Jan 22, 2021

If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish mid-size three-row SUV, the 2021 Ford Explorer is the ideal choice. It’s available with rear- or all-wheel drive and four powerful engine options. You can choose from the base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum trim levels. But which one is right for you?

Base

The 2021 Ford Explorer base model is anything but basic. Under its hood is a responsive turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This turbocharged engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior features include configurable daytime running lights, LED headlamps, power mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, deep-tinted glass, a power liftgate, and LED taillights. Inside, you’ll find cloth upholstery, a power driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and five 12-volt power outlets.

The Base’s infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, the FordPass app, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Also, the six-speaker audio system has satellite radio.

This trim is equipped with an impressive suite of standard driver assistance technologies including autonomous braking, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring, rear park assist, and automatic high beams.

XLT

The XLT trim builds on the base Explorer’s features with an exterior keypad, keyless entry and ignition, LED signature lighting, roof rails, and heated mirrors with approach lamps. Its cabin offers heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and second-row smart-charging USB ports.

Limited

As expected, the next-in-the-lineup Limited adds even more amenities such as LED fog lights, rain-sensitive wipers, 20-inch wheels, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Its interior appointments include ambient lighting, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated power-folding second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The infotainment system boasts voice-activated navigation and a wireless charging pad, as well as a 12-speaker B&O sound system that enhances your listening pleasure. This Explorer offers safety features like a lane-keeping system and front parking sensors.

Limited models are available with an efficient hybrid powertrain: a 3.3-liter V-6 gas engine that combines with an electric motor to supply 318 horsepower. The Limited Hybrid has a towing capacity of about 5,000 pounds.

ST

The sporty Explorer ST uses a more powerful engine. This a performance-tuned 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that pumps out an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to this engine, the S reaches a top speed of 143 mph.

On the outside, this trim sports unique ST badges and styling cues, blackout treatment on the headlights and taillights, a hands-free liftgate, and quad chrome exhaust tips. Auto-dimming power-folding mirrors with LED turn signals and ST projection lamps improve the SUV’s overall profile.

The ST’s cabin features special upholstery with ST logos and silver contrast stitching. You also get front seat memory functions, power-folding third-row seats, paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, and active park assist.

Platinum

The top-of-the-range Platinum gets you elegant satin aluminum accents, adaptive headlights, 21-inch wheels, and unique tri-diamond leather upholstery with accent stitching,

Further, it is outfitted with a 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine that produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.

To help you decide which 2021 Ford Explorer model is for you, head over to your local Ford dealer for a closer look.