by Aiden Eksteen
Having been recently transitioned into its now sixth-generation guise, the 2021 Ford Explorer nevertheless enters into the new year with some new improvements and alterations. Ford is really going to great lengths to make the Explorer as desirable as possible in the highly popular classification, but with its powerful engines, refined drive, and commodious cabin, it's always been a compelling vehicle. The midsize three-row cruise can be had with either a 300-horsepower naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or a 400-hp turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. Though its third-row is fairly cramped, there's plenty of passenger space in the front- and second-row seats and cargo room is always generous. The infotainment system is a standout and there are numerous desirable features available. However, the crossover is let down by a selection of cheap materials used throughout the cabin and the upper-tier models are disproportionately expensive. It takes a lot to stand out in the very saturated classification, and with its $32,925 starting price, the 2021 Ford Explorer goes up against esteemed competitors such as theKia Sorento,GMC Acadia, and theMazda CX-9.
Ford has made a wide variety of small tweaks to the 2021 Explorer SUV based on demand from its first year on sale. On the exterior side of things, the XLT trim is now available with a Sport Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille with gray accents, chrome dual-exhaust outlets, a light slate interior, and faux skid plates, among others. Heated front seats are standard on the XLT now, and a cargo organizer is optional on base, XLT, Limited and ST models. Two new Explorer trims have also been introduced in the form of the Timberline - a more off-road-oriented model - and King Ranch - which focuses a little more on luxury. For fans of the ST, it's now easier to attain thanks to an Enthusiast ST specification, which cuts back the level of standard equipment on the ST and cuts the price accordingly. The pared-back features list can be specified optionally via the new 401A equipment group. For hybrid fans, this more efficient powertrain can now also be paired with the Platinum specification. Lastly, a few exterior paint options have been removed or replaced for the new year.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base |
2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive |
$32,925 |
| XLT |
2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive |
$35,075 |
| Limited |
2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive |
$45,255 |
| Timberline |
2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic |
Four-Wheel Drive |
$46,015 |
| ST |
3.0 l V6 Twin-Turbo气体 |
10-Speed Automatic |
Four-Wheel Drive |
$49,000 |
The crossover SUV market is booming right now, and with how many options there are, it really takes a lot to be one of the top contenders. The 2021 Explorer is one of the more handsome 5-door cars out there, and it comes with numerous desirable comforts and conveniences including a superb infotainment system. Its spacious, comfortable, and presented with a variety of options including three powerful and refined powertrains and several trim levels. With its 400-hp V6 unit, the ST model also delivers fairly entertaining performance characteristics. Every model is exceptionally comfortable on the road and all can tow a decent amount. The NHTSA availed the Explorer with an impressive five-star safety rating though four recorded recalls to bring its reliability into question. The IIHS was equally as impressed in its review of the 2021 Ford Explorer and awarded it with a Top Safety Pick+ honor.
It's clear that there's a lot Ford got right with the Explorer, but it's not the best SUV money can buy in the USA. It's let down by a flurry of low-grade cabin materials and an excessively cramped third-row. You likely won't be disappointed by the Explorer, but you can just get more bang for your buck elsewhere.
Ford caters to a wide variety of buyers with the 2021 Explorer line - putting forward various powertrain, drivetrain, feature options, and seating configurations for buyers to choose from. All three engines provide plenty of oomph and choosing which drivetrain to go for will come down to whether you need the added traction of the AWD system or not. The more powerful EcoBoost V6 engine is difficult not to recommend, despite its poor fuel economy in comparison to the 4-cylinder. If you're considering the Explorer SUV just for its seven-seater capacity, then the Base will do. It comes with plenty of nice comforts and conveniences despite being the entry-spec option. The Limited is otherwise our favorite model for all the desirable features it gets, including its front-seat heating and ventilation, middle-seat heating, and real leather seating upholstery.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Ford Explorer:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
亨尼西
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
斯巴鲁
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo