Technology is at the forefront of the 2021 Explorer Hybrid and extends from connectivity to the suite of safety features known as Ford’s Co-Pilot 360. The 8-inch touchscreen in the center dashboard is the hub of connectivity, and the Explorer comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The vehicle also features FordPass Connect and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that ensures drivers are connected wherever their adventure takes them. Additional technology includes access to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, SYNC 3 with an optional voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, and an impressive Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system.
Driver-Assist Safety Features
The most notable technology features are found in Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite. The first feature in the suite is automatic high-beam headlamps that detect low visibility conditions and automatically adjust the headlamps. The technology is also designed to sense oncoming traffic and automatically dims the headlamps when needed so as not to blind other drivers. This ensures the driver can keep his or her hands on the wheel without worrying about turning the high beams on and off as needed.
The Co-Pilot suite also features a Lane-Keeping System that ensures drivers stay in their lane by detecting when the vehicle drifts out of its lane without the use of a turn signal. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane repeatedly, the technology alerts the drivers with an icon that it might be time for a break from behind the wheel. The hybrid also has Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which is an upgrade on standard Explorers. This technology is truly impressive that slows the vehicle when it detects traffic ahead has slowed or stopped and even includes Speed Sign Recognition.
Blind Spot Warnings and Automatic Braking
The hybrid also includes a rear-view camera that gives drivers a clear view of the environment behind the vehicle when in reverse. Ford takes this technology a step further by adding a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert. This alerts drivers to vehicles in the blind spots and, when in reverse, the presence of cross-traffic that can potentially lead to a collision.
Since the Explorer Hybrid offers the best towing ability in its class, it’s no surprise Ford enhanced the BLIS with Trailer Coverage. This gives drivers greater confidence when towing heavy loads since changing lanes can be extremely tricky with limited visibility. The BLIS alerts drivers to blind spots not only around the vehicle but also around the trailer.
Another feature is Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which scans the road and alerts drivers to pedestrians or vehicles. To prevent potential collisions, the feature alerts the driver with a warning and an audible sound while pre-charging the brakes to ensure the vehicle can stop quickly.
SYNC 3 and Alexa
Last in Ford’s technology suite is Ford+Alexa. Ford does everything possible to ensure drivers remain connected when they’re behind the wheel, which is why they introduced Alexa to the lineup. The SYNC 3 technology now features Amazon’s Alexa, which allows drivers to utilize the app to access navigation, Amazon shopping, traffic and weather data, and much more. Drivers can even connect the vehicle to their smart-home devices.