Ford is adding three new choices to the Ford Explorer lineup, including a lower-priced Explorer Enthusiast ST, powered by Ford Performance, along with a rear-wheel-drive Explorer Platinum, and Platinum Hybrid. All three additions are the direct result of customer feedback, starting with the Ford Explorer Enthusiast ST. Like the Explorer ST, the Enthusiast ST is the most powerful Explorer ever – built for customers who want that same spirited fun and performance, but at a lower cost.
“The market continues to grow for performance SUVs, and the ST currently accounts for nearly 20 percent of sales,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “With our new Explorer Enthusiast ST, we’ve made this Explorer performance SUV an even better value for more customers to enjoy, while maintaining the same exterior styling and performance – for an uncompromising, exciting ST driving experience.”
The Enthusiast ST is the new Standard Equipment Group within the ST model and features the looks and performance of the Explorer ST at a lower MSRP of $48,750, versus the ST’s MSRP of $52,830. It has the same specially tuned Ford 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability and a sport-tuned suspension, which enables a top speed of 143 mph. A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package provides towing capability of up to 5,600 pounds.
Inside, the Ford Explorer Enthusiast ST comes with leather seating surfaces with unique Miko micro-perforated inserts and City Silver accent stitching with an ST logo, in addition to a 12.3-inch digital cluster and heated sport-style steering wheel featuring the ST logo and paddle shifters. Outside, the Enthusiast ST sports quad chrome exhaust tips, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, and side-view mirrors with ST projection lamps.
The Explorer Enthusiast ST also features standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technology including Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Hill Start Assist, a rearview camera with built-in lens washer, auto headlamps with auto high-beams, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking with Pedestrian Detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, and post-impact braking.
Also new for 2021 is a 3.0L rear-wheel-drive Platinum option starting at $52,480, in addition to the premium four-wheel-drive model. The rear-wheel-drive option provides customers who don’t necessarily need all-wheel-drive with a better value.
Upscale Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum inserts, a liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside cladding insert, roof-rack side rails, and a unique grille with a satin aluminum finish. Platinum models also feature a standard twin-panel moonroof. Explorer Platinum includes special leather seats, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, door rollovers, and door and front console armrests.
Finally, for the first time, Explorer Platinum is now available as a hybrid, starting at $53,085. These three new Explorer variants join the recently-revealed Explorer King Ranch and forthcoming Explorer Timberline in the crossover’s 2021 lineup, which recently saw some changes in self-sealing tire availability, as well as modest price increases for most trims.
The Explorer Enthusiast ST, rear-wheel-drive Platinum, and Platinum Hybrid are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive at Ford dealers this summer.
We’ll have more on the 2021 Explorer lineup soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comment
When is Ford going to update their online “Build and Price” information to
include these newest models? There is still no ordering information about the
King Ranch & Timberline models announced earlier this year.