2021 Ford Explorer
2021

Ford
Explorer

Starting at N/A USD | 0

365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Horsepower
Four-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain

Explore

Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary

Performance

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

Safety

Safety

Connectivity

Connectivity

Comfort

Comfort

Interior Space

Interior Space

Exterior Design

Exterior Design

Performance

Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency

365 hp
Horsepower
380 ft-lb
Torque
Four-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
10-Speed
Transmission
2021 Ford Explorer performance
2021 Ford Explorer interior

Efficient

Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy

Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency9.8 - 13.4 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity76.5 L

Interior

Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality

6 - 7
Seating
N/A
Cargo
1,092 mm
Front Legroom
991 mm
Rear Legroom
2021 Ford Explorer interior CARGO
2021 Ford Explorer interior CC
2021 Ford Explorer interior D

Climate Control

Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats

Convenience

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Power Windows
Power Door Locks

Seating

Power Driver Seat
Power Passenger Seat
Seat Memory
Lumbar Support

Technology

Advanced connectivity and intelligent features

Apple CarPlay

Android Auto

Bluetooth

WiFi Hotspot

Navigation System

Satellite Radio

AM/FM Stereo

Steering Controls

Backup Camera

Adaptive Cruise

Lane Keeping

Blind Spot Monitor

Safety

Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers

Airbags

Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags

Stability

Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist

Monitoring

Tire Pressure Monitor
Lane Departure Warning

Security

Security System
Child Safety Locks
2021 Ford Explorer front safety CARGO
2021 Ford Explorer front safety CC
2021 Ford Explorer front safety D
2021 Ford Explorer front safety D
2021 Ford Explorer front safety D
2021 Ford Explorer front safety DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer front safety DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer front safety DETAIL

Dimensions

Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style

Length

16 ft6.8"
5.05m

Width

6 ft6.9"
2m

Height

5 ft10.2"
1.78m

Wheelbase

9 ft11.1"
3.03m

Gallery

See the 2021 Ford Explorer from every angle

2021 Ford Explorer interior CARGO
2021 Ford Explorer interior CC
2021 Ford Explorer interior D
2021 Ford Explorer interior D
2021 Ford Explorer interior D
2021 Ford Explorer interior DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer interior DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer interior DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer interior DETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer exterior E
2021 Ford Explorer exterior EDETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer exterior EDETAIL
2021 Ford Explorer exterior F
2021 Ford Explorer exterior F
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FBDG
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FBDG
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FOG
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FQ
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FQ
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FQ
2021 Ford Explorer exterior FQ
2021 Ford Explorer interior I
2021 Ford Explorer interior I
2021 Ford Explorer interior I
2021 Ford Explorer exterior LIFE1
2021 Ford Explorer exterior RBDG
2021 Ford Explorer exterior RBDG
2021 Ford Explorer interior RI
2021 Ford Explorer exterior S
2021 Ford Explorer exterior S
2021 Ford Explorer exterior S
2021 Ford Explorer interior SHF
2021 Ford Explorer interior SWD
2021 Ford Explorer interior SWD
2021 Ford Explorer exterior W
2021 Ford Explorer exterior W
2021 Ford Explorer exterior W
2021 Ford Explorer exterior W

Colors

Express yourself.

Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Forged Green Metallic
#374448
Stone Gray Metallic
#827C76
Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#53646C
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
#FDFFFB
Atlas Blue Metallic
#0741D6
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28

Trim Levels

View all trim levels for the 2021 Ford Explorer

XLT 4WD

XLT 4WD

$45,669
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineIntercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Displacement2.3 L/140
Horsepower300 hp
Torque310 ft-lb
DrivetrainFour-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-Speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity67.7 L
City11.7 L/100 km
Highway8.6 L/100 km
Combined8.6 - 11.7 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length5,050 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,783 mm
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Curb Weight2,022 kg
Ground Clearance208 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity6 - 7
Front Leg Room1,092 mm
Rear Leg Room991 mm
Front Head Room988 - 1,034 mm
Rear Head Room970 - 1,029 mm
Cargo Volume1356 L

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

Timberline 4WD

Timberline 4WD

$50,929
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineIntercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Displacement2.3 L/140
Horsepower300 hp
Torque310 ft-lb
DrivetrainFour-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-Speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity67.7 L
City11.7 L/100 km
Highway8.6 L/100 km
Combined8.6 - 11.7 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length5,050 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,783 mm
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Curb Weight2,022 kg
Ground Clearance208 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity6
Front Leg Room1,092 mm
Rear Leg Room991 mm
Front Head Room988 - 1,034 mm
Rear Head Room970 - 1,029 mm
Cargo Volume1356 L

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

Limited 4WD

Limited 4WD

$50,929
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineRegular Unleaded V-6 Gas/Electric Gas/Electric V-6 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Displacement3.3 L/204 2.3 L/140
Horsepower318 hp
Torque322 ft-lb
DrivetrainFour-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-Speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline Hybrid
Fuel Capacity67.7 - 68.1 L
City10.1 - 11.7 L/100 km
Highway8.6 - 9.0 L/100 km
Combined8.6 - 11.7 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length5,050 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,783 mm
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Curb Weight2,022 - 2,192 kg
Ground Clearance208 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity6 - 7
Front Leg Room1,092 mm
Rear Leg Room991 mm
Front Head Room988 - 1,034 mm
Rear Head Room970 - 1,029 mm
Cargo Volume1356 L

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

ST 4WD

ST 4WD

$59,699
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineTwin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
Displacement3.0 L
Horsepower400 hp
Torque415 ft-lb
DrivetrainFour-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-Speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity76.5 L
City13.4 L/100 km
Highway9.8 L/100 km
Combined9.8 - 13.4 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length5,062 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,783 mm
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Curb Weight2,022 kg
Ground Clearance211 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity6 - 7
Front Leg Room1,092 mm
Rear Leg Room991 mm
Front Head Room988 - 1,034 mm
Rear Head Room970 - 1,029 mm
Cargo Volume1356 L

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

Platinum 4WD

Platinum 4WD

$65,819
Starting MSRP

Engine & Performance

EngineTwin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
Displacement3.0 L/183
Horsepower365 hp
Torque380 ft-lb
DrivetrainFour-Wheel Drive
Transmission10-Speed

Fuel & Efficiency

Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity76.5 L
City13.4 L/100 km
Highway9.8 L/100 km
Combined9.8 - 13.4 L/100 km

Dimensions

Length5,050 mm
Width2,004 mm
Height1,783 mm
Wheelbase3,025 mm
Curb Weight2,022 kg
Ground Clearance208 mm

Interior Space

Passenger Capacity6 - 7
Front Leg Room1,092 mm
Rear Leg Room991 mm
Front Head Room988 mm
Rear Head Room970 mm
Cargo Volume1356 L

Safety Features

ABS Brakes
Stability Control
Traction Control
Driver Airbag
Side Airbags
Knee Airbag

Technology Features

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Navigation
Backup Camera
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist

Comfort Features

Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Seat Massage

Convenience Features

Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Remote Start
Power Liftgate
Heated Mirrors
Power Driver Seat

Safety Reports

327 complaints reported to NHTSA

327
Total Reports
13
Crashes
13
Injuries
4
Fires

Most Common Issues

POWER TRAIN
95
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
63
ENGINE
35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
35
BACK OVER PREVENTION
33
STRUCTURE
19

Recent Reports

ODI #11701732
Nov 26, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
vehicle low beam headlights went out all of the sudden. Would not come back on after car was turned off and restarted. Drove home with high beams on. Next day, just the driver side low beam came back on. Took to dealer, they reprogrammed and headlights worked for three days, then went passenger low beam went out again. Took back to dealer and now they are telling me both headlamp control modules on both sides need replacing. The cost is very expensive and I am doubting this is the problem. This is a safety issue and I am reading blogs and the Platinum version of the Explorer seem to have issues. This could cause an accident and Ford could be liable. This issue needs to be looked at, as this should not be an issue for a car with 50K miles on it.
Incident: Nov 5, 2025VIN: 1FM5K8HCXMG***
ODI #11701301
Nov 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF SHADE HAS FALLEN OFF TRACKS WHILE DRIVING
Incident: Nov 1, 2025VIN: 1FM5K8GC1MG***
ODI #11700671
Nov 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle jerked aggressively, and the engine idled roughly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train). The contact inquired if the failure was the result of the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,954.
Incident: Nov 10, 2025VIN: 1FMSK7DH9MG***
ODI #11700341
Nov 19, 2025
AIR BAGSSTRUCTURE
Dashboard not attached to frame. Clips intended to attach dashboard to frame are defective (cracked in half). Air bags may be affected (either won't deploy or will deploy on their own). Service Dept. at Ford dealership says this is the first case they've seen and repairing it would cost $$$. This vehicle has been regularly maintained and has 0 history of accidents. It is unknown if this defect has existed from the date the car was purchase(or earlier).
Incident: Oct 29, 2025VIN: 1FM5K8HC5MG***
ODI #11699971
Nov 17, 2025
1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHERENGINE
My vehicle is experiencing exhaust fume issue where the exhaust fumes are entering into the cabin for Explorer and Aviator models (Any model with the 3.0L Ecoobost). Upon inspection by 3rd party mechanic, it can be determined that the problematic catalytic converters that are not the one piece cast was installed on my vehicle from the factory. Speaking to other ST and Interceptor owners, the problem seems widespread to every 2021 model that Ford installed the multipiece welded catalytic converters. Apparently the cast part fairs better and is not subject to cracks. The recall originally covered the left side catalytic converter but the flawed design also affects the right side catalytic converter where many owners are experiencing this issue. This has affected all 3.0L Ecoboost engine vehicles. [XXX] I believe the recall should have extended to cover all 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles. There are forum posts where owners outside the recall have experienced the issue in addition to owners having to repeatedly replace the catalytic converters post warrant as Ford continued to reinstall bad catalytic converters as part of the repair process. I have driven this vehicle for several thousand miles with the issue and did not realize exhaust was leaking until notices of headaches and health issues as CO is odorless, causing CO2 levels to reach 3000+ inside the cabin at stop lights and blows in through the vents if A/C is on. I believe NHTSA should investigate this issue further and require Ford to replace both catalytic converters as this issue poses a serious health hazard, especially given the location of the exhaust leak and the commonplace occurrence. I am happy to forward to forums and provide evidence of this occurring. Ford considers lifetime of the vehicle to be ~150K miles and these exhausts do not last close to that, resulting in a massive expense and danger to US consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Sep 26, 2025VIN: 1FM5K8AC8MN***
ODI #11698494
Nov 10, 2025
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the liner of the panoramic sunroof was opened and was sagging, which obstructed the view of the rearview mirror. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,800.
Incident: Nov 9, 2025VIN: 1FMSK8DH9MG***
ODI #11697796
Nov 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
We received notification from Ford that there is a "rear axle bolt fracture" possible on our 2021 Ford Explorer and noted we were to contact our dealer to address. However when I reached out to the dealership (and then subsequently to Ford Customer Service) I was told that the issue was being treated on an "extended warranty" basis. We would recognize the issue when we noticed severe vibration and lost of mobility in the vehicle and that putting it in Park would not keep the vehicle from rolling. Based on those calls, my wife could be left on the side of the road, involved in a fatal accident (to her or others) etc., instead of addressing the issue as a preventive measure. In addition, nothing in our coversations or in their notice involved the cost to us for additional damage to the vehicle, towing or a rental car (as the dealership said they wouldn't even be able to order the bolts until the fracture occurred and they had the vehicle in their shop. The service code for this defect is 24N01. As of this date we have not experianced this issue but am trying to avoid it occurring since it is a known defect by Ford.
Incident: Nov 4, 2025VIN: 1FMSK8DH3MG***
ODI #11696728
Oct 31, 2025
STRUCTUREUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof window cover/headliner has come loose and is impeding full vision to the rear of the car while the headliner is retracted.
Incident: Sep 1, 2025VIN: 1FMSK8FH0MG***

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.

View All Reports on NHTSA