It seems like only yesterday that Ford was unveiling its all-new 2020 Explorer. But time moves fast in the world of automotive manufacturing, which means the 2021 Ford Explorer is right around the corner. And now, Ford Authority has learned the exact order and production dates pertaining to the new model year Explorer, which is already available to order.
The order banks for the 2021 Ford Explorer officially opened up on July 13th, 2020. Production will begin on September 21st, 2020 at the automaker’s Chicago Assembly Plant, where the Explorer is built alongside the Lincoln Aviator.
Currently, it’s unclear what will be different for the 2021 Explorer, though a few colors will definitely be deleted and a few new ones will be added. Otherwise, we don’t expect too many changes, since the current-gen Explorer is only entering its second year of production.
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer is all-new from the ground up, and rides on the same Ford CD6 platform as the Aviator. It’s available in a variety of trim levels including XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum, in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The Explorer is available with a variety of engines as well, including the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque (XLT and Limited), 3.3L Hybrid V6 that produces 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque (Limited only), and the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which produces 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque in Platinum guise, and 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque in the performance-oriented ST. A 10-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice.
For now, Ford doesn’t offer an off-road variant of the Explorer, but some recent spy photos seem to indicate that such a model is in the works, possibly an FX4 package.
We’ll have much more on this and all new model year Ford vehicles soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Was really excited when 2020 Explorer hit the bricks until the bugs started jumping ship. I felt sorry reading the fora where the early purchase “beta” testers outlined all their problems. I thought I had better give the new platform a year. Do you believe one may assume (I know, I know, but..) that all glitches encountered with the 2020 have been addressed and engineered (not just “patched”) out of the ’21 and I, at age 81, can safely buy my “last”auto without constant returns to dealer? Or, do you think I should just ride my perfect 2010 Eddie Bauer build (loaded with a V-8 and all the bells and whistles available that year) into the sunset? The only real reason I would think of upgrading is to take advantage of all the safety features built into the new one. At my age I’m only thinking of protecting the other drivers on the road.LOL
I held off until late December 2019 to get a 2020 XLT, and it is excellent. I have 3,000 miles on it now, only thing I dislike is the slow shifting transmission in the lower gears, but it’s a 10 speed so that’s to be expected.
Hopefully sync 4 is added to the 2021 models. I held off on a 2020 because of the lack of sync 4. All of their other models for 2021 have it so far Bronco, F150, Mach E…
I really hope the FX4 package is available on build day 1, and is listed on the configurator when it is up.
Does anyone know if 2021 Ford Explorer have sync 4? Because if so I’ll get the car if not I’ll shop elsewhere
Does anyone know what the color lineup will be for the 2021 Explorer ? My 2017 is “Gold”, but this color has been dropped from the color choices. Most all other brands have a “gold” color in their lineup. Hope they bring it back , or something similar.