Between available trim levels, drivetrains, engines, and package upgrades, there are endless possible 2021 Ford Explorer configurations, costing between $32,925 and $54,330 MSRP.
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable SUV equipped with all the tech and safety features, third-row seating, and plenty of trunk space to boot, the 2021 Ford Explorer is the SUV for you.
However, finding the Ford Explorer that checks all your boxes means comparing the possible configurations of trim levels, powertrain options, and package upgrades for the 2021 Ford Explorer. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most popular available Explorer configurations and help you decide which one to choose.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 2021 Ford Explorer configurations
There’s a lot to consider when picking out a 2021 Ford Explorer, including trim level, powertrain, and package upgrades.
The powertrain is comprised of the drivetrain and engine. All 2021 Ford Explorer trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) with available four-wheel drive (4WD) and three engine options. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is standard for most trim levels, but 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is available as a single or twin turbocharged engine and comes standard on higher trim levels. There’s also a 3.3-liter hybrid engine available for the Limited and Platinum trims.
Speaking of trim levels, check out the nine trim levels in the 2021 Ford Explorer lineup below:
Last but certainly not least are available package upgrades. No matter your lifestyle needs, the Explorer has a package for you:
Co-Pilot360+: adds four driver-assistive technology features to the standard CoPilot260 package
XLT Sport Appearance: adds luxury sport finishes and styling
Trailer Tow: adds towing equipment and increases hauling capacity
Premium Technology: adds multi-contour front seats, a Bang & Olufsen 980-watt sound system with 14 speakers, and a 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen
When you put all those trim levels, powertrain options, and package upgrades together, there are 216 possible configurations for the 2021 Ford Explorer. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
Ford Explorer Base with RWD
What’s great about the most entry-level Explorer configuration are all the features that come as standard. Even without 4WD or package upgrades, you’ll get the following:
Synch 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Voice-activated dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Co-Pilot360 driver assistance tech suite
Ford Explorer XLT with Co-Pilot 360 Assist+
Sitting just above the base trim the Ford Explorer XLT
is just $2,150 more but offers more features and access to optional upgrades, including a heated steering wheel, remote start system, and the Co-Pilot Assist+ package. The package comes with additional practical assist technologies and has a five-year prepaid SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link subscription.
MORE: Ford Explorer XLT towing capacity
4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Ford Explorer XLT with Sport Appearance
Unlike the Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ package, the Sport Appearance package is all about style. It’s all in the impressive details, such as:
Carbonized gray-painted grille bars and mesh insert,
Dual-chrome exhaust tips,
Carbonized gray Explorer badge,
Exclusive branded front floor mats
Seats with contrast stitching
Not to mention the 10-spoke carbonized gray painted 20-inch wheels and enhanced performance tires!
Ford Explorer Limited with RWD
The Ford Explorer Limited
trim with the base configuration comes equipped with most of the XLT’s optional equipment as well as a more luxurious interior and premium features, such as: Leather-wrapped steering wheel and upholstery
Heated and ventilated front seats
12-speaker B&O audio system with a wireless charging pad
Even though the mid-level Limited trim is $12,330 more than the base, the added cost opens the doors to higher-end features and optional upgrades, including the 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain.
Ford Explorer Limited with Hybrid Equipment
Swapping out the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine for the 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain will boost your fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 27 city mpg and 28 highway mpg for an additional $4,850. Don’t worry, there’s more!
Opting for the Hybrid Equipment Group 310A will also get you the following:
Third-row PowerFold seating
Pedestrian Altern sounder
18-gallon fuel tank, and more on top of the 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain
Ford Explorer ST with Street Pack
If you’re a sports car enthusiast at heart but need a roomier and more versatile SUV, the Explorer ST trim with Street Pack is the perfect configuration for you.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower and 4WD comes standard on the ST, along with sport suspension, a sport-style steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Class III trailer tow package is also standard on the ST, increasing the max towing capacity to 5,600 pounds.
Adding the Street Pack to the base ST will be an additional $995, but you’ll get 21” aluminum wheels (a 1” increase!), red-painted brake calibers, as well as performance front and rear brakes.
Ford Explorer ST with Premium Technology
Adding the Premium Technology package to the sporty trim elevates the Explorer ST
to the same class as some luxury European performance SUVs but at a relatively accessible price point. MORE: Car tech gift guide
Ford Explorer Timberline with Co-Pilot360 Assist+
The all new Timberline was added to the Explorer lineup in 2021 as the off-road-ready beast. The Timberline has an updated outdoorsy styling with blacked-out head and tail lamps, a black Ford oval logo, high-gloss painted wheels, and exclusive Forged Green exterior paint.
Along with aesthetics, the Timberline comes with off-road features such as:
Prewired electrical harness
C-pillars on the rear hatch
Also, it comes standard with 4WD and the Class III Towing Package for next level hauling.
We recommend adding the Co-Pilot360 Assist Package for added driver assistive technologies that will increase your safety while adventuring, including voice-activated navigation, intelligent adaptive cruise control, speed limit sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and
Ford Explorer King Ranch with 4WD
Rear-wheel drive is standard for the newly added King Ranch, but for an extra $2,000 you can upgrade to 4WD, which will be a better match for the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that comes standard.
Ford Explorer Platinum with Premium Technology
As the highest trim level available in the Explorer lineup, there’s a lot that comes standard with the Explorer Platinum
with Premium, including: Single turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine
Non-limited slip rear axle
Tri-diamond partner with contrast stitching on leather upholstered seats
Class III Towing packages
And that’s just a sneak peek into what you’ll get with the Platinum! If you decide to get the Platinum Explorer, you might as well opt for the Premium Technology Package while you’re at it. For $1,295 you’ll get an 10.1” LCD touchscreen infotainment system and a 14-speaker 980 watt audio system.
RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms