For the 2020 model year, the Ford Explorer was completely redesigned and re-engineered. With this model came a new rear-wheel-drive platform, a roomier interior, and two new trims: a hybrid option and the performance-oriented ST trim. The 2021 Explorer remains largely the same, except for a few changes. Here’s a short overview of what the 2021 Explorer offers.
Price Drop Makes Explorer More Affordable
One of the most exciting changes for the 2021 model year is a noticeable drop in price, which makes this SUV a more competitively priced offering in an overcrowded segment. It’s reported that the price of the base trim, for instance, will decrease by $540 to $33,470, while the XLT will come at a price of $35,245, which is $2,925 cheaper than its 2020 model year counterpart. Starting at $53,850, the ST model receives a similarly impressive price cut of $2,135, while the Platinum trim features a $3,770 decrease in price.
Changes for 2021
Apart from impressive price reductions, the new Explorer doesn’t feature that many changes. A new Sport Appearance Package, which will be available with the XLT trim, offers mostly aesthetic upgrades. These include 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint, a mesh grille with Carbonized Gray accents, unique lower-body cladding, dual exhaust outlets, faux skid plates, and unique interior upholstery. A new High-Performance Package, which adds high-performance brake pads, will also be available. Other changes include a few interior enhancements on a few trim levels.
Engine Choices
The base, XLT, and Limited models are powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the Platinum and high-octane ST trims come with a robust twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. With the Platinum trim, this engine delivers an output of 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, while the ST sports a slightly more powerful version that provides 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
The Limited Hybrid will once again be powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that’s paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional, except for the 3.0-liter V-6, which comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Interior Enhancements
The cabin of the Explorer is functional and comfortable and, with the standard configuration, can comfortably accommodate six passengers. Access to the third row is made easy, thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seats forward at the touch of a button. The standard infotainment is well-equipped with an 8-inch display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The 2021 model year comes with a few interior upgrades. The XLT trim, for instance, now features heated front seats, while an eight-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat is added to the Limited, ST, and Platinum trims. The ST also receives new High Gloss Black interior trim pieces in selected areas, such as the cockpit and doors.
Offering all the power, functionality, and modern technology of the 2020 Explorer at a much lower price, the 2021 Explorer is an attractive option in its segment. To find out more about the 2021 Explorer, drop by Mike Dorian Ford and chat with one of our consultants.
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