2021
Ford Explorer

Starts at:

$32,925

Shop options

See ratings

Consumer rating

Owner reviewed vehicle score

Safety rating

NHTSA tested vehicle score

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.

Base RWD

Starts at

$32,925

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Rear Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Base 4WD

Starts at

$34,925

20 City / 27 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
XLT RWD

Starts at

$35,075

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Rear Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
XLT 4WD

Starts at

$37,075

20 City / 27 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Limited RWD

Starts at

$45,255

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Rear Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Timberline 4WD

Starts at

$46,015

19 City / 23 Hwy

MPG

6

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Limited 4WD

Starts at

$47,255

20 City / 27 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
ST 4WD

Starts at

$49,000

18 City / 24 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
King Ranch RWD

Starts at

$52,600

18 City / 24 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Engine

Rear Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Platinum RWD

Starts at

$52,730

18 City / 24 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Engine

Rear Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
Platinum 4WD

Starts at

$53,335

23 City / 26 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Gas/Electric V-6

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs
King Ranch 4WD

Starts at

$54,600

18 City / 24 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Engine

Four Wheel Drive

Drivetrain

See all specs

Photo & video gallery

Notable features

New Timberline, King Ranch trims

Three-row SUV

Rear- or four-wheel drive

Choice of two turbocharged gas engines

Hybrid drivetrain available

Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

Responsive, powerful gas engines

Sync 3 multimedia system is easy to use

Lots of cabin storage spaces

Solid braking feel

The bad

First- and second-row seat comfort

Third row too small for adult comfort

Hybrid acceleration and braking refinement

Visibility compromised by large C-pillar

Gets expensive fast

See all specifications

Expert 2021 Ford Explorer review

Our expert's take

By Cars.com Editors

Full article

What Is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV with room for six or seven, depending on seating configuration, and is offered with rear- or four-wheel drive. The base engine is a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and an available turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 makes 365 or 400 hp. Both engines work with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid drivetrain rated at 318 total hp is also available. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride.

What’s New on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Off-road-oriented Timberline and upscale King Ranch trim levels are new this year, and a Sport Appearance Package is available for XLT trims.

What Features in the 2021 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

18-inch aluminum wheels
Power liftgate
Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after free trial)
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rear parking sensors

Available features include:

20- or 21-inch aluminum wheels
Panoramic moonroof
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Heated steering wheel
Second-row captain’s chairs
Power-folding third-row seat
Second-row sunshades
Digital instrument panel
10.1-inch vertically oriented dashboard touchscreen
360-degree camera system
Navigation
Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
Wireless device charging
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
Lane-centering steering assist
Front parking sensors

Should I Buy the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The Explorer offers a wide range of trim levels to appeal to different buyers, and we like the performance its gas engines offer. Its standard touchscreen multimedia system is intuitive, and the cabin offers good storage space. Seat comfort, however, isn’t great, and the third row is small.

2021 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What’s New on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Off-road-oriented Timberline and upscale King Ranch trim levels are new this year, and a Sport Appearance Package is available for XLT trims.

What Features in the 2021 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

18-inch aluminum wheels
Power liftgate
Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data subscription required after free trial)
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rear parking sensors

Available features include:

20- or 21-inch aluminum wheels
Panoramic moonroof
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Heated steering wheel
Second-row captain’s chairs
Power-folding third-row seat
Second-row sunshades
Digital instrument panel
10.1-inch vertically oriented dashboard touchscreen
360-degree camera system
Navigation
Bang & Olufsen premium stereo
Wireless device charging
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
Lane-centering steering assist
Front parking sensors

Should I Buy the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Available cars near you

$27,981

Used 2021 Ford Explorer XLT

6 mi away
$23,495

Used 2021 Ford Explorer XLT

6 mi away
$37,938

Used 2021 Ford Explorer ST

7 mi away
$26,794 $1,147 price drop

Certified 2021 Ford Explorer XLT

8 mi away
$26,696

Used 2021 Ford Explorer XLT

8 mi away
$30,995

Used 2021 Ford Explorer Limited

8 mi away

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Ford Explorer base trim

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.

Overall rating: 5/5
Combined side rating front seat: 5/5
Combined side rating rear seat: 5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver: 5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger: 5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating: 5/5
Overall side crash rating: 5/5
Rollover rating: 4/5
Side barrier rating: 5/5

Side barrier rating driver: 5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat: 5/5

14.7%

Risk of rollover

Side barrier rating driver: 5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat: 5/5

14.7%

Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic

3 years / 36,000 miles

Corrosion

5 years

Powertrain

5 years / 60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance

5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage

Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles

Basic

90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty

Dealer certification

139-point inspection

See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.

2021

4.5

Ford Explorer

Starts at

$32,925

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2021

3.8

Ford Expedition

Starts at

$49,625

17 City / 23 Hwy

MPG

8

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Engine

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2020

4.3

Ford Explorer

Starts at

$32,765

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

7

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2021

4.1

Lincoln Aviator

Starts at

$51,570

21 mi.

Range

7

Seat capacity

Twin Turbo Gas/Electric V-6

Engine

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2003

4.5

Ford Explorer Sport

Starts at

$21,870

17 City / 22 Hwy

MPG

5

Seat capacity

Gas V6

Engine

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2021

4.8

Chevrolet Traverse

Starts at

$29,800

18 City / 27 Hwy

MPG

8

Seat capacity

-

Engine

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Compare
2024

3.7

Ford Edge

Starts at

$38,465

21 City / 28 Hwy

MPG

5

Seat capacity

Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4

Engine

All-wheel Drive

Drivetrain

Compare
Compare more options

Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Most recent

By Retired Military from Fort Worth Texas

Owns this car

February 10, 2025

I love my ST all except for seating.
I love my ST all except for seating. I’m just not a fan of European style seating soo we had an upholstery shop up grade them. Sooo much fun to drive! Great gas mileage considering I’m a lead foot. And when needed you can put a full 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back.
Purchased a New car

Used for Having fun

Does recommend this car

Comfort 4.0

Interior 5.0

Performance 5.0

Value 5.0

Exterior 5.0

Reliability 4.0

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By Kotd25 from Louisville ohio

Owns this car

January 16, 2025

Although pricey, this truck is awesome to drive .
Although pricey, this truck is awesome to drive . Very sharp looking and runs fast! I highly recommend ! We went from a Flex to this car and it was a seamless transition.
Purchased a Used car

Used for Commuting

Does recommend this car

Comfort 5.0

Interior 5.0

Performance 5.0

Value 3.0

Exterior 5.0

Reliability 5.0

0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Youpper from DeTour Village Michigan

Owns this car

November 3, 2024

I often drive to the Michigan upper pennisula in the
I often drive to the Michigan upper pennisula in the winter. This SUV has never disappointed me. One time I was driving up to Sault Ste Marie early in the morning. The road was slippery with blowing snow. The outside air temp was MINUS 41. i was alone with hardly ever seeing another vehicle. I kept thinking "trust this
vehicle" because my life literally depended on it. I had no problems. And everything was on high - the defroster, rear defrost, heated steering wheel, heated seat, radio and keeping my phone charger plugged in. And in case you wonder why I would venture out in these conditions - I was called for jury duty and made it on time !! It has also gotten me out of deep snow.
Purchased a New car

Used for Transporting family

Does recommend this car

Comfort 4.0

Interior 4.0

Performance 5.0

Value 3.0

Exterior 4.0

Reliability 5.0

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By Dar Maanavi from NY, NY

Owns this car

September 27, 2024

I leased the Platinum hybrid, new.
I leased the Platinum hybrid, new. In the 5th month the control arm broke on the highway. Ford refused warranty service. Since then, new rear shocks and struts, new rack and pinion, new computer, replaced 3rd row seat controls, auto park never works. Car in the shop 8 months, loaner for 6 weeks. My wife's back hurts in the
seats. Radio speakers suck. 22mpg hybrid (claims 26). Car is a joke. Had to replace rims when control arm broke. $1,600 each rim. LOL!!
Purchased a New car

Used for Transporting family

Does not recommend this car

Comfort 4.0

Interior 3.0

Performance 5.0

Value 2.0

Exterior 5.0

Reliability 1.0

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By IQ

Owns this car

July 18, 2024

I bought a Ford Explorer.
I bought a Ford Explorer. After driving it for five miles, I got nauseous and had to retune it back to the dealer which is another headache to deal with. When it goes over 28 mph, it kicks so hard that it causes nausea. I would never recommend this company's car. I really beg you, if you're planning to buy a car, never buy a
Ford. Just trust me, you will regret it.
Does not recommend this car

Comfort 1.0

Interior 1.0

Performance 1.0

Value 1.0

Exterior 1.0

Reliability 1.0

1 person out of 40 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Steve from Wimauma, Florida

Owns this car

February 22, 2024

Explorer GREAT design!
The ford explorer is an outstanding suv. The new design in 2020 is stylish and the rear wheel drive/4 wheel drive option is state of the art. The ecoboost engines are economical and extremely powerful. Ford dealers are everywhere! Ford parts are common and easy to obtain! I looked at the competitors. Front wheel drive is not
suitable for trucks in my opinion. The handling of a rear wheel drive vehicle is outstanding. I actually have a 2022 platinum with the 3.0 v6 and this 2021 base with the 2.3 4 cylinder. Happy with each!!!
Purchased a Used car

Used for Transporting family

Does recommend this car

Comfort 5.0

Interior 5.0

Performance 5.0

Value 5.0

Exterior 5.0

Reliability 5.0

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Tom A from Boston MA

Owns this car

December 29, 2023

2021 is a lemon
This is the second Explorer I've owned. The 1st was a 2018 and it was outstanding. They were both Sport package trim.I got a 2021 as a replacement and it is a far inferior vehical. It is 800lbs lighter and doesn't have the same feel at all. The 2021 is faster, but it feels less substancial. The fit and finish are terrible.
Lot's of noise when driving, all the trim around the doors is coming off, and the carpet is not properly trimmed under the two front seats, it's just cut with a rough edge exposed. The car excellerates unnexpectedly when putting it in reverse and drive. The electronics are terrible. If you change a channel on the radio, it changes about half the time. When it does change, the name of the song or show is usually 3 channel changes behind. Oh and this car has 12 recalls. Ford only has fixes for about half of them. I would not recommend the 2021 Explorer
Purchased a New car

Used for Commuting

Does not recommend this car

Comfort 4.0

Interior 2.0

Performance 4.0

Value 3.0

Exterior 3.0

Reliability 3.0

13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Joe F from Cleveland Ohio

Owns this car

November 24, 2023

Why ford…
Where to start…. The 2.3 engine is so unreliable it’s unbelievable. Every recall I have had I’ve actually experienced problems with. From the screen messing up and getting stuck on a blue screen. The transmission is absolutely horrendous. I live on a busy road and thankfully I have a turnaround driveway because if not waiting
for this car to be in gear, takes at least 5 to 10 seconds. Just like others, my door switches have peeled, and my seat has busted apart. I am a detailer for trade. My cars are immaculate the way I drive and treat my cars I have had cars last 10+ years and look like they are brand new still and there’s just no way you can keep this car nice due to the quality.
Purchased a New car

Used for Transporting family

Does not recommend this car

Comfort 2.0

Interior 1.0

Performance 2.0

Value 1.0

Exterior 1.0

Reliability 1.0

10 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Robert from Ft. Myers, FL

Owns this car

October 17, 2023

Lots of common issues. Not reliable.
Lots of common problems with the ford explorer. Front axles leaking (at 40k, I've gone through 5 axles) Electronics are TERRIBLE. Constantly need to unhook the battery to reset everything. GPS still won't work. Rear camera issues - 'blue screen' And finally left my wife stranded with not starting. I have two Explorer
ST. A 2020 and 2021. One for me and one for the wife. Both have issues.
Purchased a Used car

Used for Commuting

Does not recommend this car

Comfort 5.0

Interior 5.0

Performance 4.0

Value 1.0

Exterior 4.0

Reliability 1.0

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By JS from Charlotte, nc

Owns this car

October 10, 2023

3rd row sear
I love the car BUT my 3rd row seats are not working properly, and this problem seems to be a common problem. This is really expensive to fix.
Purchased a Used car

Used for Transporting family

Does recommend this car

Comfort 5.0

Interior 4.0

Performance 4.0

Value 4.0

Exterior 5.0

Reliability 4.0

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By David from Tampa FL

Owns this car

January 17, 2023

love the Ride
First time Explorer owner, had an Expedition that I loved but it was too high for my wife, so it went to our son. The Explorer Limited is lower, but still higher than a crossover or sedan which helps my visability. Love the electronics but concerned that they will have problems later on so I purchased a dealer extended warranty
(bumper to bumper) that is 10 years 125,000 additional miles for piece of mind. Car drives like a dream, is VERY comfortable, has more than enough power even with the 4cyl (used to V8's). Gas mileage even with 4WD is great (23 city and almost 29 highway) not climbing hills. We will see how it does when we go north.
Purchased a Used car

Used for Transporting family

Does recommend this car

Comfort 5.0

Interior 4.0

Performance 4.0

Value 3.0

Exterior 4.0

Reliability 3.0

19 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?

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By Sid from Dearborn Michigan

Owns this car

December 11, 2022

Recall
This explorer acerated on it's own, causing to damage It self, this vehicle needs to be recalled, other Ford vehicles have done that,I don't trust them anymore, not safe to drive..I will not buy another Ford vehicle,I have owned many Ford products ie Mercury , Lincoln, first car was a 1930 Ford model A...
Purchased a New car

Used for Transporting family

Does not recommend this car

Comfort 1.0

Interior 1.0

Performance 1.0

Value 1.0

Exterior 1.0

Reliability 1.0

13 people out of 33 found this review helpful. Did you?

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See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

ford-explorer-limited-4wd-2020-03-angle--exterior--front--silver.jpg

Featured

Look Back in Anger: Ford, Lincoln SUV Recall for Faulty Rear Cameras Expands to 422,000

Issues with rear cameras continue to plague the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator and Corsair SUVs, now affecting more than 422,000 examples.

See all news

Ford dealers near you

Dick Masheter Ford

7 mi. away

4.5
Krieger Ford

8 mi. away

4.9
Valley Ford of Columbus

9 mi. away

4.8
Ricart Ford

9 mi. away

3.9
Germain Ford

12 mi. away

4.6
Coughlin Ford of Pataskala

20 mi. away

4.9

See all Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The 2021 Ford Explorer is available in 7 trim levels:

Base (2 styles)
King Ranch (2 styles)
Limited (2 styles)
Platinum (2 styles)
ST (1 style)
Timberline (1 style)

XLT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The 2021 Ford Explorer offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

The 2021 Ford Explorer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2021 Ford Explorer has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Ford Explorer owners.

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Ford Explorer. 88.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5

Based on 76 reviews

Comfort: 4.7
Interior: 4.5
Performance: 4.7
Value: 4.4
Exterior: 4.7
Reliability: 4.4

Ford Explorer history

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2021 Ford Explorer

Available trims

Photo & video gallery

Notable features

The good & the bad

The good

The bad

Expert 2021 Ford Explorer review

What Is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What’s New on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What Features in the 2021 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

Should I Buy the 2021 Ford Explorer?

2021 Ford Explorer review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What’s New on the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What Features in the 2021 Ford Explorer Are Most Important?

Should I Buy the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Available cars near you

Safety review

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Compare similar vehicles

Consumer reviews

Most recent

I love my ST all except for seating.

Although pricey, this truck is awesome to drive .

I often drive to the Michigan upper pennisula in the

I leased the Platinum hybrid, new.

I bought a Ford Explorer.

Explorer GREAT design!

2021 is a lemon

Why ford…

Lots of common issues. Not reliable.

3rd row sear

love the Ride

Recall

Latest news from cars.com

Over 240,000 Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Recalled for Seat Belts

Ford, Lincoln Recall 90,000-Plus Vehicles Over Faulty Engine Valves

238,000-Plus Ford Explorers Recalled for Rollaway Risk

Look Back in Anger: Ford, Lincoln SUV Recall for Faulty Rear Cameras Expands to 422,000

Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What is the MPG of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Ford Explorer?

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer reliable?

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a good SUV?

Ford Explorer history

2021
Ford Explorer