ST 4dr 4x4
2021 Ford Explorer

2021 Explorer Photos
The 2021 Ford Explorer is effectively unchanged for the new model year, having been completely redesigned last year. That redesign made the large crossover rear-drive-based with optional all-wheel-drive. It also brought some fresh turbocharged engines as well as a hybrid. The results were a much more enjoyable driving experience and a spacious interior.

The one new aspect to the 2021 Explorer is the addition of an XLT Sport package. It adds 20-inch wheels in a dark gray color that’s echoed on the grille, badging and skid plate accents on the bumpers. Inside it gets a light gray interior with two-tone upholstery. The rest of the lineup carries over unchanged.

We’ve been impressed at the power and refinement of this new batch of engines, whether it’s the base turbo four-cylinder, hybrid V6, or the pair of turbo V6 engines that have some serious hustle. Every Explorer drives with more verve than before, and are more engaging than most three-row competitors. The Explorer ST in particular has particularly impressive handling and the most power of the different models. Room isn’t sacrificed by this new platform, either, with the first two rows being quite spacious, and the third-row is tolerable. The interior is a bit plasticky, but it’s spruced up with large bright displays and some nice trim such as the wood highlights in the Platinum trim.

The Explorer line starts with the XLT and Limited trim levels, both of which come with the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four making 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy is 24 mpg combined with RWD and 23 mpg combined with AWD. This engine is one of the strongest in the segment, and given the abundant standard feature content (particularly the full suite of accident avoidance tech), there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with the base model.

The Explorer Platinum and Explorer ST come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with the 10-speed auto and all-wheel drive. It produces 365 hp and 380 lb-ft in the Platinum, and 400 hp and 415 lb-ft in the ST. The latter also features a variety of other performance-enhancing mechanical upgrades and sportier styling flourishes.

Finally, the Explorer Hybrid, available only as the Limited, pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Its total output is 318 hp. It returns 28 mpg combined with RWD and 25 mpg combined with AWD.

You can use the rest of this page to find more in-depth information about the 2020 Ford Explorer, including features, specs and where to find a good deal near you.


Full Review
The 2021 Ford Explorer is effectively unchanged for the new model year, having been completely redesigned last year. That redesign made the large crossover rear-drive-based with optional all-wheel-drive. It also brought some fresh turbocharged engines as well as a hybrid. The results were a much more enjoyable driving experience and a spacious interior.

The one new aspect to the 2021 Explorer is the addition of an XLT Sport package. It adds 20-inch wheels in a dark gray color that’s echoed on the grille, badging and skid plate accents on the bumpers. Inside it gets a light gray interior with two-tone upholstery. The rest of the lineup carries over unchanged.

We’ve been impressed at the power and refinement of this new batch of engines, whether it’s the base turbo four-cylinder, hybrid V6, or the pair of turbo V6 engines that have some serious hustle. Every Explorer drives with more verve than before, and are more engaging than most three-row competitors. The Explorer ST in particular has particularly impressive handling and the most power of the different models. Room isn’t sacrificed by this new platform, either, with the first two rows being quite spacious, and the third-row is tolerable. The interior is a bit plasticky, but it’s spruced up with large bright displays and some nice trim such as the wood highlights in the Platinum trim.

The Explorer line starts with the XLT and Limited trim levels, both of which come with the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four making 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy is 24 mpg combined with RWD and 23 mpg combined with AWD. This engine is one of the strongest in the segment, and given the abundant standard feature content (particularly the full suite of accident avoidance tech), there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with the base model.

The Explorer Platinum and Explorer ST come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with the 10-speed auto and all-wheel drive. It produces 365 hp and 380 lb-ft in the Platinum, and 400 hp and 415 lb-ft in the ST. The latter also features a variety of other performance-enhancing mechanical upgrades and sportier styling flourishes.

Finally, the Explorer Hybrid, available only as the Limited, pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Its total output is 318 hp. It returns 28 mpg combined with RWD and 25 mpg combined with AWD.

You can use the rest of this page to find more in-depth information about the 2020 Ford Explorer, including features, specs and where to find a good deal near you.


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Retail Price

$49,000 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 3.0L V-6
MPG 18 City / 24 Hwy
Seating 6 Passengers
Transmission 10-spd w/OD
Power 400 @ 5500 rpm
Drivetrain four-wheel
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