When it comes to buying a vehicle that is not only sturdy but also can withstand everyday hardships, nothing beats the oldie but goodie FORD.
Ford is one of the most loved and respected automobile brands of America, and if you are looking to buy an SUV in the upcoming Black Friday Car Deals, 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the best choices for you.
With SUVs becoming extremely popular among the masses, the all-new ford explorer is the best for an individual as well as a family.
Today we will review the top specs, major features, price, and pictures 2021 ford explorer.
So, let us get started and see what this sports utility vehicle has to offer.
Ford Explorer
FORD is one of the best automakers in the United States Of America. The company has offered some of the best all-time models, and the Ford Explorer is one of them.
The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular ranges of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. The model has been in production since the 1991 model year. It is the first four door SUV fabricated by Ford.
The Explorer was introduced by Ford as a replacement for its two-door Bronco II model.
At present, Ford Explorer is in its sixth generation, and over the years, it has been offered various framework and powertrain layouts.
Furthermore, in 2020, CNBC published the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America.
In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer lineup as America’s best-selling SUV of all time.
2021 Ford Explorer Review
The ford explorer 2021 is a three-row SUV that can accommodate six to seven people based on its seating configuration. It is the sixth generation of the lineup and offers agile handling, quiet cabin space, and a spacious interior. The model has been completely redesigned for 2020, which means there are not many enhancements for 2021.
2021 Ford Explorer is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine producing 300 horsepower along with an available 3.0-liter V-6 making 400 horsepower.
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Both engines are paired up with 10-speed automatic transmission, and even a ford explorer hybrid drivetrain capable of producing 318 horsepower is also available.
Key Specs Ford Explorer:
- MSRP: From $32,925
- Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L V6, 3.3 L V6
- Horsepower: 300 to 400 hp
- MPG: Up to 27 city / 28 highway
- Towing capacity: 5,000 to 5,600 lbs
- Cargo volume: 18.2 ft³, 87.8 ft³ with seat area
- Seating Capacity: 6-7
Key Competitors Ford Explorer:
- 2022 Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
- Subaru Ascent
What Is New For 2021?
The Ford Explorer was completely redesigned for 2020, so there are not many notable changes in the 2021 Ford Explorer.
However, the company did not let the buyers all high and dry. There are some minute changes done around some of the trims making all the buyers happy over their purchase.
Enhancements For 2021:
- Heated seat standard and optional heated steering wheel on 2021 Ford Explorer XLT.
- Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum trim models.
- A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim.
- A new cargo organizer is now optional on XLT, ST, and Limited trim models.
- A high-end King Ranch trim joins the lineup.
- The Timberline trim offers a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and more rugged exterior styling cues.
- The hybrid powertrain is now available on the Platinum trim.
Some Notable Features:
- New Timberline, King Ranch trims
- Three-row SUV
- Rear- or four-wheel drive
- Choice of two turbocharged gas engines
- Hybrid drivetrain available
- Automatic emergency braking standard
2021 Ford Explorer Price & Offered Trims
The 2021 Ford Explorer offers 7 trim levels namely, Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum.
The Base Ford Explorer comes with a starting price of $32,925. It is offered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission & rear-wheel drive, producing about 300 horsepower.
The cloth upholstery, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote start, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot are the standard features.
As you move up in the hierarchy of the 2021 Ford Explorer’s trim level, you will see the increase in price along with the addition of more tech & safety features.
2021 Ford Explorer Base
| Key Specs: | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $32,925 Horsepower: 300 hp Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder Towing capacity: 5,300 lbs MPG: Up to 21 city / 28 highway | – SUV – Base 4WD SUV |
2021 Ford Explorer XLT
| Key Specs: | Configurations: |
| MSRP: From $35,075 Horsepower: 300 hp Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder Towing capacity: 5,300 lbs MPG: Up to 21 city/28 highway | – SUV – XLT 4WD SUV |
2021 Ford Explorer Limited
| Key Specs | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $45,255 Horsepower: 300 to 318 hp Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 3.3 L V6 Towing capacity: 5,300 lbs MPG: Up to 27 city / 28 highway | – Limited 3.3L V6 Hybrid SUV – Limited 2.3L SUV – Limited 3.3L V6 Hybrid 4WD SUV – Limited 2.3L 4WD SUV |
2021 Ford Explorer Timberline
| Key Specs | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $46,015 Horsepower: 300 hp Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder Towing capacity: 5,300 lbs MPG: 19 City / 23 highway | – Timberline |
2021 Ford Explorer ST
| Key Specs | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $49,000 Horsepower: 400 hp Engine: 3.0 L V6 Towing capacity: 5,600 lbs MPG: 18 City / 24 highway | – ST |
2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch
| Key Specs | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $52,600 Horsepower: 365 hp Engine: 3.0 L V6 Towing capacity: 5,300 lbs MPG: 18 city / 24 highway | SUV King Ranch 4WD SUV |
2021 Ford Explorer Platinum
| Key Specs | Configurations |
| MSRP: From $52,730 Horsepower: 318 to 365 hp Engine: 3.0 L V6, 3.3 L V6 Towing capacity: 5,000 to 5,300 lbs MPG: Up to 23 city / 26 highway | Platinum 3.0L V6 SUV Platinum 3.0L V6 4WD SUV Platinum 3.3L V6 Hybrid 4WD SUV |
2021 Ford Explorer Engine, Transmission & Performance
The 2021 Ford Explorer is powered by two engines: turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 respectively.
The Base, XLT, and Limited trim levels are powered by the standard 2.3 liters four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower. The engine is extremely powerful. It lets you enjoy a smooth ride and agile handling while delivering the best performance.
The Platinum trim is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 365 horsepower, whereas the ford explorer sport ST is charged by a 3.0-liter V6 engine but produces up to 400 horsepower.
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Furthermore, a hybrid variant joined the lineup in 2020, and for 2021 it combines a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor that gives a combined output of 318 horsepower.
When it comes to ford explorer towing capacity, the all-new Explorer can tow up to 5600 pounds without breaking a sweat. Also, the 2021 Ford Explorer comes paired with an all-new rear-wheel drivetrain with an all-wheel-drive being optional. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across all the trim levels offering composed handling and good ride quality.
Ford Explorer Interior & Cargo
The Ford Explorer 2021 interior is a carryover from the 2020 lineup. It may look uninspired, but the cabin is highly functional and offers comfort.
The first two rows of the Explorer are spacious enough. Also, getting in and out of the third row is now easier because of a new mechanism that allows the movement of the second row with just a touch of the button.
The intuitive design, comfortable seating area is what you are ought to get.
The 2021 Explorer holds a cargo volume of 18.2 ft³, 87.8 ft³ with seat area. However, it gets extended to 87.8 cubic feet with all the rear row seats folded. The cargo space offered by this midsize suv is above average in its class.
Furthermore, you get a decent amount of small-item storage throughout the interior.
Notable Interior Features:
- Floor Mats – Black Carpet, Front and Second Rows
- Dual Panel Moonroof
- First-row center floor console with wrapped armrest and storage bin
- Door-Sill Scuff Plates, Front and Rear – Black Molded-in-Color, embossed with “EXPLORER”
- Overhead Console with Dome/Map Lights and Sunglasses Holder
- Passenger-assist Grab Handles (1 at front-passenger seat, 2 in the second row)
- Dome/Map Lights in All Three Rows
- Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
- Overhead Console with Dome/Map Lights and Sunglasses Holder
- Cargo Hooks
- Cloth Seating Surfaces
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-fold-flat Bench Seat
- Third-row 50/50 split-fold Bench Seat, Manual
Exterior
The exterior of the 2021 Ford Explorer is well built but still is no different from the previous model year. Auto high beams, LED taillamps, black exterior door handles, rear bumper step pad – molded-in-color with black are some of the big exterior highlights.
The SUV comes in a different range of colors. 2021 Ford Explorer colors for the exterior are:
- Oxford White
- Stone Gray
- Agate Black
- Iconic Silver
- Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Atlas Blue
Out of all Carbonized Gray, Agate Black, Iconic Silver, and Oxford White are optional.
Technology & Infotainment Features
When it comes to technology, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the best to offer. The suv comes with an eight-inch standard touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The system is attractive & responsive, but some competitors have it better. Optional 10.1 inches vertically oriented screen is also available but only within ST & Platinum trim levels.
However, every trim level holds voice-activated navigation & a rear-seat entertainment system.
Standard Comfort & Convenience Tech Features:
- Air Filtration System
- Tri-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- Rear Auxiliary Climate Control
- Configurable Daytime Running Lights
- First-row center floor console with wrapped armrest and storage bin
- Integrated Key Fob
- Manual Day/Night Rearview Mirror
- Power Door Locks
- Power Windows, with 1-touch-up-and-down driver/passenger window
- 12V Powerpoints, 5 total (2 first row, 2-second row, and 1 cargo area)
- Rear View Camera with Washer
- Reverse Sensing System
- Open image overlay for Reverse Sensing System
Standard Infotainment Features:
- FordPass Connect
- SiriusXM
- FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- AM/FM, MP3-Compatible with Six Speakers
Safety
When it comes to safety, Ford is never the one to disappoint. The 2021 Ford Explorer received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and a 4.5-star safety rating from IIHS.
The new Explorer comes to a standard driver assistance technology and even offers various upgrades.
Standard Safety & Security Features include:
- AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- Open image overlay for AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- Belt-Minder
- Front Passenger Knee Airbag
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
- Safety Canopy System
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Battery Saver
- Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (ITPMS)
- Remote Keyless/Illuminated Entry
- SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System
Fuel Economy
2021 Ford Explorer holds good fuel economy in its midsize SUV class. The vehicle can go up to 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on highways. However, the hybrid variant with all-wheel drive sees a decrease in mpg by 3 or 4.
Overall, the fuel efficiency of the new Explorer is good. Most of its competitors offer the equivalent fuel economy and real-world mpg.
Warranty
Ford provides all of its vehicles with warranty and maintenance coverage. The company provides average limited and powertrain warranties that showcase similarities with most of its competitor’s offerings.
However, Ford does not provide complimentary maintenance like Chevrolet and Toyota.
Key Coverage Details:
- The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Top FAQs About Ford Explorer 2021
How much cargo space does the 2021 Ford Explorer offer?
The all-new Ford Explorer offers a cargo space of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. However, you get 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and about 18.2 cubic feet with all three rows upright.
Does 2021 Explorer offer fold seats?
YES. With the all-new 2021 Explorer, you can have the seats of the second and third-row folded easily. You can fold the seats to increase your cargo space and carry heavy loads easily.
What is ford explorer towing capacity?
The Ford Explorer 2021 can tow about 5,000 to 5,600 lbs easily. If you are someone who loves traveling and want a ride that can move their trail with the least effort, then the 2021 Explorer is the best one.
2021 Ford Explorer is the best travel buddy you can buy for yourself & your family.
Where is the starter on a ford explorer?
You can buy the base model of the 2021 Ford Explorer for a starting price of $32,925. The base model is equipped with a 2.3 L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that can produce 300 horsepower.
What is the Ford explorer’s dual-panel moonroof price?
The dual-panel moonroof is standard in each of the Ford Explorer trims. So, the starting price each of the trim levels holds includes the price for the moonroof as well.
The moonroof allows you to experience the fresh air, full sunlight & moonlight and has a thrilling driving experience.
Are there any ford explorer lease deals in NYC?
With being one of the most popular SUVs out there, there are good chances for you to find some of the best lease deals on the all-new Ford Explorer.
With the beginning of the fall, the new model year is here with new launches. So the dealers are more than eager to sell the current ones.
So, explore the best October car lease deals here.
Can I get a ford explorer test drive?
Absolutely YES. Every car dealer out there offers test drives to its customers. So, doesn’t matter in which state of the US you reside in, your dealer will have to provide you a test drive before you buy it.
Remember, whether you’re buying a brand new car or a used one, you have the right to ask for a test drive.
Test drive is crucial as it allows you to understand the vehicle and realize if the vehicle you want suits you or not.
Conclusion
If SUV is what you have in mind for your next owned vehicle, then the 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the best choices for you to explore.
It not only offers one of the best prices but also the best features, trims, and more. The article reviews this new model and helps you explore what Explorer has to offer. Hope you have a good read.
