The 2021 Ford Explorer is a spacious, family-friendly crossover that’s as comfortable as it is ready for action. You’ll love its adventure-ready cargo hold, rugged performance capabilities, and an impressive array of safety aids. This midsize crossover is also known for its towing capabilities, making it a prime pick for boat hauling.
2021 Ford Explorer Standout Features
- Strong, sporty performance
- Rear-wheel-drive platform enhances towing capabilities and handling
- Roomy cabin and cargo area
- Abundance of high-tech infotainment and safety features
What’s New for 2021?
New Sport Appearance package for Explorer XLT, featuring dual chrome exhaust tips and Carbonized Gray wheels and trim
Interior Comfort
Inside the Explorer cabin, there’s a lot to love. The front seats are spacious, and it’s easy to find the perfect position at the wheel. And a wide range of seating adjustments treat drivers of all heights to their own personal comfort zone. Both the rear seats also offer abundant space for heads, knees, and hips. The Explorer comes standard with seating for seven passengers, but optional second-row captain’s chairs drop seating capacity to six.
Standard interior features:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat
- 50/50-split folding third-row seats
Optional interior features:
- Leather upholstery
- Front sport seats
- Front-seat memory settings
- First- and second-row heated seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Massaging front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Power-folding second- and third-row seats
- Ambient interior lighting
Exterior Style
This three-row crossover looks as good as it feels. Outside, it combines gently sloping lines with a rugged, modern grille. The 2021 Ford Explorer can also be as flashy as you like, with options like the twin-panel moonroof and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
This three-row crossover also makes a point of delivering everyday convenience. The power liftgate gives you quick access to your cargo hold, and the optional hands-free liftgate puts you at an even bigger advantage.
Standard exterior features:
Optional exterior features:
- 20-inch hand-polished aluminum wheels
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Hands-free liftgate
- Roof rails
Safety, Security, and Technology
All five Explorer trim models put a tech-savvy spin on daily driving. The Sync 3 infotainment system—along with its 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities—makes it easy to access apps and optional navigation features. With a data subscription, the standard Wi-Fi hotspot provides a strong connection wherever you go. The FordPass technology is another huge plus. Download the FordPass app on your smartphone for remote access to the Explorer’s door locks and optional remote start system.
Standard tech features:
- Sync 3 with 8-inch infotainment touch screen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- FordPass technology
Optional tech features:
- 10.1-inch infotainment touch screen
- 12- or 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
- Dual-screen rear entertainment system
- Wireless charging pad
- Navigation system with voice control
- Second-row USB ports
- Digital gauge cluster display
The 2021 Explorer is also stuffed with high-tech safety systems. All trim models help you skirt danger with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. The blind-spot monitoring system not only alerts you to vehicles in the Explorer’s blind-spot, but it also warns you of vehicles headed your way as you back out of a parking space.
As you climb the Explorer trim levels, safety aids become more and more sophisticated. For example, a surround-view camera offers a bird’s-eye view of the Explorer as you navigate dark, narrow parking garages. As you turn the steering wheel, the adaptive headlights actually swivel to light up winding roads and sharp turns.
Standard safety features:
- Frontal collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane keeping assist
- Trailer sway control
Optional safety features:
- Front parking sensors
- Rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centering system
- Automated parking system
- Automatic reverse braking
- Swiveling adaptive headlights
Power and Performance
The new Explorer is much more than a comfy family hauler. Thanks to its powerful engine options and optional performance gear, this three-row crossover treats you to all the adventure you can handle.
On road or off, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a strong performer. Its new rear-wheel-drive platform adds to its on-road prowess, improving handling and balance. With optional all-wheel drive, the Explorer can handle sandy backroads and light trails with ease.
The high-performance Explorer ST trim model adds greater speed and precision, thanks to its standard V6 engine and upgrades like stronger brakes and a sport-tuned suspension. The top-of-the-line Platinum also comes standard with the powerful V6 engine, but it puts a smoother, more comfortable spin on daily driving.
Powertrain options:
- Standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque)
- Optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 415 lb.-ft.) (Standard on ST, Platinum)
- Optional 3.3-liter V6 hybrid (318 hp, 322 lb.-ft.)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Standard rear-wheel drive (except on Platinum)
- Optional all-wheel drive
Optional performance upgrades:
- Upgraded brakes (ST)
- Sport-tuned suspension (ST)
- Paddle shifters
Towing Capabilities
Towing potential depends upon which Explorer trim model and powertrain you select. The ST and Platinum trim models with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the tow package offer the greatest capabilities, towing up to 5,600 pounds.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Ford Explorer is certainly powerful, but it’s also relatively thrifty. The Limited Hybrid model is the most efficient of the bunch, with EPA ratings of up to 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway mpg). The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is the next-thriftiest engine, earning up to 24 mpg combined (21/28 mpg). With the 3.0-liter V6 engine, the Explorer earns up to 21 mpg combined (18/26 mpg).
2021 Ford Explorer Trim Models
Base
Every 2021 Explorer is nicely equipped, especially when it comes to infotainment features and safety gear. Standard driver aids—like lane-keeping assist and frontal collision mitigation—can keep you out of harm’s way. And it’s easy to stay connected, thanks to the Sync 3 infotainment system, its 8-inch touch screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
- Turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 310 lb.-ft.)
- Power liftgate
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Sync 3 with 8-inch infotainment touch screen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- FordPass technology
- 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat
- 50/50-split folding third-row seats
- Frontal collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane keeping assist
- Trailer sway control
Limited
This Explorer is both stylish and smart. It focuses on luxury with leather upholstery and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. The Limited also improves on-road comfort with a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. You’ll also enjoy extra control over cabin brightness, thanks to second-row sunshades and soft ambient interior lighting.
- 20-inch hand-polished aluminum wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Ambient interior lighting
- Power-folding and heated second-row seats
- Second-row sunshades
- Wireless charging pad
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
- Navigation system with voice controls
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centering system
XLT
The XLT adds to the base model’s lineup with a batch of convenience features. For starters, its roof rails beckon to your surfboards and kayaks. Inside, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add a hint of luxury. And the XLT’s keyless entry and ignition technology is a feature just about anyone can appreciate.
- Keyless entry/ignition with exterior keypad
- Roof rails
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Second-row USB ports
ST
The sporty ST is the right Explorer for speed enthusiasts. This modern crossover turns up the heat with its standard 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. But it also adds performance features that you won’t find on any other Explorer—namely, sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and front sport seats.
- Turbo 3.0-liter V6 (400 hp, 415 lb.-ft.)
- Paddle shifters
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Front sport seats
- Front-seat memory functions
- Digital instrument panel
- Automated parking system
- Automatic reverse braking
Platinum
As the Explorer’s absolute top-of-the-line model, the Platinum delivers all-out luxury. It starts with the turbocharged V6 engine and adds to the Limited’s upscale lineup with extra niceties. It’s the only Explorer, for example, to feature tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery. Opt for the twin-panel moonroof, and you’ve got quite the luxury cruiser on your hands.
- All-wheel drive
- Swiveling adaptive headlights
- Digital gauge cluster display
- Extended leather upholstery
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
202A Package
- Heated steering wheel
- ActiveX upholstery
- Remote start technology
- LED foglamps
XLT Sport Appearance Package
- 20-inch Carbonized Gray-painted 10-spoke wheels
- Carbonized Gray-painted grille bars with mesh inserts, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside cladding inserts, skid plate elements
- Chrome dual exhaust tips
- Carbonized Gray Explorer hood badge
- Branded floor mats
- Stretch Diamond instrument panel appliqués
- Light Slate seats with Medium Slate contrast stitching
- Light Slate door-panel trim with contrast stitching
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition
- Evasive steering assist
- Voice-activated touch-screen navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link and pinch-to-zoom capability
ST High-Performance Pack
- 21-inch aluminum wheels
- High-performance brakes
- Red-painted brake calipers
ST Street Pack:
- 21-inch aluminum wheels
- Performance brakes
- Red-painted brake calipers
Premium Technology Package:
- Multicontour front seats with massage settings
- 10.1-inch LCD capacitive portrait touch screen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capabilities
- 14-speaker B&O premium sound system
Class III Trailer Tow Package
- Frame-mounted hitch
- Trailer connectors
Cargo Area Management System
- Cargo well rubber mat
- Cargo Net
- Reversible load floor
Ford Warranty Coverage
Each Explorer trim model features extensive warranty coverage. Should something go wrong—say, you get an unexpected check engine light—simply bring your Explorer back to your friendly Ford dealership for a quick repair.
- 3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
- 5 years/60,000 miles Limited Powertrain Warranty
- 5 years/60,000 miles Safety and Emissions Limited Warranty
What Comes Next for the Ford Explorer?
The Explorer was fully remodeled for the 2020 model year, making the 2021 Explorer the second model of the sixth generation. Compared to previous generations, this new crossover’s sporty rear-wheel-drive platform and strong, swift engines make it a true segment standout.