The 2021 Ford Explorer's #16 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good cargo capacity Powerful engines Plenty of features Composed ride and handling
Cons Low-rent interior Second- and third-row seats less comfortable than in rivals Upgraded infotainment system not much of an upgrade
For 2021 New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.More affordable version of the Explorer ST debuts..Platinum trim is now available for the Hybrid model.New off-road-themed Timberline debuts midway through the model year.
Pros Strong engines for quick acceleration Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Roomy cargo area
Cons Too much wind noise at highway speeds The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Lackluster interior material quality
Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.A high-end King Ranch trim joins the lineup and features unique mahogany-colored leather upholstery.
Pros Smooth and controlled ride, cargo friendly interior design, comfortable front seats.
Cons Third row space is tight, plasticky interior bits, most desirable models are pricey.
Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist—a bundle of advanced driver-assistance features—is now available as an option on the XLT model for 2021. And the Expedition receives new wheel designs on all of its trims. The lineup also introduces a two-row-only XL STX base model that starts at $51,690. Based on spy photos, we expect the 2022 Expedition to undergo a mid-cycle refresh that brings a giant, vertical touchscreen infotainment system (likely a 15.5-inch display inherited from the Ford Mustang Mach-E EV) as well as a more rugged trim level, possibly called Timberline.
Pros Spacious cabin, turbo V-6 makes plenty of power, stout towing capacity.
Cons Plasticky interior trimmings, feels exactly as large as it is from behind the wheel, expensive upper trims.
New XL base trim, available only with a five-seat configuration and in non-Max form.Co-Pilot360 Assist suite of safety features now optional on XLT trim.
Pros Cavernous interior with plenty of passenger and cargo space Quick acceleration from strong V6 engine Comfortable front seats Tows more than similarly sized SUVs
Cons Disappointing real-world fuel economy Large size and slow steering make it cumbersome to drive
The 2021 Ford Expedition's #1 ranking is based on its score within the Large SUVs category. Currently the Ford Expedition has a score of 8.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 23 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Brawny engine Great towing capacity and gas mileage for class Straightforward infotainment controls Spacious cabin
Cons Stiff ride with 22-inch wheels Some hard plastics in cabin