The 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the top choices to go for if you’re looking for a three-row mid-size SUV. The model is very popular in the United States, and very easy to recognize for many car enthusiasts, especially those that like Ford cars. Over a million units have been sold already, so it’s leading the family-oriented crossovers.
If you’re curious about whether you should check out the 2021 Ford Explorer, check out our complete review below.
Overview
The trim lines feature three rows of seats and more than enough space for your cargo. The cars also come with impressive safety and connectivity features. The trim lines include the Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, Hybrid, King Ranch, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum.
The bae and XLT trims have standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drives. They also come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Then, there’re the Platinum and ST models, with the optional hybrid powertrain and twin-turbo V-6.
The 2021 Ford Explorer was fully redesigned after the 2020 model which means you can expect a lot of benefits from the turbocharged and hybrid engines on rear-wheel-drive platforms. You can also purchase it in either six- or seven-seat layouts.
Characteristics
Power and Performance
You get the 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with the Base, XLT, and Limited trim lines. As for the Platinum model, you get the 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, while the 400-hp version of the engine comes with the ST trim line,
There are also hybridized engines in the 2021 Ford Explorer series, which is a 3.3-liter V-6 engine combined with an electric motor to give 318 horsepower.
The Ford Explorer also runs on an all-new rear-wheel-drive platform, but you can go for the optional all-wheel-drive if that’s what you prefer. There is also a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. Although the car isn’t athletic, it has impressive performance that makes it better than an SUV.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
The interior of the 2021 Ford Explorer focuses on comfort, functionality, and practicality. The first two rows are more comfortable than the last row, but there’s an easy mechanism to move the second-row seat and get to the third row by just clicking on one button. The seats are more comfortable for children than adults.
As for infotainment, there is an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. But you can go for the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen, but only with the Platinum or ST models.
The car systems are responsive and attractive, with a rotatory controller and voice-activated navigation. There is also a 12-speaker B&O system on all trim lines except the base.
Fuel Economy
There are different ratings for fuel economy depending on the trim line you purchase for the 2021 Ford Explorer. The rear-drive hybrid model has the best fuel economy, with 27mpg city and 29mpg highway.
For the all-wheel drive, the ratings are 24mpg and 25mpg respectively. The models feature thrifty fuel economies that you can enjoy.
Warranty and Maintenance
Ford is known for offering standard warranty and maintenance coverages that most car models offer, but they don’t have complimentary maintenance. You can only get a limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles or a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
If there’s anything wrong with the 2021 Ford Explorer within the warranty coverage, you can turn to Ford for a repair or replacement. But you would have to maintain it yourself.
Price
The price of the 2021 Explorer depends on the trim line you purchase and whether you go for the 2WD or 4WD. The base models cost $32,925 or $34,925 respectively, for the MSRP. The most expensive trim line is the Platinum 4WD, which you can get for $54,730 based on the MSRP.
The 2021 Ford Explorer series comes with a wide range of prices, so if you’re running on a budget, you can easily choose one that matches the price range you’re working with. You would also do great with the XLT trim if you’re looking for an Explorer model that offers more value than its money.
Is 2021 Ford Explorer Reliable?
Yes, it is. The 2021 Ford Explorer has high reliable ratings among customers, which is expected from the Ford Motor Company. Ford has a good reputation among other vehicles, which are dependable. The Explorer comes with top-notch safety features and driver assistance that makes it even more reliable.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the 2021 Explorer earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But it didn’t get the Top Safety Pick during the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because of its average score in the front crash test.
Every Explorer comes with different driver-assistant technology, with safety features like self-parking assist, automated emergency braking, standard forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, standard lane-departure warning, standard blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
Although the Explorer comes with a decent IIHS, it has a great rating from the NHTSA.
What People Are Saying About the 2021 Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer has become popular among drivers and car enthusiasts who need a great car for their families. Every family SUV shopper list should include a Ford Explorer, because of its safety features and high technology and connectivity features in the interior.
Although there were a few problems that caused Ford to recall the 2020 Explorer vehicles, like the loose motor mount fasteners, these have been solved with those in the 2021 model year.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly model, you would do great with the 2021 Ford Explorer.
Competitors
The key competitors of the 2021 Ford Explorer are other mid-size three-row SUVs that have become very popular among families and enthusiasts. Some of these competitors include the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. There is also the Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Ascent.
The Chevy Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas is a competitor in terms of the comfort and seat arrangement as they are more comfortable. It offers less warranty than the Toyota and Chevy.
