The Ford Explorer was recently overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered) for the 2020 model year, introducing the sixth-generation of the Explorer nameplate. As a result, there won’t be too many changes for the 2021 model year. However, one of the more noteworthy updates will be interior enhancements for the 2021 Explorer ST, Ford Authority has learned.
Specifically, the 2021 Explorer ST will feature new High Gloss Black interior trim pieces in various areas of the cockpit and doors. These accents will complement the exterior trim of the ST, which also has its fair share of black accents including the wheels, grille, and much of the exterior trim.
The ST is the high-performance version of the new Ford Explorer. It is powered by Ford’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. FoMoCo’s 10-speed automatic transmission puts power down via a standard all-wheel-drive system.
As we reported last week, 2021 Ford Explorer order banks 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.
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer is built on the new Ford CD6 platform shared with the Aviator and next-gen, 2023 Ford Mustang. The Explorer is available in a variety of trim levels, including XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive are offered, though availability of the drivetrains varies by trim level.
Besides the aforementioned High Gloss Black trim pieces, the 2021 Ford Explorer will also introduce several new exterior colors. Additionally, the XLT Sport model will return in 2021. It’s also worth mentioning that recent spy photos also seem to indicate that an off-road-oriented model – potentially an Explorer FX4 – is also in the works, though it might land for the 2022 model year.
We’ll have much more on the Ford Explorer soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
What it needs is less cheap looking and feeling hard plastics. Same for the Escape.
order banks are still not open, your date is way off, also hope they go to sinc4 on the 2021s!
What are you talking about?
Last day to spec/change 2020 Explorer orders was July 23. 2021 Explorer order banks opened July 13.
Posted “As we reported last week, 2021 Ford Explorer order banks opened up on July 13th, 2020. Production will begin on September 21st, 2020”
Order banks are not open for the 2021s, I have tried several dealerships.
Posted “As we reported last week, 2021 Ford Explorer order banks opened up on July 13th, 2020. Production will begin on September 21st, 2020”
Order banks are not open for the 2021s, I have tried several dealerships.
It isn’t the materials as much as the design and layout that makes it look cheap.
Having endured post union contract sabotage that resulted in a buy back, I will buy another Explorer only after Ford defunds the S Chgo assembly facility and moves the production elsewhere. Are you listening Ford ? When it comes to SUV’s, you are but a grain of sand in the ocean.