2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer comes with multiple engine options, but each option will give you between 300 and 400 horsepower. Whether you are interested in hefty towing capabilities, a high amount of power, or energy-saving hybrid options, there is an Explorer engine that is right for you. Let’s take a look at what the 2021 Explorer has to offer.

Four Engine Options

The four engines you can choose from include the 2.3L EcoBoost, the 3.3L Hybrid Engine, the 3.0L EcoBoost, and the ST twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost with sport tuning. Each engine is going to give you different advantages depending on what type of drive you want and the power you need. With a possible 5,600 pounds of towing capacity, the engine choice is very important.

The 2.3L EcoBoost

The 2.3L EcoBoost is an economical choice as it is the least expensive upfront. The 2.3L EcoBoost also offers the best fuel economy of the non-hybrid engine options, with 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway when equipped with rear-wheel drive. It produces 300 HP, 310 lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 5,300 lbs. Because of the capabilities and the savings the 2.3L EcoBoost offers drivers, this engine option will make a great addition to any commuter/family exploration vehicle combination.

The Hybrid Option

The 3.3L Hybrid Engine is the only hybrid engine available for the Ford Explorer. This engine gives you access to a little more power with 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. However, this engine is the weakest when it comes to towing capacity, with a maximum weight of 5,000 lbs. But, the stellar fuel economy more than makes up for the loss of towing capability. This hybrid engine can get up to 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway with rear-wheel drive. It is also worth mentioning that this hybrid has been built to be as off-road capable as the straight gas engine Explorer versions. So you will still be able to visit all the non-paved locations in the hybrid that you could with the gas engines.

The 3.0L Engines

The 3.0L EcoBoost is the powerhouse engine for the 2021 Ford Explorer. This engine gives you the most towing at 5,600 lbs, and it also comes standard with the Intelligent 4WD system. While the Intelligent 4WD system is available with the other engines, it only comes standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine. This is good to know because if you explore areas that need that 4WD option often, then the extra power of the 3.0L EcoBoost is your most preferable setup.

The Platinum trim 3.0L EcoBoost has 365 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. The ST version takes the 3.0L EcoBoost and adds some special tuning to give you even more power with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, as well as a top speed of 143 MPH. The ST trim offers special suspension upgrades that will give you better control over all that extra power. The ST is for those who want the extra speed without missing out on a great family-friendly SUV.

Transmission

All four engine variations are coupled with a 10-speed automatic with selectShift capability. This transmission will be smoother than more traditional transmissions and will give you more of the power you need across the board than a 6-speed transmission will. A smoother ride means more comfort for you and better abilities for the Explorer.

Plenty of Space and Accessibility 

Every 2021 Ford Explorer has the option of including up to 7 seats. If you find yourself taking large numbers of people to activities or sports practice, then the 2021 Ford Explorer can help you really pack them in. There is also plenty of space for cargo in the Explorer, especially if you fold down the seats. With the second and third-row seats folded, you have 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo room. This means if you have home improvement projects or weekend couples getaways that need extra space, you have it.

When it comes to the back seating, Ford has done you another favor with the 2021 Ford Explorer. The Explorer has an E-Z Entry Second Row, so you can use the back seating area without having the kids jump over the seats or having to squeeze through a small space. This means more accessibility and less wear-and-tear on the inside of your Explorer. 

If you like having natural light and open-air in your life, you should look into the available twin-panel moonroof. It will give you great views and that beautiful outside fresh air when you want it, as well as a peaceful and quiet atmosphere when you need it. With all these interior features and more, you can make the 2021 Explorer the perfect driving experience. 

Safety Features

Ford wants you and your family to be safe, so they have added a bunch of safety features to the 2021 Explorer. First, there is the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. This tech includes a lane keeping system that incorporates lane-keeping assist, lane-Keeping alert, and driver alert. All these technologies combine to keep your vehicle safely in its own lane where it belongs.

As part of the Ford Co-Pilot360, the 2021 Explorer also comes with a rearview camera complete with washer, as well as AdvanceTrac with roll stability control. Other available components of this system include a forward sensing system, which will help you avoid pedestrians, and SYNC with a Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System to keep your hands on the wheel and not on the screen while driving. Another great part of this Co-Pilot360 system is the auto high beam headlight system, giving you the safest amount of light for all situations. 

The 2021 Explorer comes with a reverse sensing system that alerts you to anything that gets too close to your vehicle and tells you exactly how close it is to your Explorer’s back end. This works in conjunction with the reverse brake assist system to help prevent you from smashing into something you didn’t even know was there. All of these features work together to keep your vehicle in one piece and get your family home safe and sound.

Comfort and Convenience

The 2021 Ford Explorer is built for comfort and convenience. It has a tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control system that allows the front, middle, and back seating areas to have separate chosen temperatures. For those of you with wireless charging phones, you can get the available wireless charging pad in your Explorer so you can easily charge your phone while on the go. 

Have you ever experienced a steering wheel that never seems to achieve the perfect placement for comfort? Well, the Ford Explorer is available with a power tilt/telescoping steering column. Now you can easily position the steering wheel to the exact location that is perfect for you, without having to hope the adjustments are sufficient enough to feel comfortable. And you never have to worry about losing your gas cap or not putting it on tight enough again as the Explorer has an easy fuel capless fuel filler on it.

The infotainment center comes with a 10-inch touch screen that is easy and comfortable to both use and read. This system can include the available B&O Sound system by Bang & Olufsen, which is a 12 speaker system. Other convenience items include the available rain-sensing wipers that turn on automatically at the first sign of moisture and the hands-free foot-activated version of the power liftgate so you can access your trunk even when your hands are full.