Overview
If you have a big family, but a minivan is not your cup of tea, then the Ford Explorer is calling your name! A big SUV with seven seats, no matter what activities you and your family have on the weekend, Ford Explorer is a perfect fit for you. But why Explorer, and not the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, or Chevy Traverse. Although certainly spacious and family-friendly, the latest Explorer is for those who want their SUV to have guts. The standard 2.3L turbo engine pumps out more power and torque than its competitors’ V6 engines while bettering their fuel economy as well. The optional V6 engines, meanwhile, are turbocharged and obliterate everything else in the segment, topping out at 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST. Even the Explorer Hybrid emphasizes performance. Basically, between those engines and the Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive platform.
What will the 2021 Ford Explorer offer?
Since the re-designed 2020 model, there are several small changes in the 2021 model after Ford received the feedback from the customer. The top trim levels receive “enhanced interior finishes.” – the cabins of the pricey Limited, ST and Platinum were underwhelming. There are also some minor feature changes, most notably the XLT’s standard heated front seats and newly optional Appearance Package that adds various bits of dark grey trim. Mechanical updates include upgraded brakes for the ST, and transmission paddle shifters added as standard to the Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum. Finally, there are multiple new wheel choices and some different paint choices.
Trim Levels
Base
- 300HP@ 5500 rpm and 310 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
- 2.3L I4 engine
- 10-Speed automatic W/OD
- Rear seat fore/aft adjustment
- SYNC 3/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Heated and Power Mirrors
XLT
- 300HP @ 5,500 rpm and 310 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
- 2.3L I-4 engine
- 10-speed automatic W/OD
- 20″ 10-Spoke Carbonized Gray-Painted wheels
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
- Speed Sign Recognition
- SelectShift Capability w/Paddle Shifters
- Heated and Power Mirrors
Limited
- 300HP @ 5,500 rpm and 310 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
- 3.3L V-6 engine (regular gas)
- 2.3L I-4 engine (premium)
- 10-speed automatic W/OD
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
- Automatic Headlight
- Heated and Power Mirrors
ST
- 400HP @ 5,500 rpm and 415 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
- 3.0L V-6 engine
- 10-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
- Leather Htd/Ventilated Sport Captain’s Chairs
- 10.1″ LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen
- 2 Additional Speakers
- 21″ Aluminum Wheels
- High-Performance Front & Rear Brakes
- Heated and Power Mirrors
- Automatic Headlight
- Satellite Radio
Platinum
- 365HP @ 5,500 rpm and 380 lbs.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
- 3.0L V-6 engine
- 10-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
- Leather Htd/Ventilated Sport Captain’s Chairs
- 10.1″ LCD Capacitive Portrait Touchscreen
- 2 Additional Speakers
- Navigation System
- Heated Seats
- Heated and Power Mirrors
- Satellite Radio
- Automatic Headlight