Is the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package Worth It?
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package is purely cosmetic and costs $1,995, but requires an even pricier equipment upgrade for it to be compatible.
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package costs $1,995 and adds a ton of cosmetic upgrades to the vehicle’s exterior and interior. To get it, you’ll have to upgrade to the 202A equipment group for an additional $3,540, bringing the total cost up to $5,535.
The Sport Appearance package on the Ford Explorer XLT trim is all about changing the car’s look. It doesn’t offer much in terms of performance improvement.
You may want to consider the XLT Technology package or upgrading to the 202A equipment pack if you’re looking for better performance or convenience features.
The XLT Sport Appearance package gives the model a sportier, more stylish look, something lacking in the base model.
But do the visual improvements really justify the $1,995 cost, let alone the additional $3,540 you have to spend just to make the package compatible? We’ve put together the following guide breaking down its contents and what your alternatives are.
What is the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package?
At its core, the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package is a set of add-ons that improves the overall aesthetics of your vehicle. It doesn’t do anything to improve the Explorer’s performance, aside from giving it slightly better traction via larger wheels and all-terrain tires.
What’s included
So if the XLT Sport Appearance package doesn’t include any tech or mechanical features, what does it contain? For the 2023 model year, the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package includes:
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What it does
The Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package is almost entirely for the looks—you won’t get much that improves the vehicle’s safety, convenience, or comfort.
The only real feature that changes the Ford Explorer’s performance is the larger wheels and all-terrain tires, both of which help improve traction, reduce braking distance, and slightly improve cornering and handling.
How much is the Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance package?
For 2023, the Sport Appearance package costs an additional $1,995 and is only offered on the XLT trim of the Explorer. Note that this package is not compatible with the Explorer’s standard 200A equipment group, so you must upgrade to the 202A equipment group for $3,540.
To put that into perspective, the 2023 Ford Explorer XLT starts at $38,570. Adding the XLT Sport Appearance package and required 202A equipment group bumps the total cost up to $44,105.
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Is the XLT Sport Appearance package worth it?
It’s hard to say. If you’re someone who likes the color carbonized gray and have the extra money to spend, the XLT Sport Appearance package could very well prove a worthwhile addition to your Explorer.
It’s the only package that significantly alters the Explorer’s visual appearance, but it certainly isn’t the only package available, nor is it the only way to upgrade to the 202A equipment group.
XLT Sport Appearance vs. XLT Technology package
If you’re fine with the Ford Explorer XLT’s stock appearance but find the standard array of tech features lacking, you might consider adding the XLT Technology package for an additional $2,495.
For the 2023 model year, the Ford Explorer XLT Technology package adds the following features:
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Universal garage door opener
Wireless charging pad
Front parking sensors
360-degree camera w/ split view
Premium Bang & Olufsen® 12-speaker sound system w/ subwoofer
Power-folding side mirrors w/ autofold, heated glass, LED turn-signal indicators, and security approach lamps
Class IV Trailer Tow package
Note that the XLT Technology package also requires upgrading to the 202A equipment group, which brings the package’s total cost up to $6,035. But seeing as it provides a host of useful features, we can confidently say that it’s worth the price.
As we mentioned, if you want the XLT Sport Appearance package, you’ll have to add the 202A equipment group, too. Luckily, the 202A equipment group is as useful as the package itself.
If you just switch to the 202A equipment group, you’ll get:
If you want the tech upgrades of the 202A equipment group but don’t need the aesthetic changes of the XLT Sport Appearance package, you can switch to the 202A equipment group without adding the package. In this case, you’d only pay $42,110 instead of $44,105 for the whole vehicle.
The bottom line
On its own, the XLT Sport Appearance package probably isn’t worth the additional $1,995—it mainly changes the paint color of a few parts. But if you really like carbonized gray accents and have the extra money to spend, you’re more than welcome to add this package to your ride.
As it stands, the Explorer isn’t lacking in standard features—upgrading to the 202A equipment group on its own, or purchasing the XLT Technology package, can get you extra features that will tangibly improve your driving experience.
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