hassle about potentially having to replace costly electronic fobs or concerns about misplacing keys. Even though the SecuriCode delete option for the feature has been made available, it is unlikely that such a popular aspect of the Ford Explorer will be gone for good.

Hands-free Liftgate

The SecuriCode is not the only change to have taken place to safeguard the supply chain. For example, this is the second alteration to the crossover SUV that the automaker has decided upon in recent months. The lineup did away with its hands-free liftgate in early November of 2022. It originally formed part of the King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, and ST trim for the 2022 model year; however, a hands-free liftgate removal option was presented amid production. The option quickly became compulsory later in the 2022 production of the Ford Explorer lineup. 

These modifications will likely keep going. Still, Ford CEO Jim Farley has assured that the brand is learning to adapt to supply chain difficulties: “I mean, bottom line is we think it’s going to continue in the foreseeable future. I think we’re very good at dealing with these now. We’ve gotten better and better, more efficient in helping our suppliers find labor, whatever it takes.”

In other news, an inspiring tidbit of information is that a refreshed Ford Explorer is expected to debut sometime in 2023 for the 2024 model year, and a redesigned ICE Explorer should be in the works in 2026. Not only that, an all-electric iteration of the Explorer should make headway in 2024.

Over the years, Ford has proven itself to be innovative, facing adversity straightaway. To learn more about the 2023 Ford Explorer and Ford vehicles in general, do not hesitate to visit Sunrise Ford. Please take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles. We can help sell your current vehicle or bring it back to life like new with an online service appointment at our service center.