2021 Ford Explorer Sport, Interior, Release date

The new generation of the popular crossover is here. It came with significant improvements in many aspects but that doesn’t mean we won’t see novelties for the second production year. At this point, we are still waiting for the official confirmation, but it looks pretty much certain that the 2021 Ford Explorer will come in a new, plug-in hybrid version. The testing model has been spotted and it is expected to be ready for the next year.

Other than a new PHEV version, the next-year model will carry on in the same way. The recent redesign has brought some pretty significant changes, so the new model offers a better driving experience, but also much more interior space. Add to this a quite impressive engine lineup and it becomes obvious that the 2021 Ford Explorer will have a couple of interesting trump cards up its sleeve. We expect to see it in the last quarter of the year.

2021 Ford Explorer

2021 Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Explorer PHEV is definitely the most important novelty for the next year. Other than that, the new model will carry on in the same way. Although officials haven’t come up with the details, we are pretty sure about the numbers, when it comes to the specs of this powertrain. The thing is that this model has already been offered in Europe and it features a system that combines a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, which comes in pair with a 13.1-kWh battery pack. The total output is pretty impressive and goes up to 445 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque.

Besides excellent acceleration and overall performances, this crossover also has a max towing capacity of 5.500 pounds, which are pretty impressive numbers for a PHEV crossover. On the other side, 25 miles of all-electric range isn’t spectacular.

2021 Ford Explorer Redesign

In terms of design characteristics, the 2021 Ford Explorer will definitely continue in the same way. The recent redesign has brought a lot of improvements over the previous generation. First of all, there is a new platform, which features an RWD layout. With such layout, it’s no wonder that the new Explorer feels more athletic than most rivals. Still, don’t expect sporty performances, as we are talking about a vehicle that measures more than 119 inches in wheelbase. Of course, the body leans are notable but once again, the Explorer is better than most rivals in this aspect.

When it comes to the styling, the new PHEV model may feature a couple of distinctive details, but things are largely about to remain the same. You may count on the same styling, which didn’t bring any radical change compared to the previous generation. Still, the new model looks sportier, due to shorter overhangs.

Interior

This is where we expected more from the recent redesign. Unfortunately, the interior design has remained the Explorer’s weakest point. Simply, the dashboard looks quite blend, especially in lower trims. There is a lot of areas that feature low-rent materials, so the overall impression is that you can find much nicer cabins among many rivals.

Interior

On the other side, no one can deny that the new model is spacious, and the 2021 Ford Explorer will carry on in the same way. The rivalry with Toyota Highlander is still here, but the new Explorer is much bigger now and a more natural competitor to models like Chevy Traverse and VW Atlas. It features three spacious, adult-friendly rows of seats, as well as a quite generous cargo volume.

Safety

One of the things that we like most about the new model is a quite generous list of safety features. All models come standard with 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. That looks impressive, even though this model features a little bit higher starting price compared to rivals.

Additionally, you can get things like speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, active perpendicular and parallel park assist, reverse brake assist, a 360-degree parking camera and many more.

2021 Ford Explorer Engines

Finally, the strongest point of this crossover. There is a quite generous list of engines in the offer and all of them are very powerful, and also quite efficient. Base models come with a 2.3-liter turbo-four, which is good four about 300 horsepower, while an optional 3.0-liter V6 is good for full 400 horses.

There is also a conventional hybrid version, which combines a good-old 3.3-liter V6 and electric motor, for a total output of 318 horsepower.

All models come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Explorer rear

2021 Ford Explorer Release Date and Price

We expect to see 2021 Ford Explorer in the last quarter of 2020. While the price of new PHEV is still unknown, the rest of the lineup shouldn’t feature bigger changes, so base models will probably go around 33.000 dollars.

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