The New 2021 Ford Explorer

Jump to Our Inventory

The Ford Explorer was the flagship of the early 1990's modern SUV craze. Totally different than station wagons, sports-utility vehicles captured the imaginations of Americans—and we've refused to let go. The new 2021 Ford Explorer is refreshingly nostalgic but modern. It has an excellent lineup of turbocharged engines, delivers a smooth ride, and gets good gas mileage.

In a new Explorer, you'll never run out of cargo space, plus you'll get to enjoy a long list of standard features. If you're looking to learn more about the 2021 Explorer, keep reading for more information before visiting your Ford dealer in KS for a test drive.

Interior and Cargo Space

The new 2021 Ford Explorer has more cargo capacity than many other midsize SUVs. In the space behind the third row is 18.2 cubic feet of space. When you fold the third row down, you increase that to 47.8 cubic feet. With both rows folded, there is up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space available.

Ford's new Explorer seats seven people. If you opt for captain's chairs, it only seats six. The spacious SUV offers a comfortable ride with adequate visibility.
Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Explorer receives Ford's SYNC 3 technology combined with an 8-inch touch screen that's easy to navigate. The base infotainment system includes a smartphone cubby you'll find underneath the display. If you upgrade to the larger touchscreen, you will lose this space.

Standard features include:
•   Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
•   Four USB ports
•   Satellite radio
•   Six speakers
•   Wi-Fi hot spot
•   Push-button start
•   Remote start
•   Tri-zone automatic climate control

Available infotainment upgrades include:
•   10.1-inch touch screen with a portrait layout
•   12.3-inch customizable driver display
•   Wireless device charging
•   14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
•   Rear-seat entertainment system
If that's not enough, you can add a household-style power outlet and a twin-panel moonroof into the mix.

Engine and Performance

The 2021 Ford Explorer comes with three engine options. These options include a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder base and two available twin-turbocharged V6 engines that offer 265 and 400-hp. Each engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly.

The base Explorer receives an average 21 mpg rating in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The twin-turbo V6 models get 18/26 mpg city/highway. The Explorer offers a controlled ride with sharp steering for a large SUV, making it feel more athletic than other vehicles in its class.

Safety Ratings

The 2021 Explorer received five out of five stars in the frontal crash and side crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It received four stars in the rollover test.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't performed safety tests on the 2021 Explorer as of yet. Still, it's nearly identical predecessor earned the top rating of Good in each of the crashworthiness tests.

Here are a few of the standard safety features included on the 2021 Ford Explorer:
•   Driver drowsiness monitoring
•   Pedestrian detection
•   Blind-spot monitoring
•   Rearview camera
•   Forward collision warning
•   Rear cross-traffic alert
•   Lane keep assist
•   Forward automatic emergency braking
There's also MyKey, which allows the driver to set speed limits and audio volume for secondary drivers.

Available safety features include:
•   Adaptive cruise control
•   Surround-view parking camera system
•   Traffic sign recognition
•   Perpendicular and parallel park assist
•   Reverse brake assist
•   Evasive steering assist

Trim Levels

The new 2021 Ford Explorer is available in five trim levels, including the base, XLT, Limited, ST, and the Platinum model. Let's break each model down in detail.

Base

The base Explorer has a 300-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive is also standard.

XLT

For most buyers, the base model will suit their needs, as there are plenty of standard features. However, the XLT will likely be the most sought after from a value standpoint. The XLT offers more features and upgrades that you can't add to the base model. You can also get second-row captain's chairs with power-assist fold, additional USB ports, and heated front seats.

Limited

The Ford Explorer Limited gets an upgrade to leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and ventilated front seats.

Other notable standard features are:
•   Wireless device charging
•   Bang & Olufsen sound system
•   Power-folding third-row seats
•   Heated steering wheel
•   Hands-free power liftgate
•   Household-style power outlet
Additional safety features come standard on the Limited, including front parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, traffic sign recognition, and more.

ST

If one model could take the title of "sportiest," it's the Ford Explorer ST. It offers 400-hp with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and comes standard with four-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and sport seats. It also has a parallel and perpendicular park assist and reverse-break assist.

Platinum

The top trim level, Platinum, offers a 365-hp version of the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It features upgraded interior materials and adds a twin-panel moonroof.
Four-wheel-drive is your only option with the Platinum model, and it comes with rear skid plates and the tow package.

Test Drive the New 2021 Ford Explorer at Valor Auto Group

The new 2021 Ford Explorer offers top-of-its-class cargo space, a plethora of features, and sporty handling. If you're considering a new SUV, move this one to the top of your list. If you're interested in a test drive, visit us at our Valor Ford dealership in Junction City, KS. We always promise to devote time to serving you to the best of our ability. Let us know what you're looking for, and we'll put you in the right vehicle for you or your family. We're excited to say we offer only the highest-quality vehicles to our customers. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or learn more!

If you're interested in more of our top models, make sure to check out our research hub page for more information.

Our Current Inventory

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fees, and destination charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.