In recent months, Consumer Reports has bestowed a lot of love on the Ford Edge, naming it one of the most reliable mid-size crossovers, one of the best and most affordable used vehicles for teenagers, one of the best SUVs available for less than $40,000, one of the best mid-size crossovers with standard safety features for under $35k, and a top 10 best SUV on sale today. However, the 2021 Ford Explorer didn’t fare quite as well, making Consumer Reports‘ most recent list of two- and three-row SUVs to avoid.
CR recommends avoiding the 2021 Ford Explorer in the mid-size three-row crossover segment, calling it a “middling SUV in a category with some strong competitors,” even though it was just redesigned for the 2020 model year. CR notes that the Explorer’s base 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 doesn’t offer a fuel economy advantage over its V6-powered competition, and found the 10-speed automatic transmission to be a bit rough when changing gears.
Outside of those quibbles, Consumer Reports found the 2021 Explorer’s ride quality to be a bit stiff, and its research has uncovered that the model offers “well below-average predicted reliability.” Of course, it isn’t all bad, and there are some positive attributes to point out. The latest Explorer provides a roomy and quiet interior and sportier handling than its foes, the latter of which is a trade-off for the stiffer ride.
The 2021 Explorer also comes equipped with a host of standard safety features including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). Unfortunately, those qualities aren’t quite enough to persuade Consumer Reports to recommend the Explorer, and it finds the 2021 Kia Telluride to be a more compelling option thanks to its superior ride quality, strong powertrain, predicted reliability, and solid value.
We’ll have more on the 2021 Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
It stands to save a lot of money as a result.
Things appear to be in full swing.
Even though the XT5 was recently spared.
The solid-state battery maker continues to improve its financials.
It's unclear what, exactly, is being tested here.
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No surprise there. Remember that the first police versions were so bad that they had to delay deliveries until they were fixed. It's too bad because they are a nice vehicle along with the LINCOLN version.
They've done ALOT to remediate things since '21 & police LOVE the Explorer Interceptor models. They were backordered all of '22 in fact. Escape Hybrid versions also have gotten completely different reviews than standard Escape models as has the Eacape w/ Fords excellent corporate Gen2 - 2.0L GTDI engine (250hp).
I would rather have a V6 in something like that just because they are still slightly smoother than a 4. But having said that, I had a ‘21 EXPLORER as a service rental for a day. That turbo 4 did surprise me since it was pretty smooth and not lacking for power. Yes I still prefer a 6 but not for 10k more.
Modern GTDI engine designs are impressive & proven.. at least in Fords case. Ford's on Gen2 now w/all these engines. Sure you can get a 6cyl ..for much less than 10k more but is it necessary? The Gen2 - 2.0L is a very smooth, efficent & powerful engine. Our '22 Edge AWD has it & we love it. Mated to an 8spd transmission its got tons of torque /low end. Yet cruises @75mpg on hwy under 2000rpm. Def not stressed in any way. Returns 22-23mpg city/ 27-28mpg hwy. In an AWD midsized SUV! CR highly recommends the new Edge on the other hand. Reviews are a tool but personal feel when driving along w/past experience means alot as well. We have a '20 Ranger 4wd we enjoy alot. The Gen2- 2.3L mated to a 10spd tranny has gotten "best in class" in every review/test out there for good reason. JD Power says the new Gen Ranger is most reliable & best all around midsized truck in its class. I believe it. We drove a few before buying & Ranger just felt more solid & sporty while bein very comfortable w/lots of tech others like Colorado or Tacoma didn't offer.
Though the years I bought items that consumer reports have suggested and everyone was a disappointment 😞 A TV almost burnt my house down and it wasn't even on. Consumer Reports are like Motor Trend its their opinions nothing more nothing less.😊
Yeah. I don’t trust them. How they rank things seem off and the fact that they rated any GM brand that high is a mystery and they don’t really provide a explanation of why they rated whatever so high or low. In my opinion do your own research on each individual vehicle (not just the brand) cause consumer reports doesn’t know what they’re talking about anymore and there’s lots of evidence that supports my claim including their list of most reliable vehicles and with most of them any of the owners can tell you that those vehicles suck
They aren't what they used to be thats for sure! JD Power is far more consistent ive found. We own a new Gen '20 Ranger (rated best in class) & '22 Edge AWD (CR raves bout them also) after carefully considering many other vehicles & we test drove different brands. We made the right choices for sure. Can't just read these "for profit" rating organizations & buy expensive vehicles from that alone.
Agree, Consumer reports bases their reporting on their subscribers. I would hardly call that an enthusiast base when it comes to cars. Thats why we see articles stateing that people are dissapointed with the snow traction of their high performance SUV's. They have summer tires!
Yes exactly & well said. Many things to consider along w/actually *test driving* different brands in the class of vehicle your considering! That will tell ya alot.
It's not what it used to be! I think JD Power is more reputable. Though everyone should test drive a few models in any class of vehicle they are considering. That's why we bought a new '20 Ranger over Colorado or Tacoma. Both good trucks ..but not as good as the Ranger ..every review/test out there claimed. From a powertrain perspective or tech / comfort pt of view the Ranger was way ahead. We are still very happy 3yrs later.
They just need to trash that 10 speed. Not that good, going to cost them a fortune one day cause I guarantee that there’s going to be at least one lawsuit. In my opinion 8 speeds perform the best in smaller vehicles and from what I heard the 10 speed used in the Bronco (which is same one used in Explorer) is just too busy and isn’t that great
I suggest driving a ten speed before passing judgment on it.
Most ppl just read & don't own or even drive the vehicles they critique! Lol. The 10spd is a very stout & smooth transmission . Was some programming issues very early on. Been fixed awhile ago. Worked great in the '20 Ranger I owned. Have 8spd unit in my '22 Edge AWD an it's super smooth. Both vehicles are rated as best in class.
My 10 speed Ranger is great. Shifts well & is very smooth. Really don't know what you don't like about it.
10R80 in Ranger. 10R60 in Explorer/Bronco
The 10spd in new Gen Rangers get rave reviews mated to the 2.3L GTDI engine. It comes dwn programming. It's a stout transmission & has to be as its used in F150 & Mustang! My '22 Edge AWD has the 8spd unit . It's smooth & precise.
The 10spd works terrific in the new F150s, Ranger & Mustang as well as some Bronco variants. It's a stout unit. Comes dwn to programming w/the particular engine/platform its mated to. Ford also uses an 8spd in many vehicles as well. My '22 Edge AWD has an 8spd & its super smooth.
I say Consumer Reports should be avoided.
Absolutely agree with you
I quit following Consumer Reports because the reliability ratings are determined from surveying their own subscribers. They have trashed the Explorer so long that these subscribers quit buying it, so the sample size is too small resulting in skewed results.
I took delivery of a 2021 XLT with Sport Package and I really think Consumer's Report is way off base. This is my fifth Explorer and each was an improvement over the last.
You nailed it
Exactly 💯 . Well said & true.
Love my new King Ranch Explorer, super and most comfortable seats! Good job Ford .
Love my 21 XLT , also with Sport Appearnce package and the 10 speed is smooth as silk
I’m going to buy the Explorer timberline regardless since Consumer Reports seems to be off lately and if it is that bad (which we all know it’s not) the warranty basically covers everything. Almost every vehicle is reliable these days. The only brands I’d steer far away from is Hyundai/Kia and GM and the 4 cylinder Stellantis products.
You will be very happy w/the vehicle! Enjoy.
Consumer Reports is ridiculous. They keep offering me a free subscription and I don't even want it. Every time I read their magazine they tell me how unreliable the American automobiles are and how much better the Japanese vehicles are. I don't buy Japanese vehicles, but all of my vehicles both Ford and General Motor products have been very reliable, even the ones consumer reports advises against.
Agree James, The least reliable cars I have bought we're either German or Japanese. Went back to buying only Ford, and never looked back
Likewise. All we own! We buy them new always. Never let us dwn.