What's New
After a major redesign last year, the 2021 Ford Explorer rolls over with minimal changes. Aside from a few feature tweaks and price drops, it stays the same.
Last year’s overhaul brought the Explorer back to a rear-wheel-drive architecture. It competes against a crowded field of three-row family SUVs, including rivals like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
Choosing Your Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer comes in five trim levels: Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Starting prices range from $33,470 including destination for the base model to $55,725 for the Platinum.
Engine Choices
The Explorer gets four powertrain options, including a hybrid that was introduced last year. The first three trims start with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the hybrid powertrain is available on the Limited for $4,150 extra. The ST gets a 3.0-liter turbo V6, while the Platinum features a less-powerful version of the same.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.3L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 24 mpg |
3.3L V6 Hybrid | 318 hp | 322 lb-ft | 27 mpg |
3.0L Turbo V6 | 365 hp | 380 lb-ft | 20 mpg |
3.0L Turbo V6 | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | 20 mpg |
All four use a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the three lower trims, but all-wheel drive is available for $2,000. AWD is standard on the ST and Platinum.
The hybrid powertrain is the efficiency champ, but its advantage over the base engine isn’t huge. When equipped with either of the turbo V6 engines, the Explorer is capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Explorer offers seating for up to seven passengers with the third row in place. A second-row bench is the default, but captain’s chairs are available. The third row offers only 32.2 inches of leg room, so it will be most comfortable for children.
Cargo capacity starts at 18.2 cubic feet, which is decent for the class. Folding the third row opens up 47.9 cubic feet of space, and the Explorer can handle up to 87.9 cubic feet with both back rows down.
Safety Features
The Ford Explorer should help families rest easy. It starts with a strong crash-test report card, with last year’s model earning a Top Safety Pick Plus award from the IIHS. On top of that, every Explorer comes with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors.
Adaptive cruise control is available in a $795 bundle on the XLT, and standard on the three highest trims.
Connectivity
The Explorer starts with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A vertically oriented 10.1-inch screen is available, but you’ll need either the ST or Platinum trims to get one.
Navigation and wireless charging become standard at the Limited trim level.
The base Ford Explorer comes with a good set of standard equipment. Features include three-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and a wi-fi hot spot. Seats are upholstered in cloth, and the front row is power adjustable.
Aside from a towing package, there are no bundles or options available at this trim.
The Explorer XLT offers more convenience for a relatively modest price bump. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, the front row is heated, and the second row gets captain’s chairs and two USB ports. On the outside are roof rails and 18-inch wheels.
For a touch of luxury, buyers can add the 202A equipment group ($3,540), which includes a heated steering wheel, synthetic upholstery, and remote start. A rear-seat entertainment system is available for $1,995, and restoring the second-row bench costs $495.
The Limited trim pushes the Explorer into luxury territory for both features and price. The advanced safety features come standard here, as do leather upholstery, wireless charging, navigation, and premium sound. The front seats are ventilated, and the second row is heated and power-folding.
A twin-panel moonroof is available for $1,695.
The ST trim is as sporty as the Explorer gets. Although it isn’t the most expensive trim, it comes with the most powerful 400-horsepower engine. To go with the extra power, the ST gets a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and bucket seats in the front row. Also included are front seat memory settings, a digital gauge display, and an automated parking system.
Upgraded brakes come in the ST High Performance Package ($1,595), which also includes red brake calipers and 21-inch wheels. If you’d rather have the calipers and wheels without the extra braking power, the ST Street Pack ($995) has you covered.
The ST trim is the first to unlock the larger infotainment system, which comes in the Premium Technology Package ($995) along with multi-contour front seats and a premium sound system.
The Platinum trim dials back some of the ST’s performance and replaces it with luxury. The exterior gets LED lighting all the way around, plus adaptive headlights, heated and power-folding mirrors, and a handsfree liftgate. On the inside, upholstery is diamond-stitched perforated leather, and the driver gets the same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as the ST.
Compare Explorer Trims Side-By-Side
The XLT remains the best value in the 2021 Ford Explorer lineup. Add the active safety features, and it's ready for family duty.