The 2021 Ford Explorer continues to live up to its name as the ultimate vehicle for modern-day explorations. Inside, you have flexible space that adjusts for cargo or for passenger comfort and all the latest in-vehicle technology. Under the hood, you have the latest driver-assist technology to elevate your ride and the powertrain options to take you on any adventure. When your Explorer is properly equipped, you can take your trailer, weighing a maximum of 5,600 pounds, along on your next trip.
At Wendle Ford, we understand that everyone’s idea of adventure can be different. One couple might want to take the kayaks over to Harrison Slough for an afternoon of paddling. Another family might enjoy taking the boat over to the Columbia River for a pleasure cruise. And yet another might prefer hauling their camper up to the Kaniksu National Forest for a weekend of hiking. That’s why we’ve created this towing guide for each trim of the 2021 Ford Explorer to help you make an informed decision about which Explorer model fits your adventurous life best.
Explorer Trim
The base model Explorer comes nicely equipped with features such as a reverse sensing system with brake assist and adjustable seating configurations for both the second and third-row seats. Plus, it features a standard rear-wheel-drive architecture that delivers sporty, athletic performance on and off the road, or you can upgrade to a four-wheel drive for more off-road performance.
You can choose one of two engine options. The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, paired with the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, puts out an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both the rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,300 pounds with the 2.3-liter powertrain.
Ford offers a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine as an upgrade. Ford pairs this engine with the same transmission to deliver 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
XLT Trim
The XLT trim steps up the interior comfort with available heated seats with ActiveX upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Plus, the XLT comes standard with captain’s chairs in the second row. You have the same powertrain options as the standard Explorer model, putting out the same horsepower and torque numbers. The rear-wheel-drive powertrain can tow up to 3,000 pounds, while the intelligent four-wheel-drive platform delivers the same towing capacity for the above engines with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.
Limited Trim
In the 2021 Explorer Limited trim, you begin to see upgraded interior amenities such as available leather seating with heating and ventilation and Ford’s Sync system with voice activation and touch-screen navigation. Exterior details such as LED headlights, fog lamps, taillights, and a hands-free power liftgate add style and function to the athletic Explorer.
The Limited trim comes with the 2.3-liter engine standard and offers a hybrid electric powertrain that uses a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine. The 2.3-liter puts out the same power numbers and tows up to 5,300 pounds. The hybrid version delivers 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Class III Trailer Tow Package installed. Every Limited model features Ford’s Trailer Sway Control system standard. This system intelligently adjusts engine throttle and braking to keep your Explorer and trailer moving in your intended direction.
Timberline Trim
Ford has introduced the new Timberline trim for the 2021 model year. The Timberline comes standard with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and the Class III Trailer Tow Package installed. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost delivers the expected 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain delivers 5,300 pounds of towing capacity. You can opt for the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and up your power numbers to 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque while gaining another 300 pounds in towing capacity.
The Timberline trim features some unique adventure-centric design features. The 18-inch High Gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels with the Timberline logo laser-etched onto them are wrapped in all-terrain tires and add unique style, as does the unique Dark Carbonized Gray grille with space for dealer-installed performance auxiliary lights.
ST Trim
On the ST model, Ford uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine but adds performance tuning technology. The result beefs up the power numbers to 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque and boasts a top speed of 143 mph. The fun-to-drive ST trim also tows up to 5,600 pounds. While exterior blackout treatments and other sporty additions amp up the style outside, the inside has plenty to brag about. Leather seats with micro-perforations embossed with the ST logo stand out, along with the Silver City accent stitching running throughout the interior.
King Ranch Trim
Ford’s iconic King Ranch trim comes to the Explorer lineup precisely as you’d expect, loaded with style and luxurious comfort. Drivers and passengers alike love the 85 square feet of handcrafted Mesa Del Rio leather, featuring the King Ranch logo hand-stitched into the seats. The King Ranch rolls on 20-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels with the King Ranch logo on the caps.
Under the hood, you get the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine that pumps out 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The standard rear-wheel-drive King Ranch with this powertrain can tow up to 5,300 pounds, and the four-wheel-drive system jumps to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.
Platinum Trim
The top-of-the-line Platinum trim features all the premium exterior touches, such as satin aluminum roof rails, grille, liftgate applique, and lower body cladding. Platinum models roll on 21-inch bright machine-faced aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel painted pockets. Inside, you get exclusive Tri-Diamond perforated leather seats with accent stitching for a unique look and a luxurious feel. The terrain management system, hill descent control, and intelligent four-wheel drive come standard on the Platinum trim.
You get the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 standard that gives you 365 horsepower, 380 pound-feet of torque, and the ability to tow up to 5,600 pounds.
At Wendle Ford, we know what Spokane drivers want and need from an SUV. We hope you found this guide informative, and if you’re ready to learn more about the 2021 Ford Explorer, we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop in for a more hands-on experience. One of our friendly, knowledgeable team members will show you the features of the Explorer models and let you take your favorite for a test drive. Don’t forget to check out our great deals on the Ford Explorer today.
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