Used 2021 Ford Explorer ST for sale 

The 2021 Ford Explorer's starting price is slightly higher than several rivals- Cars.USNews

The 2021 Ford Explorer has six trims in the lineup. They include Base, XLT, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. Prices vary from $32,675 to $52,480, including a destination charge of $1,245. Except for the ST and Platinum trims, the rest of the trims come standard with RWD configuration. Wheel options range from 18 to 21 inches on the 2021 Explorer.  

The interior of the Explorer is dressed with cloth and leather seats depending on the trims. But, an 8-inch touchscreen display is standard on all trims and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Similarly, a 6-speaker stereo system is standard on lower trims while a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system from the Limited trim onwards. 

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We recommend you buying the Limited trim from the Ford Explorer lineup. This trim adds some interior features such as heated second-row seats and steering wheel, power-folding third-row seats, wireless charging, a 12-speaker  Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, a hands-free power liftgate, and a household-style power outlet. 

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The 10-speed automatic transmission also shifts with pleasant precision- Kelley Blue Book

The 2021 Ford Explorer is offered with a choice of 2 different engines. The 2.3L turbo inline-4 makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque and is offered with the base, XLT & Limited trim levels. The ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims are equipped with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine which can generate 365 hp and 30 lb-ft. of torque. For the ST trim, it is fine-tuned to generate 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. of torque. Both the engines come equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. 

The 2021 Explorer is not particularly a sporty SUV. It becomes quite apparent when you begin to drive it that the focus is more towards comfort. It soaks up the nastiest of the bumps without breaking a sweat and also without feeling too bouncy. Around the corners, body roll is noticeable but is not so much to cause discomfort. The chassis feels most at home on freeways at high speeds. In the city, its responsive steering makes it feel a lot lighter than it actually is. So maneuverability is never compromised.

When equipped with the optional trailer tow package, the 2021 Explorer with the V6 engine can pull up to 5,600 pounds. The 2.3L unit completes the 0-60 MPH sprint in 6.8 seconds and the quarter-mile flag is reached in 15.3 seconds. The V6 is capable of doing the same sprint in about 5.6 seconds. The SUV is fitted with 13.6-inch rotors in the front and 12.6-inch at the rear. In the brake test, the 2021 Explorer takes 120 feet to halt from 60-0 MPH. 

Despite producing just 280 hp, the Honda Pilot is the quickest contender but has relatively the least towing capacity. The most powerful Chevrolet Traverse loses to the Explorer in both performance tests. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander's performance figures give a tough challenge to the Traverse. Also, the Explorer is the only SUV to be offered in the RWD configuration. 

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The Explorer is mid-pack for gas mileage- The Car Connection

When equipped with the 2.3L turbo inline-4, the 2021 Ford Explorer returns 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 24 MPG combined. With the 17.9-gallon fuel tank capacity, this car manages to offer a decent range of 456 miles combined.

With the 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, the fuel efficiency of the 2021 Explorer takes a dip and comes down to 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on a highway, and 20 MPG combined. A combined range of 390 miles is delivered when the tank is filled with gas.

Despite having a small fuel tank, the Toyota Highlander has the same combined mileage as the Explorer. With 23 MPG combined, the Honda Pilot comes in third place while the Chevrolet Traverse has the worst MPG figures in this competition. 

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While the interior design may border on uninspired, the Explorer's cabin is functional and comfortable - CarAndDriver

The interior layout of the 2021 Ford Explorer is quite simple. It has a passenger capacity of up to 7 or 6 if you opt for the second-row captain chairs. The front seats get cloth and leather treatment depending on the trims. The comfort offered is decent thanks to enough leg space. Higher trims get access to power tilt and telescopic steering wheel for proper comfort of the driver. 

The second and third-row seats also offer decent comfort levels but six-footers might get cramped in the third row. Also, the third-row seats are placed quite low thereby reducing the leg comfort for adults. Behind the third row of seats of the Ford Explorer, you get 18.2 cu-ft. of storage. Folding them will give access to 47.9 cu-ft. of cargo space. A maximum of 87.8 cu-ft. is in the 2021 Explorer, 

The Chevrolet Traverse earns the top spot as it the most practical SUV here followed by the Explorer, The Honda Pilot offers 2.2 cu-ft. less than the Explorer while the Toyota Highlander offers just 16 cu-ft. The 2021 Explorer will offer a standard 8-inch touchscreen display on all trims. The ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims can upgrade it to 10.1-inch vertically-oriented display with the optional Technology package. Lower trims get a 6-speaker stereo system while higher trims upgrade to a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 2021 Explorer, Also, the Ford Pass connects 4G LTE Wireless hotspot is available with all the trims. Thanks to its simple user interface, the SYNC 3 infotainment system is easy to understand and use. The menu layout is logical and the settings are easy to locate. However, some critics have pointed out that the larger screen doesn't improve usability. That's because the icons are small and harder to read. Some other infotainment and interior features are:

• Power tilt and telescopic multi-function steering column
• Leather-trimmed heated & ventilated power front seats
• Heated & leather steering wheel
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
• Voice-recognition navigation system
• Wood interior accents

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Although still a fresh generation, looks-wise, this 2021 Explorer is more of an evolution- Kelly Blue Book

The 2021 Ford Explorer has an athletic stance, thanks to the slimmer headlights, sharp character lines, and tapered roof. There will also be new wheel choices ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch. The new carbonized gray-painted 20-inch wheels get on board with matching grille and hood lettering which definitely add a bit more flair to this already flashy ride. The Explorer has a very high ground clearance of 8.2 inches which is perfect for -off-road adventures. 

At the back, Its quad chrome exhaust tips surely change the rear look and make it more alluring and sporty. The Ford Explorer gets a new $1,595 XLT Sport Appearance package that adds fog lamps, chrome bumpers, and exterior trim. The wheelbase measures 119.1 inches, which is one of the widest in its segment. That very well explains its spaciousness inside. Overall, the 2021 Explorer looks quite imposing and offers quite a lot of road presence for the price. 

The Honda Pilot weighs nearly 700 pounds less than the Explorer and is the lightest SUV. Its lightweight contributes to the best performance stats in this competition. With 4 inches less than the Explorer, the Toyota Highlander is the shortest SUV here. The one extra inch of the Chevrolet Traverse's wheelbase means its interior is roomy than the Explorer.  Some notable exterior features include:

• LED taillights
• LED DRLs
• LED headlights
• Chrome quad exhausts tips
• Twin-panel moonroof
• Aluminum grille
• !8, 20 & 21-inch alloy wheels

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Good crash-test scores complement good standard active safety tech- The Car Connection

The 2021 Ford Explorer received an outstanding 5-star rating from NHTSA. It was awarded the 'IIHS Top Safety Pick+' award which is considered the highest accolade in terms of safety. The 2021 Explorer got 'Good' ratings in all sections except for its headlights for which it received an 'Acceptable' rating.  

Six airbags are available in the 2021 Explorer. The safety features offered in the Explorer are the best in the segment. Many essential advanced safety technologies are offered as standard while a few of them can be availed as options. Below are some safety features mentioned:

• Driver Drowsiness Monitoring
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Keep Assist
• Rearview Camera
• Pedestrian Detection
• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Adaptive Cruise Control

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2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda Pilot

Although similarly priced, the Honda Pilot produces 20 hp less than the Ford Explorer. yet, it is the best performer in both performance tests. However, the latter is a step ahead in terms of towing capacity and fuel economy. When it comes to the interior, the Explorer easily beats the Pilot with better interior room and cargo capacity. Also, it has the best safety features equipped. 

2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is around $2,000 costlier than the Ford Explorer. Although they have similar power figures, the Explorer displays better on-road performance. Also, it flaunts 600 pounds of towing capacity more than the Highlander. The Highlander wins some points in terms of fuel economy. But its interior is less spacious and less practical as well. 

2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is the cheapest SUV in this competition. It produces 10 hp more than the Explorer and is the only SUV that gives a tough fight to the Explorer in terms of performance. The Explorer strikes back with better MPG figures. The Traverse's interior is slightly roomy than the Explorer while its cargo capacity is the best in the segment. 

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The powerful turbocharged engines will never let you feel low on power. The cabin space for passengers in all the rows is decent. The main highlight of Explorer is its safety. Ford has much more to offer at this price segment than the rivals. So, if you are looking for a car with an all-round package, the 2021 Ford Explorer will not disappoint you.

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