2021 Ford Explorer

There are five available trims for the 2021 Ford Explorer: standard, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Some of its standard exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power remote manual-folding side mirrors, black door handles and front grille, a stylish lip spoiler, and a power liftgate. Higher trims bring additional exterior features, like a sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights, roof rails, and larger aluminum wheels.

The XLT trim also has a Sport Appearance Package for those who are looking for a slightly sportier look. It includes 20-inch carbonized gray alloy wheels with matching grille, hood lettering, and skid plates, as well as a set of powerful-looking dual-chrome exhaust tips.

You aren't likely to feel any lack of power or torque at any time when driving the 2021 Ford Explorer, regardless of your trim choice. Even the basic trim comes with a surprisingly powerful powertrain, consisting of a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with an output of up to 300 horsepower and 301 pound-feet of torque paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.

The next engine choice is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that can produce up to 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque and is available as standard for the Platinum trim. The sporty ST trim gets a powered-up version of the same engine, tuned to improve its output to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. If you're looking to get a good amount of power while saving some money and protecting the environment at the same time, there's also a hybrid powertrain to choose from, with a combined power output of 318 horsepower.

When equipped with the road performance-oriented ST trim, the 2021 Ford Explorer manages to reach a speed of 60 miles per hour from a standstill in only 5.5 seconds, an excellent time for such a large vehicle. However, given its versatility, some may consider its towing rating to be a more relevant performance metric. The 2021 Explorer certainly doesn't disappoint in that aspect, being able to safely tow up to 5,500 pounds, which is better than most other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's interior is a great mix of style, comfort, and technology. All seats offer great support even on long rides, while the wide-opening doors make getting in and out very easy regardless of passenger size. From a tech perspective, even the standard trim comes with an 8-inch touch-screen interface and smartphone connectivity options through Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Some of the most useful standard driver aids on the 2021 Ford Explorer are the frontal collision mitigation system, lane-keeping assist system, and cross-traffic alert system, all working together to help the driver notice and avoid any incoming danger. It is also a very safe vehicle in case of a crash, as confirmed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's 5-star safety rating.