2021 Ford Explorer

The Explorer comes with six trim options, including the Base, Platinum, King Ranch, ST, XLT, and Limited models. Ford also manufactured a new Timberline Explorer. The Timberline increases ride height and utilizes all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, and steel skid plates to produce the most off-road capable Explorer on the market today. The luxurious Platinum models a sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, and a Class III tow package.

The Base Explorer is powered by a turbocharged 300-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that accelerates with authority. The Platinum trim comes standard with a larger twin-turbocharged 365-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, while the ST has a 400-horsepower V-6 with the same specs. Ford added a hybrid Explorer to the lineup, which combines a 3.3-liter V-6 gasoline engine with an electric hybrid vehicle motor for a total output of 318 horsepower.

The Ford Explorer boasts a massive 5,600-pound maximum tow capacity. The Explorer is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive platform but is available in all-wheel drive. All Explorers use a 10-speed automatic transmission for unbeatably smooth shifting. The steering wheel provides excellent feedback from the road owing to the Explorer's ease of handling. The ST provides a much more athletic feel with more power and stiffer suspension.

Due to the Explorer's wide range of drivetrains, it has several unique EPA estimates. The base-level four-cylinder earned a rating of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The 400-horsepower V-6 has an estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The hybrid model is the most fuel-efficient model, with the rear-wheel-drive getting 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway estimates.

The Explorer is known for its functional yet comfortable interior. Ford redesigned the third-row access mechanism for ease of entry by sliding the second-row forward with the touch of a button. The new design increases legroom in the rear seats, giving adults the option of a relaxed ride in the back two rows. The new Explorer has cargo space to spare with 88 cubic feet of available space and sports an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capability.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Explorer a five-star safety rating, the administration's highest possible rating. Ford upgraded the Explorer with a plethora of driver-assistance features. Additional active safety features are available including evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rearview camera, driver drowsiness monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, reverse brake assist, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view parking camera system, lane keep assist, and forward-collision warning.