2021 Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Quick acceleration from the different engine options
- Capable rear-wheel-drive platform
- Plenty of cargo space
Cons
- Lots of wind noise
- Climate controls take some getting used to
- Interior materials are disappointing
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Plan an adventure with this three-row SUV
Freshly redesigned for the 2020 model year, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a capable three-row SUV with room for your whole crew and power to boot. Plus, the 2021 Explorer is also available as a plug-in hybrid if you're looking for less trips to the pump. An available AWD system lets you choose from seven different traction settings, and the 2021 Ford Explorer is loaded with practical touches, like easy-exit second-row seats and four feet of space between the interior wheel wells.
All Ford Explorer years
What is new for the 2021 Ford Explorer?
- The Explorer is available in a variety of new trims, including the King Ranch and Timberline.
- Explorer trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth as standard equipment this year.
- The Base trim now comes with Rear Air Conditioning and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The XLT trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
2021 Ford Explorer trims
Explorer:
Includes a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine, six-speaker audio system, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and more.
XLT:
Adds heated and power front seats, second-row captain's chairs, push-button start, LED signature lighting, and more.
Limited:
Adds a 12-speaker B&O® Play sound system, heated second-row seating, heated and ventilated front seats, Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, and more.
Limited Hybrid:
Adds a 3.3L V6 hybrid platform to the Limited trim's features.
ST:
Features a turbocharged, 400-hp, 3.0L V6 engine; an ST appearance package; sport-tuned suspension; a 12.3-inch digital cluster; and more.
Platinum:
Adds adaptive LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, satin-aluminum exterior trim, and more to the Limited trim's features.
Ford Explorer photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Ford Explorer
1. The right engines for the job
Regardless of what you need or want from a three-row SUV, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the engine and drivetrain to get the job done. The Explorer offers four competent powerplants, like a hybrid 3.3L V6 engine or a heart-thumping, 400-hp turbocharged 3.0L V6. All engines come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. No matter what you're looking for, the 2021 Ford Explorer has an excellent engine for the task.
2. Capable towing
Do you have a boat, trailer, or RV that you enjoy taking out for some weekend fun? The 2021 Ford Explorer has the hauling power for a variety of trailer needs. The standard, turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine on the RWD 2021 Ford Explorer offers an estimated 5,300 lbs of towing capacity, when properly equipped.
3. Room for the whole crew
Are you taking the soccer team to the game? Or maybe you're looking for a vehicle to take your crew and your pets to a campground, cottage, or resort. No matter who or what you need to carry, the 2021 Ford Explorer has the space and seating you need. There's a whopping 152.7 cubic feet of passenger volume—plenty of room for the seven people the Explorer seats. Toss your luggage into the 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and away you go.
4. Lots of configurable space
The 2021 Ford Explorer boasts an interior that can adjust to your storage needs. The easy-folding second- and third-row seating can be configured several dozen ways. If you're picking up something long, short, wide, or tall, the interior of the 2021 Ford Explorer offers plenty of room. Fold down all the seats for an impressive 87.8 cubic feet of cargo volume. There are also four feet of space between the interior wheel wells, which means common construction materials will lay flat.
5. Modern technology
If the latest in driver-assistance and infotainment technology is one of your must-haves, you'll love the 2021 Ford Explorer. An optional tablet-like 10.1-inch touchscreen takes center stage on the console. A wireless charging pad cuts down on wires and keeps your devices powered. An available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on all 2021 Ford Explorers and supports up to 10 devices.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Ford Explorer, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-suited for zipping the family around town, on long trips out of the city, or taking the grandkids to the campsite. A powerful 3.3L V6 has all the grunt for fun weekends away as well as more practical errands. In addition, an available AWD system improves grip by intelligently putting power to the wheel with the most grip. In corners, it gently applies the brakes to the inside wheels, improving turning performance.
Standard equipment in a 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe include:
A five-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera
YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats
LED running lights and taillights
The Kia Telluride was launched for the 2020 model year. With a fresh design and a massive amount of standard features, there is a lot to like about this Kia midsize SUV. Seating up to eight passengers is just one item from that long list, as is the standard 291-hp 3.8L V6. Look for standard features on the base 2020 Kia Telluride LX like:
Leatherette upholstery
Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite radio
18-inch wheels
Adaptive cruise control
Integrated parking sensors
The 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly three-row crossover SUV with a robust 3.8L V6 engine that can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
Standard features on the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SE include:
LED headlights
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-inch touchscreen display
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford ExplorerFord Explorer features and specs
Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Quad Seats
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Seat Massagers
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.0L
Horsepower
365
Torque (ft-lbs)
380
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
20.2
Wheelbase
119.1"
Overall length
198.8"
Width
78.9"
Height
70.2"
Leg room
F 43"/M 39"/R 32.2"
Head room
F 40.7"/M 40.5"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P275/45HR21
Rear tires
P275/45HR21
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
530/5300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Ford Explorer FAQ
The 2021 Ford Explorer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- ST: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 23 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Timberline: 19 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- King Ranch: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Base: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- XLT: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Ford Explorer received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Explorer as 22 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2021 Ford Explorer has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Ford Explorer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Ford Explorer Reviews.
The 2021 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of between 5000 and 5600 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Ford Explorer:
- King Ranch
- Timberline
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Memory Seat(s)
More about the 2021 Ford Explorer
Color options
Exterior colors:
Agate Black
Atlas Blue
Carbonized Gray
Iconic Silver
Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Star White Metallic Tri-coat
Stone Gray
Interior details
18.2 cubic feet of trunk space
Seven-passenger seating
Three-passenger third-row bench
Optional 10.1-inch touchscreen
Dual USB charge ports in the second row
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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