2021 Ford Explorer Review

Explorer Performance

The Explorer comes with a 2.3-liter turbo-four that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. To gain more power, you can upgrade to the available 3.0-liter turbo V-6 that produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, or 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque in the ST trim level.

A hybrid version is also available for the upper-level trims and pairs a 3.3-liter V-6 with an electric motor and hybrid batteries. Combined, this engine produces 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque and boasts an EPA-estimated 29 highway mpg.  

2021 Explorer Interior

The Explorer offers three rows of seats with a three-person bench for the second row or optional captain's chairs. The seats slide forward and backward for better passenger or cargo configuration, and passengers can easily fit across both rows with plenty of headroom and legroom. The materials are high quality and durable. Several upgrades are available, including:

• Heated seats
• Upgraded cloth upholstery
• Leather upholstery

Behind the third row, the Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of space. With the seats folded down, that space expands to 47.9 cubic feet. With both rows down, the maximum cargo capacity is 87.9 cubic feet. A power liftgate is standard for easier cargo loading and unloading.

2021 Explorer Safety and Technology

The Explorer comes standard with a variety of safety features, including a system to monitor and control your vehicle using a smartphone app, and frontal collision mitigation, a feature that alerts you to a possible crash. Blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert are also included, which warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you reverse or change lanes. Another highlight is trailer sway control, a feature that adjusts the brakes to control trailer movement while towing.

Cabin technology includes an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Regarded as one of the best on the market, the Ford infotainment system features logical layouts, simple menu options, and responsive inputs. Apple CarPlay®  and Android Auto™ smartphone compatibility is standard, giving you access to your phone for streaming media and music on the ride. There's also a built-in wi-fi hotspot, so you'll always be connected on the road. Optional features include:

• Premium Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Navigation 
• Wireless charging pad.