2021 Ford Explorer: In its second year since a 2020 redesign, Explorer gets new trim packages and features designed to make it more affordable and more capable off road The Explorer is assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. The three-row crossover seats 7 passengers and is only available as a 4-door wagon. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel-drive being optional. Six trims are offered: Base, XLT, Limited, Hybrid, ST, King Ranch and Platinum. Four engine choices are available: A turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 400 horsepower and a 3.3-liter gas/electric hybrid V6 that produces 318 horsepower. All engines pair to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,600 pounds.
The new Timberline package adds lifted ride height, all-terrain tires, limited-slip rear differential and steel skid plates. Available driver-assist technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights. Pricing ranges from $36,000 to $60,000.