The popular mid-size crossover has been redesigned last year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see interesting novelties for the second production year as well. The new generation has brought significant improvements in various aspects, and the second year will be reserved for brushing. So far, we know a couple of things that are about to come with the 2021 Ford Explorer. The first thing that comes to mind is a comeback of the familiar XLT Sport Appearance package, which will bring a number of visual enhancements. Some sources also suggest we might see a plug-in hybrid version in the offer for the North American market as well.
Other than that, things are expected to remain pretty much the same. The recent redesign has brought a lot of interesting novelties, starting from the new platform, new engine options, loads of new features etc. We expect to see 2021 Ford Explorer in a typical time of year.
2021 Ford Explorer Design and Changes
As we’ve just mentioned, there is a couple of novelties we expect to see in the next-year model. The first thing that comes to mind is a comeback of the well-known XLT Sport Appearance package, which will bring a lot of new styling details. The new version has already been presented and the first thing you can notice is a full load of grey color, on the grille, “Explorer” lettering, wheels, exhaust pipes etc. This version will also come with a couple of exclusive details on the inside. This version will come with lots of silver details on the inside, as well as with new upholstery, seat stitching, and similar details.
On the other side, the overall layout will remain the same. The recent redesign has brought a lot of details, starting from a new CD6 platform, which brings RWD back. The overall styling brings evolutionary changes only, though the new model is notably bigger.
Interior
On the inside, the 2021 Ford Explorer will also continue in the same way, which means you may count on familiar cabin layout, which definitely isn’t the most attractive in the class, but does the job. The overall interior quality is class-average and many rivals look better and more opulent on the inside, whether it’s about materials, aesthetics or tech features.
On the other side, it’s hard to complain about the comfort and overall interior space. The 2021 Ford Explorer will carry on in the same configuration, where second-row captain’s chairs are part of the standard equipment. of course, you can get a bench instead if you want, which increases the capacity to seven. All in all, the amount of legroom is pretty large in the first two rows, while the third one is typically tight for the class. Generally, you can find just a couple of mid-size crossover with more legroom. Chevy Traverse is among them.
When it comes to the cargo area, this crossover offers 18.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
Features
When it comes to standard equipment, we might see a couple of novelties for the next year. Still, keep in mind that the current model is already pretty generous in this aspect. All models already come standard with things like n 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start etc. In higher trims, you can also get tech goodies like a 10.1-inch touch screen with a portrait layout, a 12.3-inch customizable driver display, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a household-style power outlet, wireless device charging, a dual-headrest rear-seat entertainment system, and a twin-panel moonroof.
The area where this model really shines is safety. All models come standard with goodies 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. So, we don’t expect to see bigger in the next year.
2021 Ford Explorer Engine
Another big novelty we could see in the 2021 Ford Explorer is a PHEV version. Currently, this model is available only in Europe but we expect it will arrive in North America as well. It is based on a 3.0-liter V6 engine and delivers some pretty impressive numbers, around 450 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.
The rest of the lineup is about to carry on in the same way, so you may choose between three different powertrains, which go in a power range from 300 to 400 horsepower.
2021 Ford Explorer Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2021 Ford Explorer sometime late in the year. Also, we expect no bigger changes in terms of the price, so base models should go slightly under 37.000 dollars.
