“Very roomy and amazing on gas mileage. Smooth ride and extremely comfortable seats.”
2021 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Ford Explorer is a broader lineup, led by the new off-road-focused Timberline, western-themed King Ranch, and upscale Platinum Hybrid. It is not a redesign; the body, cabin layout, and basic platform carry over from 2020.
About the 2021 Ford Explorer
6th generation (2020-present), second model year; lineup-expansion year rather than a redesign or full refresh.
Ford positions the Explorer as a do-it-all three-row SUV for families who want passenger space, towing ability, and a wide spread of personalities in one model line. In 2021 it ranged from a straightforward family SUV to hybrid, sporty, off-road, and luxury versions, all built around the same rear-drive-based layout. Versatility is the core message: roomy cabin, useful cargo space, modern safety tech, and enough trim variety that buyers could prioritize comfort, fuel savings, performance, or trail capability without leaving the Explorer range.
The 2021 Explorer lineup covers several distinct roles, from the practical three-row base and XLT models to more specialized upper trims. Timberline adds raised suspension, skid plates, and standard four-wheel drive for rough roads, while King Ranch pairs a 365-hp turbo V6 with special leather and real wood trim. The ST remains the performance model with a 400-hp turbo V6, and the new Platinum Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with a more upscale cabin.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Platinum Hybrid pairs Platinum trim with the 3.3-liter hybrid V6. Platinum also gains a rear-wheel-drive version, and a flex-fuel powertrain joins the base trim.
Styling
The new King Ranch adds Mesa Del Rio leather, real Sapele wood, a unique gray mesh grille, and trim-specific exterior details. On the ST, roof rails became optional rather than standard.
Safety
Automated park assist became optional rather than standard on the ST.
Tech
Heated front seats became standard on XLT. On the ST, premium audio and ventilated front seats became optional rather than standard, while the Platinum’s power moonroof also changed from standard to optional.
Structural
The new Timberline adds standard four-wheel drive, raised off-road suspension, steel skid plates, a limited-slip rear differential, and unique shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars.
2021 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd Hybrid Modular | Automatic, 10-Spd Hybrid Modular |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | RWD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 23–28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 365 hp | 300 hp | 290–300 hp | 300 hp | 365 hp | 365 hp | 300 hp | 318 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 365 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 265–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 365 lb-ft | 365 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 318 lb-ft | 318 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No. The 2021 Explorer carries over the body, cabin layout, and basic platform introduced for 2020, but adds several trims and revises some equipment.
What is different about the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline?
The 2021 Timberline is the first Explorer trim focused specifically on off-road use. It has standard four-wheel drive, raised suspension, steel skid plates, a limited-slip rear differential, and unique suspension parts for more confidence on rough roads.
Does the 2021 Ford Explorer have a hybrid model?
Yes. The 2021 Explorer has a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 in the Limited Hybrid and the newly added Platinum Hybrid, which brings the hybrid powertrain to a more upscale trim.
What became standard on the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT?
Heated front seats became standard on the 2021 Explorer XLT. The trim also has a power driver’s seat, second-row captain’s chairs, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Did the 2021 Ford Explorer ST lose any standard equipment?
Yes. Automated park assist, premium audio, roof rails, and ventilated front seats became optional rather than standard on the 2021 Explorer ST. Its 400-hp turbo V6 and sport-tuned suspension continued.
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ford Explorer.
4.3
2021 Ford Explorer
(353 reviews)
“The truck looks great, it handles and maneuvers well and has awesome gas mileage”
“Lots of features for the money. Very roomy. Turbo 4 cylinder engine feels a little underpowered.”