Although we are talking about a pretty fresh crossover, which debuted last year, there are some interesting novelties to come for the next year. It looks like the popular appearance package is coming back, this time in the form of 2021 Ford Explorer XLT. This package originally appeared with the previous-generation model and after a short break, it will be in the offer once again.
Once again, this package will be all about visual enhancements, so we are about to see all kinds of new details, both outside and on the inside. Other than that, the next year shouldn’t bring any particular change, though some sources suggest the PHEV version might come to North Americal as well. In any case, we expect to see this model sometime late in the year.
2021 Ford Explorer XLT Features
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT will be all about visual details. We are about to see a lot of new things, both inside and outside. When it comes to the exterior design, we already know the details that will make this crossover look far more attractive. From the outside, the first thing you will notice is definitely the new Carbonized Gray grille, as well as new 20-inch wheels. You can also notice the “Explorer” lettering on the hood, as well as things like skid plates, dual exhaust pipes and more.
Big novelties will come on the inside as well. There is a new material called ActiveX, which comes instead of cloth. This material is used not only for the seats but on the dashboard as well. On the seats, you can also notice nice stitching, which makes a nice-looking contrast.
Features
We presume that the new 2021 Ford Explorer XLT package will be reserved for the XLT trim level, which means you may count on a familiar list of standard features. Of course, a couple of novelties are always possible. The current XLT model comes standard with things like second-row captain’s chairs with power-assist fold, a 50/50 split third-row bench seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote start, and a power liftgate.
When it comes to tech goodies, you may count on an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two front-row USB ports, two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
We particularly like the fact that the list of safety features is very long and that it includes things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, a rearview camera with a lens washer, automatic high-beam headlights, post-collision braking, and a pre-collision system with forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.
2021 Ford Explorer XLT Engine
Things under the hood are expected to remain the same. Therefore, you may count on a familiar 2.3-liter turbo-four, which features a max output of 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It comes in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to rear or all wheels. Driving dynamics and overall experience are pretty amazing, especially if we consider that this is a four-cylinder engine. At the same time, fuel economy is also pretty good and goes around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
2021 Ford Explorer XLT Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT will arrive along with the rest of the lineup that is planned for the next year, which would mean sometime late this year. When it comes to price, it’s still early for more precise estimation. However, we presume it will go around 38.000 dollars.
