2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer will inherit its base features from the 2020 model. In addition to that, it is expected that Ford might launch the vehicle with a couple of updates like an optional V6 engine instead of the regular one for the XLT version also, new attracting colors, minor exterior & interior fittings, and it is rumored that it might also add a PHEV trim.

Numerous engine options, assuring safety features, charming sporty looks, 360 degrees camera, are some of the peculiarities that make this car a better choice among its rivals like 2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL, 2020 Honda Pilot EX, 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SV RCE. No more delays let's go further and uncover what makes this SUV a special of its segment.

The currently running 2021 Explorer has 4 different trims with price range starting from $32,800 to $59,000. The 2021 model might have sparse changes including PHEV and so it could come up with a slightly increased price segment i.e., $34,000 - $60,000. The base explorer that gets you turbocharged inline-four mated to 10 speed automatic transmission ,fabric seats, and SYNC 3 infotainment. The top of the line has a hefty $58,250 price tag and has Lincoln rivaling luxury with interior draped in real wood and leather.

Trim	Base	XLT	Limited	Platinum
MSRP (RWD)	$32,765	$36,675	$48,130	-
MSRP (AWD)	$34,765	$38,765	$50,130	$58,250
Key Features	Tri-zone electronic temperature control	Includes Base model’s features and adds -	Includes XLT’s features and adds -	Includes Limited's features and adds
	Air filtration system	10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar	Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	Active Park Assist 2.0
	Configurable daytime running lights	LED Signature Lighting	Forward Sensing System	Illuminated front scuff plates
	Lane-Keeping System	Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start	Steering wheel, Heated, leather-wrapped with paddle shifters	Twin-panel moonroof
	Rearview camera with washer	Second-row captain seats with Power-Assist Fold	Ambient Lighting	Sony Premium Brand Stereo System with 12 speakers
	Remote Start	Roof rack side rails, black with black end caps	Universal Garage Door Opener	Heated Steering Wheel
	FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot		B&O Sound system by Bang & Olufsen	Body-color door handles with satin aluminum insert
	Cloth seating surfaces		Voice-Activated Navigation System	Satin Chrome lower bodyside cladding insert
	LED Headlamps and Taillamps		Leather seating surfaces	Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces
	Privacy Glass, Second and Third Rows		Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips	Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips

We Recommend

We think the Ford Explorer in limited trim gives the most bang for the buck as it has an efficient and powerful 3.0 L EcoBoost engine. It also gets the much-improved SYNC 3 infotainment system, exceptional ambient lighting, and host of other feel-good amenities.

Initially, Ford has planned to release it during summer 2020, due to the recent pandemic it has drifted to the later phase of 2020.

There are no changes to the engine lineup of the 2021 Explorer is going to get almost similar specs of the 2020 model. There are numerous engine combinations available for the 2021 Explorer. The two optional 3.3L V6 Hybrid engines, Enhanced 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, and the standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine. The 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 Engine will impress the drivers with its 300hp power output at 6500rpm and 310lb.ft torque. It will provide a smooth and agile play at highways and also provides good off-road performance.

It has 10-Speed Automatic Transmission, also a manual mode with paddle shifts. Gear shifting is quiet, smooth, and doesn't feel any unresponsiveness with shifting. By default, it has Rear Wheel Drive, but you can add a unit of 4WD which comes with an intelligent Terrain Management System.

Now going to the acceleration part, the 2020 Ford Explorer XLT took 6.8sec from 0-60mph and 15.3sec for its quarter-mile distance. You can feel comfort as well as fun and can have an adventurous ride while driving the vehicle. It has a beautiful front and rear wheels individual suspension system with front and rear stabilizer bars. With these in your wheels, there will be no doubt that you will not feel any kind of discomfort while driving off-roads and terrains.

Models	2020 Ford Explorer XLT	2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL	2020 Honda Pilot EX	2020 Nissan Pathfinder SV RCE
MSRP	$36,065	$33,925	$34,530	$35,465
Engine	2.3L EcoBoost® I-4	3.8L 6-Cylinder	3.5L V-6	3.5L DOHC V6
Drivetrain	RWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	10-Speed SelectShift® Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	CVT
Power (hp @ rpm)	300 @ 6,500	291 @ 6000	280 @ 6000	284 @ 6,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	310 @ 4,000	262 @ 5200	262 @ 4700	259 @ 4,800

The 2020 Ford Explorer XLT wins this segment of power & torque comparison with huge 300hp & 310lb.ft power and torque and with huge 10-Speed transmission. This is going to continue in the 2021 edition also. Ford doesn’t compromise with the engine performance, so no need to worry about your adventurous rides.

Acceleration

Ford Explorer races from 0 mph to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. On paper and on the drag strip, Explorer is quicker than the Nissan Pathfinder and Hyundai Palisade. But the Honda Pilot with a bigger engine does 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, a tad bit quicker. 

Models	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Nissan Pathfinder	Hyundai Palisade
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec	6.1 sec	7.1 sec	7.3 sec
Quarter mile	14.4 sec	14.7 sec	15.5 sec	15.8 sec
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	9.8 (Est)	8.0	7.6 (Est)	N/A

On the quarter-mile drag, the Explorer completes it in 15s and stands alongside the Honda Pilot while the rest vary from 0.5s a whole flat second slower.

Ride and Handling

The Explorer suspensions are adept at the job of transporting all your family in comfort. They offer cushioned ride quality even on 'not so friendly' terrain, which is familiar territory for the Explorer. High-speed ride quality is composed too with no nervous body movement, a necessary trait on those long highway drives to the outback.

Engaging handling and fun to drive characteristics are down on the Explorer's list of priorities. Effortless, safe, and family-friendly features are high on the list, a good thing for a family crossover. The SUV can handle the sudden change in direction with aplomb so you can rely on it to save you from hairy situations.

However, it lacks in one area where it really shouldn't. Most people are expected to drive it in town, and this Ford SUV is cumbersome in tight situations being heaviest and lengthiest among the competition.

Braking

The Ford Explorer has a soft brake but the braking performance is impressive – 70 to 0 mph in 174 feet – among best in class. This is impressive considering the Explorer weighs almost 600 pounds more than the next heaviest competitor and features equal size rotors.

Model	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Nissan Pathfinder	Hyundai Palisade
Brake pads-front(in)	12.6	12.6	12.6	12.6
Brake pads Rear(in)	12.8	13	12.8	11.9
Curb weight(lbs.)	4901	4288	4361	4198
70-0 MPH (ft.)	174	198	177	168

Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder curb weight curb lesser than the Explorer and still covers a larger distance from stopping 60-0 mph.

As the 2021 Ford Explorer follows the same engine guidelines, there won't be much change in the fuel economy when compared to the 2020 model. If it comes with a PHEV variant, then it might increase the fuel economy. So, let's take the fuel ratings of 2020 Explorer.

This SUV has a tank capacity of 19.2gal and gives 24 combined mpg which tops the competition with its rivals. The city mileage is 21mpg and the highway is 28mpg. Explorer never gets you down in the middle of your trip. If it gets a PHEV engine, then these values will increase further.

Models	2020 Ford Explorer XLT	2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL	2020 Honda Pilot EX	2020 Nissan Pathfinder SV RCE
MPG (City)	21	19	19	20
MPG (Highway)	28	26	27	27
MPG (Combined)	24	22	22	23
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	19.2	18.8	19.5	19.5
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)	403/537/460	357/489/413	370/526/429	390/527/448

From the readings, it is evident that Explorer is the solo winner providing a range of 460miles combined. The 2021 Explorer is going to keep this lead continuing.

The interior of 2021 Explorer might acquire its classy look from the 2020 model with slight changes and add-on options. It comes with two options, one is Ebony leather-trimmed interior, and the other is of Sandstone. The cabin is spacious enough for a family to have a long dusty ride along with substantial luggage filled in. The interior gives a corporate look when you get into the cabin. In the XLT and above trims, the second-row bench is replaced by the captain's chair, making it one of the best second rows in the segment. Also standard on the model is the cloth upholstery and soft-touch material around.

The driver seat is 10-way adjustable for giving an excellent viewpoint to the driver, and the side passenger seat is 4-way adjustable. The overall seat quality is decent; it would be better if Ford has added heating seats for this XLT variant. The dashboard is comprehensive and spaced enough with minimal buttons on it. The ventilation ports are full and offer better airflow around the cabin. There is an 8" touch screen at the center of the dashboard; below it; there are multi-media and AC controls. However, the engine start/stop button is placed in a wired place behind the steering wheel.

Now, talking about the headroom and legroom space. There will be a decent headroom and legroom space in the front two rows of the vehicle, but the 3row has a lesser area. So, it is adjustable for children only.

Models	2020 Ford Explorer XLT	2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL	2020 Honda Pilot EX	2020 Nissan Pathfinder SV RCE
Seating Capacity	7	7	8	7
Frist Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	41.4/61.5/42.9	40.7/61.2/44.1	40.1/ 62/40.9	42.2/60.9/42.2
Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	40.6/61/39.5	40.1/60.8/42.4	40.2/62/38.4	39.4/60.4/41.7
Third Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	37.8/50.8/32	37.8/55.2/31.4	38.9/57.6/31.9	36.5/57.1/30.7
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)	21	18	16.5	16

Looking at the interior capacities of its competitors, we can say that Explorer XLT offered a decent overall space though it was a close competition. Explorer has provided both enough headroom and legroom space with a trunk capacity of 21cu.ft which is an appreciable one. There won’t be any major changes for the 2021 model in this area also.

Let's look at the overall features of the cabin. Below are some of the attractive features that come with this Explorer XLT.

• Manual Telescopic adjustable steering column.
• Auto Climate Control and Three-Zone Climate Control.
• FordPass Connect6 with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
• 6-speakers AM/FM stereo system.
• Reverse Sensing System with a rear parking camera.
• Side-Wind Stabilization.
• Auto Start/Stop buttons along with Drive mode selection buttons.
• Onboard Hands-Free Communication System.

Infotainment System

The Base Ford Explorer and the Explorer XLT now get the dated SYNC infotainment system with a 8-inch touchscreen. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is optional. For the new SYNC 3 with an 10-inch touchscreen, you have to upgrade to the Limited trim. Sync 3 is responsive and has a crisp display and intuitive UI.

The Explorer gets pleasantly old-school physical buttons for most of the controls – a respite as others are increasingly moving all the controls to the touch screen. 

The smartphone integration is quick, thanks to standard Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and even Amazon Alexa. It comes loaded with the following tech

• AM/FM Stereo HD Radio
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• Auxiliary Audio Input and USB With External Media Control
• Satellite Radio Service
• USB Connection
• 6 Total Sony Premium Brand Speakers including a Subwoofer
• Smart Device Integration
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Navigation System
• Onboard Hands-Free Communication System

Cargo Capacity

The Explorer has generous cargo space with all seats up – 21 cubic feet. The closest competitor is the Honda Pilot with 17 cubic feet – not close at all. This means the Explorer is one of few midsize SUVs that can accommodate all your family along with their luggage too when you go exploring. The luggage space continues to dominate competitors as the seats are folded one by one.

Model	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Nissan Pathfinder	Hyundai Palisade
All Seats Up(Cu.ft)	21	17	14	14
Last Row Folded(Cu.ft)	58	47	38	41
Second and Third Rows Folded(Cu.ft)	99	84	71	80

The luggage space can further be stretched to 99. cubic feet on folding both the row in the rear. Which is also bigger than any rival in the competition.

The exterior of the 2021 Explorer might get some updates as it gets a unique Carbonized Grey-painted 20-inch wheels with matching grille, skid plates, hood lettering, and finished with dual chrome exhaust tips. Also, it is observed that the 2020 model got a unibody construction framework which means that front and rear overhangs are now shorter and there is a steep increase in departure angles.

The headlights are slimmer and enclosed between a more geometrical grille, and both the upward sweep of the character lines and tapered roof give the new Explorer an athletic stance. Overall, the upcoming 2021 Explorer might get some minor changes in its outlook body.

Models	2020 Ford Explorer XLT	2020 Hyundai Palisade SEL	2020 Honda Pilot EX	2020 Nissan Pathfinder SV RCE
Curb Weight (lbs)	4458	4231	4036	4287
Length (inches)	198.3	196.1	196.5	198.5
Width (inches)	78.9	77.8	78.6	77.3
Height (inches)	70	68.9	70.6	70.6
Ground Clearance (inches)	7.8	7.9	7.3	7.0
Wheelbase (inches)	112.8	114.2	111	114.2

Overall, the Ford Explorer has the highest curb weight of 4458lbs with decent ground clearance and all other dimensions are right enough for a mid-size SUV. The 2021 Explorer comes with similar dimensions.

In addition to the above features, the 2020 Ford Explorer has additional features like,

• Black grille, door handles, mirror caps, bodyside cladding, and wheel-lip moldings.
• Chrome liftgate applique.
• Configurable daytime running lamps.
• LED headlamps and taillamps.
• 18" painted Aluminum Alloy wheels.
• Long roof racks on the top.
• Rear glass wiper and Rear camera.
• Dual-tip Exhaust.

Ford Explorer is also famous for its safety features. The 2021 model also might inherit those features by adding some more. As of now, let's check the 2020 model's safety options and ratings.

The 2020 Ford Explorer has got an overall score of five in the NHTSA crash test, where it scored four stars is the rollover test. It also did well in the IIHS crashworthiness scoring the best score of ‘good’ in all tests except for the front driver-side small overlap test.

Some of the Standard safety features fitted into this SUV are as follows:

• Personal Safety System for the driver and front passenger.
• AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control™) and Curve Control.
• SecuriCode invisible keypad.
• Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags9 and rollover sensor.
• Post-Collision Safety System.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring.

Honda Pilot Vs Ford Explorer

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation of reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Explorer trumps the Pilot when the going gets tuff and is almost equal in many areas.

Hyundai Palisade Vs Ford Explorer

The Hyundai Palisade has a spacious and comfortable first and second row, is loaded with features, and all these are wrapped in chick looking exterior. It costs significantly less than the Explorer when evenly equipped. The Palisade is also slower than the Explorer. With the rear seats in use, however, the Explorer has far more luggage space and has a more spacious interior.

In the end, with an affordable price range (though we took XLT trim which costs at $36,065, the base trim starts at $32,065 only), better-ensured safety features, high engine power & torque output, good cabin space, this Ford Explorer is a good choice to pick up. 

The 2021 Explorer is going to attain much more enhancements in addition to the 2020 model features. If you bring this SUV home, there is a good probability that the Explorer 2021 could satisfy you.