2021 Ford Explorer

The base Explorer starts the 2021 lineup with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and LED taillights, along with a power liftgate. The XLT adds body-colored door handles, chrome exterior trim elements, and roof rack side rails, while a step up to the Limited gets you 20-inch wheels, satin roof rack side rails, a silver-painted mesh grille, and dual chrome exhaust tips. The sporty ST trim has a sport-tuned suspension, while the luxurious King Ranch comes with upgraded materials in the cabin. Choose the high-end Platinum for 21-inch wheels and satin aluminum exterior trim elements, or check out the off-road-ready Timberline trim.

The base powertrain for the 2021 Explorer is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 300 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 is available under the hood of the King Ranch, ST, and Platinum that generates 400 horsepower. Most trims now offer the option for a hybrid powertrain with a 3.3-liter V-6 gas engine and an electric motor. These combine to generate 318 horsepower.

The base engine easily powers the Explorer without much effort, and the 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth and precise. For quicker acceleration and more passing power, choose the turbo V-6. When equipped with the larger engine and the tow package, the 2021 Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

There's room for up to seven with the second-row bench seat and six with the captain's chairs. The Explorer comes standard with cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The XLT adds heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with added upgrades such as leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and power-folding seats available in the higher trims. Technology features include an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Rear USB ports come in the XLT and above, and you can also get wireless charging and a 12-speaker stereo if you move up to the Limited. Adding the Premium Technology Package gets you a 10.1-inch touch screen with a portrait-oriented display and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Every Ford Explorer comes with the Co-Pilot360 suite of active safety systems. This group includes a front collision-mitigation system with automatic braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic detection, lane-keep assist, and trailer sway control. The Limited adds front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, a lane-centering assist system, and adaptive cruise control. Rear automatic braking is an added safety feature you get with the Platinum, which also has Active Park Assist 2.0.