Ford Explorer trim comparison
2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line vs Timberline
The Explorer ST-Line starts at $46,455 while the Timberline is $49,430. That $2,975 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
The Timberline adds AWD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $2,975 by itself. If not, the ST-Line saves you the money.
Stay with the ST-Line if RWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the Timberline only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Timberline adds about $52/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,120 more overall with interest. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus RWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the ST-Line and Timberline share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,975 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,488 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | ST-Line | Timberline |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $46,455 | $49,430 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.3L I4 Turbo | 2.3L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 119.1" |
| Length | 198.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line vs Timberline Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Explorer lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Explorer Timberline cost than the ST-Line?
The Timberline starts at $49,430 compared to $46,455 for the ST-Line. That is a $2,975 difference, or approximately $52/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ford Explorer ST-Line and Timberline have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.3L I4 Turbo producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 Explorer ST-Line come with AWD?
No. The ST-Line comes standard with RWD while the Timberline has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Explorer ST-Line or Timberline safer?
Both share the same Ford Explorer platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Ford Explorer come with?
All 2024 Ford Explorer trims, including both the ST-Line and Timberline, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Ford Explorer Timberline worth $2,975 more than the ST-Line?
The $2,975 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2024 Ford Explorer trim gets better fuel economy, the ST-Line or the Timberline?
The ST-Line is the more efficient of the two at 24 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $2,975 Gap
The Timberline earns its premium. For $2,975 more, you get AWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Explorer lineup.
How the ST-Line and Timberline Feel Different
The Timberline includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Explorer ST-Line gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $250 per year or $1,250 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the ST-Line and Timberline share engine, keeping the core Explorer experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
$2,975 more for the Explorer Timberline gets you 2 real differences. At $52/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Explorer ST-Line
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the ST-Line best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Explorer Timberline
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Timberline when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.