Ford Explorer BASE E3023/AL TAYER MOTORS / AL QOUZ SHOWROOM

Highlights

• 7+ seat capacity with captain chairs
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating
• Lowest depreciation in class

Summary

This 2023 Ford Explorer represents a rare opportunity to acquire a nearly-new vehicle with delivery mileage, ensuring it remains in showroom condition for its first long-term owner. The black exterior is a high-demand color in the GCC market, which typically secures a faster resale and better value retention than more niche shades. As a GCC-spec model, this SUV is built to handle the region's unique environmental challenges with confidence. It stands out from rivals by offering a perfectly balanced 3.3L V6 engine that provides smooth power delivery without the complexity of smaller, turbocharged units found in many newer competitors. For families in the UAE and across the GCC, this vehicle offers the essential peace of mind that comes with a full manufacturer-backed warranty and an extensive service network. Given its current state and configuration, it is perhaps the most practical and risk-free entry into the mid-size SUV segment available right now.

This Car vs Other 2023 Explorers

With only 54 kilometers on the odometer, this Explorer effectively presents as a brand-new vehicle, sitting well below the typical 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers expected for a one-year-old car in the GCC. While many 2023 models currently on the market have already seen a full year of school runs and highway commutes between Emirates, this particular unit has been preserved in its original state. The black paintwork is a strategic choice for the region, as it remains one of the most sought-after colors in the secondary market, second only to white. Choosing a car with such negligible mileage means you benefit from the steep initial depreciation typically associated with new cars while still receiving a vehicle that has not yet had its first oil change. This makes it an outlier among of 2023 listings, offering a 'new car' experience at a used car value proposition.

BASE vs Lower Trims

The Base trim of this generation is surprisingly well-equipped, serving as a comprehensive entry point that avoids the stripped-out feeling of entry-level SUVs from a decade ago. It includes essentials that GCC buyers prioritize, such as a multi-zone climate control system designed to maintain cabin temperatures during the peak of summer. While higher trims add leather and sunroofs, this trim focus on durability and functional tech, including a robust infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with modern smartphones. For the practical buyer, this trim offers the same structural safety and mechanical Four Wheel Drive capability as the more expensive variants without the added cost of complex electronics that can be sensitive to heat over time. It provides exactly what is needed for comfortable family transport across the Emirates without unnecessary overhead.

Explorer vs Segment Rivals

This model competes directly with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Pathfinder, all of which are staples of the GCC family car market. The Explorer differentiates itself with its rear-wheel-drive based Four Wheel Drive architecture, which provides more balanced handling and a more planted feel on high-speed highways like the E11 or E311. Its 3.3L V6 engine offers a more traditional naturally aspirated power band compared to the turbocharged four-cylinders often found in the Highlander, which many local drivers prefer for its linearity and perceived long-term reliability. Furthermore, the interior packaging allows for a more generous third-row experience than several of its Japanese counterparts, making it a better fit for families who frequently utilize all seven seats. The Ford also holds a distinct advantage in terms of its towing capability, which is a major factor for those who take boats or jet skis to the coast on weekends.

Running Costs & Resale

Operating a GCC-spec Explorer is straightforward thanks to Ford’s massive service footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The 3.3L V6 is designed to run efficiently on standard petrol grades available at any ENOC or ADNOC station, with real-world fuel consumption remaining competitive during long-distance highway cruises between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Expect typical service intervals every 10,000 kilometers, with costs that are well-documented and predictable compared to European luxury SUVs. Historically, the Explorer is one of the top performers in its segment for value retention, typically seeing a standard annual depreciation of roughly 12% in the UAE market. Being a GCC-spec vehicle with delivery mileage, this car will carry a significantly higher resale value in three years compared to American-spec imports which often lack local warranty support.

Performance & Capability

The 285 horsepower 3.3L V6 delivers a refined driving experience, allowing for confident overtaking on fast-moving highways where maintaining pace with traffic is essential. The Four Wheel Drive system is more than just a safety feature; it provides the necessary traction for light desert excursions and sandy graded roads near weekend campsites. With a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the powertrain is tuned for comfort, absorbing the vibrations of long-distance cross-border travel with ease. It offers a respectable ground clearance that handles speed bumps and uneven terrain in expanding suburban developments without the risk of underbody scrapes. Whether you are navigating the stop-start traffic of Riyadh or the open roads of the Northern Emirates, the power delivery remains consistent and dependable even when the outside temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside, the seven-seat configuration is optimized for family life, featuring a layout that allows for easy access to the rear rows. The air conditioning system is specifically engineered for the Middle East, featuring secondary vents that ensure passengers in the second and third rows receive immediate relief from the heat. The cabin is well-insulated from external road noise, a feature that becomes highly apparent during high-speed highway travel. Storage is abundant, with numerous cup holders and cubbies designed for large water bottles, which are an absolute necessity during a GCC summer. The materials used in the cabin are selected for their durability, resisting the fading and wear often caused by intense UV exposure in the region. Even in this base trim, the seating provides excellent lumbar support for the long drives between major cities.

Safety

Safety is a primary pillar for this model, which boasts a 5-Star rating from international testing bodies, providing peace of mind for family buyers. Standard features include an array of advanced driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Monitoring, which is invaluable on the six-lane highways of the UAE where rapid lane changes are common. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system that protects all three rows of passengers, alongside electronic stability control and traction management systems that are crucial for maintaining grip on sandy or oil-slicked surfaces after a rare rain. Active braking and lane-keeping assistance come standard, acting as a second set of eyes during long, monotonous desert drives. Unlike many competitors that reserve these features for top-tier trims, this model ensures that the highest level of protection is accessible to all occupants from the start.

The bottom line

This 2023 Explorer is the ideal choice for a pragmatic buyer who wants the reliability and peace of mind of a brand-new car but at a pre-owned price point. Its GCC-spec status and delivery-only mileage make it one of the safest and most liquid assets currently available in the regional SUV market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.