2023 Ford Explorer Colors Chart: The Complete Exterior & Interior Guide

Choosing a color is a critical part of the vehicle-buying process, defining its personality from the moment it leaves the lot. For the 2023 Ford Explorer, the options span from rugged, earth-toned metallics to deep, extra-cost premium tri-coats. This comprehensive guide provides a complete, data-driven chart of every 2023 Ford Explorer paint option and interior configuration.

The 2023 Explorer was available in eight distinct trim levels, each with its own curated set of exterior and interior options. This guide covers the full lineup:

• Base
• XLT
• ST-Line
• Timberline
• Limited
• ST
• King Ranch
• Platinum

This report is structured in two parts. The first section details the complete exterior paint palette, followed by a comprehensive availability chart mapping each color to all eight trims. The second section provides a complete guide to the interior color, material, and trim combinations.

2023 Ford Explorer Exterior Colors: The Full Palette

The 2023 Ford Explorer was offered in a palette of 11 distinct exterior colors. This official list includes a range of non-cost solids and metallics, as well as several premium, extra-cost options.

Official 2023 Exterior Color List:

• Agate Black Metallic
• Atlas Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Forged Green Metallic
• Iconic Silver Metallic
• Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (also called Diamond Red Tri-Coat)
• Oxford White
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
• Stone Blue Metallic

Identifying Extra-Cost & Premium Paint Options

Ford designated four of the 11 colors as extra-cost options, which added to the vehicle’s MSRP. These are not standard finishes; they involve more complex, multi-stage paint application processes that create greater depth and visual complexity.

Extra-Cost Premium Colors:

• Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat: A deep, rich red.
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat: A vibrant, sporty red.
• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat: A pearlescent, multi-layer white that offers more depth than the standard Oxford White.
• Stone Blue Metallic: A distinctive, premium blue finish.

These premium finishes are typically reserved for the XLT trim and above, pairing perfectly with the advanced features of the Explorer’s high-end models. For a full breakdown of what each trim includes, see our complete 2023 Ford Explorer trim level guide.

2023 Ford Explorer Exterior Colors by Trim (The Chart)

Not all 11 colors were available on all 8 trims. Ford curated the palettes to match the specific “persona” of each model, such as the off-road Timberline or the luxury-oriented King Ranch.

Note on Color Data Discrepancies

This chart is synthesized from official dealer-level order guides and fleet data to provide a definitive availability matrix. Some consumer-facing automotive sites may list anomalies. For instance, a “Deep Red” is sometimes listed for the Base trim; this appears to be an error, as it is not corroborated by official paint code lists or order guides.

Similarly, “Oxford White” is a complex case. While primarily a fleet-oriented color, it was also available on retail Base and XLT models, often seen in dealer inventory sourced from fleet orders.¹⁰ This chart clarifies its availability, distinguishing it from the premium Star White.

Visual Plan: Table 1 – 2023 Ford Explorer Exterior Color Availability by Trim

Analysis: Key Takeaways from the Color Chart

The availability chart reveals three distinct color strategies employed by Ford for the 2023 Explorer:

• Core Color Availability: Four colors form the foundational palette for the entire 2023 Explorer lineup: Agate Black Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Forged Green Metallic, and Iconic Silver Metallic. These “go-anywhere” colors are available on every single trim, from the work-ready Base model to the luxurious Platinum.
• The Premium Gateway: The XLT trim is the gateway to the premium palette. It is the first trim level where all four extra-cost colors (Star White, Stone Blue, Jewel Red, and Rapid Red) become available to order, opening up the full range of customization.
• Curated “Persona” Palettes: The trims with the most distinct identities also have the most restrictive color palettes.
  • Base: Limited to just five non-premium colors.
  • Timberline: The off-road model features a highly curated 6-color palette that excludes the bright Atlas Blue and both premium reds (Jewel/Rapid). This aligns its aesthetic with rugged, earth-toned themes.
  • King Ranch: This trim also has a curated list, notably excluding the vibrant Atlas Blue, to maintain its “Western-luxury” theme.

2023 Ford Explorer Interior Colors, Materials, and Trims

The 2023 Ford Explorer interior is defined by a combination of color and seating material. The lineup features a clear hierarchy of upholstery, progressing from durable cloth to premium, co-branded leathers on the highest trims.

The material hierarchy is as follows:

1. Cloth: Standard on the Base trim.
2. Unique Cloth: A durable, higher-grade cloth standard on the XLT.
3. ActiveX: Ford’s proprietary synthetic leather, available as an option on XLT and standard on ST-Line and Timberline.
4. Leather-Trimmed: Genuine leather seating surfaces are standard on the Limited and ST trims.
5. Premium Leather: The top trims feature exclusive leathers:
   • Del Rio Leather: Exclusive to the King Ranch trim.
   • Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather: Exclusive to the Platinum trim.

What is Ford ActiveX Seating Material?

ActiveX is frequently listed on Explorer XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims. It is Ford’s proprietary, high-end synthetic seating material. According to Ford, ActiveX “does not include any animal-based material” and is designed to be “easier to clean, resistant to staining, and more durable than leather” while maintaining a premium look and feel.

It is a vegan-friendly alternative to leather, positioned as a premium upgrade from cloth and known for its durability, making it a popular choice for the off-road Timberline and sporty ST-Line.

Visual Plan: Table 2 – 2023 Ford Explorer Interior Color & Material by Trim

This chart details the available interior color and material combinations for each of the eight 2023 Explorer trim levels.

Deep Dive: The Explorer’s Most Unique Interiors

Beyond the standard Sandstone and Ebony options, four 2023 Explorer trims offer exclusive, highly-themed interiors that cannot be had on any other model. These interiors are central to the vehicle’s “persona” and are a key target for long-tail search.

Timberline: The “Deep Cypress” Interior

The off-road-focused Timberline trim features an interior designed to match its rugged exterior. The official color scheme is “Ebony / Deep Cypress”. “Deep Cypress” is a unique dark green hue found on the seats and door panel armrests, complementing exterior colors like Forged Green Metallic.

The seats are upholstered in durable, easy-clean ActiveX material with “heathered cloth inserts” and “Deep Tangerine stitching”. This stitching is not arbitrary; it is specifically chosen to match the Timberline’s signature exterior front tow hooks, creating a cohesive brand identity.

King Ranch: The “Mesa/Norias” Del Rio Leather

The most exclusive and luxurious interior in the 2023 Explorer lineup is the “Mesa/Norias” interior, found only in the King Ranch trim.¹³ This is not just a color but a complete, co-branded trim package.

The color “Mesa/Norias” is a two-tone rustic brown that evokes a Western-luxury theme. The material is premium “Del Rio” leather on all three rows of seating, featuring unique “lasso-perforated inserts”. The King Ranch “Running W” logo is hand-stitched into the seatbacks and the center console armrest. This ultra-premium cabin is paired with the powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine. For more details on powertrains, see our 2023 Explorer engine options and towing capacity guide.

ST & ST-Line: Performance-Focused Cabins

Both sport-oriented trims feature black (“Ebony”) interiors with Miko® suede inserts to provide extra grip during spirited driving. However, they are differentiated by their base material and accent stitching, which reflects their different price points and performance targets.

• ST-Line: As the “sport-appearance” package, it uses ActiveX (synthetic leather) seating with Miko inserts and aggressive Red accent stitching.
• ST: As the true “performance” model, it upgrades to genuine Leather seating surfaces with Miko inserts and more subtle City Silver accent stitching.

The aggressive stitching reflects the performance-tuning of these models. Learn more about their capabilities in our (https://fordmasterx.com/2023-ford-explorer-st-specs).

2023 Ford Explorer Paint Codes: A Technical Guide

For owners seeking touch-up paint or needing to verify a vehicle’s exact color, the “marketing name” (like “Rapid Red”) is not enough. The definitive identifier is the factory paint code.

How to Find Your Explorer’s Paint Code

The paint code is located on the Vehicle Identification (VIN) label, which is typically found on the driver’s side door jamb.

1. Open the driver’s side door and locate the sticker on the body frame.
2. Look for the “EXT PNT” (Exterior Paint) or “PNT” designation.
3. The two-character code listed (e.g., YZ, AZ, M7) is your vehicle’s factory paint code.

This code can be cross-referenced with the official Motorcraft chemicals and lubricants charts ] to find the exact touch-up paint part number.

Understanding Ford’s 2023 Red Paint Codes

The 2023 red options cause significant confusion for consumers. Multiple names are often used for the same colors.

• Jewel Red and Diamond Red are two different marketing names for the same premium tri-coat paint. The correct factory code for this color is C9.
• Rapid Red (also referred to as Lucid Red Pearl) is the other premium red option. The correct factory code for this color is D4.

Visual Plan: Table 3 – 2023 Ford Explorer Paint Code Chart

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the extra-cost paint options for the 2023 Ford Explorer?

There are four premium, extra-cost paints: Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, and Stone Blue Metallic. These options require a more complex paint process and were available on the XLT trim and higher.

What is the difference between Star White and Oxford White?

Oxford White (Paint Code YZ) is a standard, flat, no-cost solid white, primarily used for fleet models or as the base white option on lower trims. Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (Paint Code AZ) is a premium, extra-cost pearlescent white that has a metallic flake and greater visual depth.

Are Jewel Red and Diamond Red the same color?

Yes. “Jewel Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat” and “Diamond Red Tri-Coat” are two different marketing names used by Ford and its dealers for the same premium paint color. The official factory paint code for this color is C9.

What is the “Mesa/Norias” interior color?

“Mesa/Norias” is the exclusive interior for the 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch trim. It is a two-tone, rustic brown premium “Del Rio” leather interior that is co-branded with the famous King Ranch in Texas.

What is the “Deep Cypress” interior?

“Deep Cypress” is the unique interior for the 2023 Explorer Timberline. It features dark green (Deep Cypress) ActiveX seats with heathered cloth inserts and bright Deep Tangerine accent stitching that matches the exterior tow hooks.

What 2023 Ford Explorer trims come with ActiveX seats?

ActiveX, Ford’s durable synthetic leather, is available as an option on the XLT trim. It is the standard seating material on the ST-Line (with Miko inserts and red stitching) and the Timberline (with cloth inserts and tangerine stitching).