Ford Explorer trim comparison
2024 Ford Explorer XLT vs ST-Line
The Explorer XLT starts at $38,670 while the ST-Line is $46,455. That $7,785 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$7,785 more is ~$137/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
There is no meaningful spec case for paying $7,785 more here. Unless the appearance or package content speaks to you, the XLT is the cleaner fit.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The ST-Line adds about $137/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $8,220 more overall with interest.
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 you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the XLT and ST-Line share the same 10-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
$7,785 price difference.
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. 1 specification difference, 5 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | XLT | ST-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $38,670 | $46,455 |
| 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 automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.9 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | $1,800/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 119.1" |
| Length | 198.8" | 198.8" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 69.9" | 69.9" |
| 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 XLT vs ST-Line 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 ST-Line cost than the XLT?
The ST-Line starts at $46,455 compared to $38,670 for the XLT. That is a $7,785 difference, or approximately $137/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Ford Explorer XLT and ST-Line 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.
Do both the 2024 Explorer XLT and ST-Line come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Explorer XLT or ST-Line 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 XLT and ST-Line, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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 $7,785 Gap
The Explorer ST-Line costs $7,785 more but shares the same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy as the XLT. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
What Both Trims Share
The Explorer XLT and ST-Line share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $7,785 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
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 XLT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the XLT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Explorer ST-Line
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the ST-Line 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.