The 2021 Ford Explorer certainly isn't a one-trick pony, by any means. With three rows of seating accommodating up to seven people and a good amount of cargo space too, it's easy to assume this a vehicle aimed purely at family buyers. Although the Explorer is a tremendous vehicle for family buyers, it's also a midsize SUV with several different personalities. 

A 2021 Explorer can be a sporty-looking and fun-to-drive performance model; it can be specified as a comfortable, luxurious and imposing SUV for business or shuttling people to and from Blue Ridge Airport; or it can be just as at home taking the kids to Mountainview Plaza Shopping Center.

Broad-based quintet

If you're interested in a new 2021 Ford Explorer you currently have five different versions to choose from that cover a wide range of features and equipment to fit an equally wide range of budgets. However, even an entry-level Explorer comes with a generous list of standard features and equipment, and all-wheel-drive is available across the range if you fancy a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains every now and then or even if you just want extra traction in the winter.

 

The entry-level model is the base Explorer, and then the range goes up to the XLT, Limited, ST and finally to the range-topping Explorer Platinum. Prices start from just $32,765 for a base model, while the Explorer Platinum costs from $58,250

Power, performance and efficiency

There are two gas engines and a hybrid option in the 2021 Explorer lineup. The base engine certainly deserves to be regarded as far more than just a 'base' engine because it's a powerful and extremely capable 2.3-liter turbo-four that's also found under the hood of the current Ford Mustang. This unit develops an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque for the 2021 Explorer, and it sends that considerable power to the rear or all four wheels through Ford's outstanding 10-speed automatic transmission.

Most buyers should be more than happy with the performance of the turbo-four, but those who want even more performance can certainly have it with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbo that's found in ST and Platinum versions of the Explorer. This engine puts out 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque in the Explorer Platinum, but the Explorer ST gets an 'Enhanced' version that gives the Explorer a massive 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque to play with. In both cases, this engine comes standard with all-wheel-drive and the 10-speed auto and it can propel the ST from 0 to 60mph in less than six seconds.

The third option is a hybrid that puts a 3.3-liter V-6 together with an electric motor and batteries to produce 318 horsepower and 322 lb.-ft. of torque. With rear-wheel-drive, the Explorer Hybrid is rated at 28mpg combined, while the extra capability of all-wheel-drive reduces that rating to 25mpg combined.

Safe, comfortable and well-equipped

The 2021 Ford Explorer gets a full five-star rating for overall safety from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gives the Explorer it's coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating, so you know the Ford is about as safe in a crash as it gets in this segment.

Base models come with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic emergency braking, Hill Start Assist, Post-Collision Braking, Reverse Sensing System, Side-Wind Stabilization, Trailer Sway Control, tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

XLT models add several additional features such as a pair of second-row USB ports, a set of upscale 18-inch wheels, higher-grade cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the XLT also allows more opportunities for buyers to choose their own options and tailor an affordable Explorer to their specific requirements.
 

Explorer Platinum models go big on luxury while ST versions go down a more performance-orientated route, but both feature leather upholstery, V-6 engines, upgraded suspension systems, 20-inch alloys and automatic parking assistants. 21-inch wheels and a simply massive 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment are available for both models.

Test-drive Ford Explorer in Martinsville, VA!

A top-of-the-line 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum can cost almost twice as much as an entry-level model, but that shows just how wide the appeal is of this excellent three-row midsize crossover SUV and how it can appeal to all sorts of buyers on all sorts of different budgets.

Come and visit us here at Nelson Ford today to experience the 2021 Explorer for yourself with a test-drive and let us help you identify which model is right for you at our friendly dealership located at 201 Commonwealth Blvd, Martinsville, Virginia.

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Nelson Ford

201 Commonwealth Blvd.
Directions Martinsville, VA 24112

  • Sales: 855-787-9988
  • Service: (855) 791-8103
  • Parts: (855) 386-5175