2021 Ford Explorer ST Review

The 2021 Ford Explorer is primed for modern-day exploration. Its adjustable interior offers space and comfort for the whole family. And it helps you make the most of every experience with connected technology and an athletic build that’s ready for whatever lies ahead.

The 2021 Explorer ST rounds out its athletic stance with unique ST badging and a bold grille that blends utility with driving performance. And with the power to back it up, the ST combines a muscular 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine equating to 400-hp11 plus 415 lb.-ft. of torque.

Performance

Building on standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, standard trailer sway control selectively brakes and adjusts engine power to maintain trailer control. The result is stability and control, even when towing large loads. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 lbs. The Class III Trailer Tow Package is available with the 2.3L EcoBoost® and 3.3L hybrid engines and comes standard with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine. Axle, Front – Independent Front Suspension

• Hill Descent Control™
• Terrain Management System™ with Intelligent 4WD Open image overlay for Terrain Management System with Intelligent 4WD
• Intelligent 4WD Open image overlay for Intelligent 4WD
• Trailer Sway Control
• Unique Sport-Tuned Independent Front and Rear Suspension
• 3.0L EcoBoost® Open image overlay for 3.0L EcoBoost®
• 10-Speed Automatic Transmission with SelectShift® Capability

Features

Seating when you need it

Available third-row PowerFold® seats easily adjust between accommodating passengers or cargo.

FordPass Connect (Wi-Fi Hotspot)

Activate your FordPass Connect modem to:

• Remotely start your vehicle and schedule recurring start times.
• Lock and unlock your vehicle remotely.
• Check your approximate odometer reading, fuel level, and distance to empty.
• Locate your parked vehicle.
• Enjoy a Wi-Fi hotspot with the ability to connect up to 10 devices at once, up to 50 feet outside the vehicle.

Seats that Move to Fit You

Available Multi-contour seats with Active Motion® offer an added dose of comfort to the driver and front passenger. This feature allows you to easily position your seat in order to accommodate your preferences. Additionally, the Active Motion component offers five new massage themes for an isolated back massage that focuses on either the upper back, lower back or the pelvic region, helping prevent fatigue so you can stay fresh on long drives.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility

SYNC 3 is compatible with popular apps to help stay connected while on the road. With Apple CarPlay, use Siri to interact with your iPhone. With Android Auto, talk to Google to interact with your Android smartphone. Access your favorite music through your apps.

FordPass

With the FordPass app:

• Find and compare parking and the price of fuel along your route.
• Receive key vehicle information when you have an active FordPass Connect subscription and contact your dealer to schedule service.
• Request Roadside Assistance.
• Get FordPass help from a friendly FordGuide.

Safety

Lane-Keeping System

It happens. While on the job or heading to your favorite outdoor gateway, you’ve wandered too close to the edge of your lane. Luckily, the available Lane-Keeping System can help you stay in your lane, even during a moment of distraction. This smart feature scans your vehicle’s position between the lines in the road ahead and can alert you if you are starting to edge out.

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to scan the road ahead and can alert you to a potential collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian detected ahead of you. If an impact becomes imminent and you don’t take corrective action, the brakes can apply automatically.

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage

It’s rush hour on the highway. You are towing a boat and you need to change lanes. Available BLIS with Trailer Coverage can help ease lane-change anxiety even with a trailer in tow. It can alert you not only when a vehicle is spotted in your blind spot but also when one is alongside the trailer.

Trim Highlights