The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline was officially revealed back in May as an off-road focused variant of FoMoCo’s long-running crossover. At that time, the automaker said that the new Explorer Timberline was scheduled to launch this past summer, but it appears that those plans were delayed a bit, likely due to ongoing global supply constraints. Regardless, a quick search in Ford’s official inventory search tool confirms that the new model has reached dealer lots in the U.S.
The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline is the very first Blue Oval model to wear the Timberline name, though the 2022 Ford Expedition Timberline and other future models will soon join it. More than just an appearance package, the Explorer Timberline is equipped with a host of upgrades that make it the most off-road capable Explorer to date, according to Ford.
Those upgrades include the Police Interceptor Utility’s heavy-duty shocks, Bridgestone Dueler P265/65R all-terrain tires, a ride height that’s 0.8 inches taller than other Explorer models, new front and rear fascias that improve approach and departure angles, steel skid plates, a unique steering calibration, front rebound spring, specially tuned stabilizer bars and springs, a standard Torsen limited-slip differential, Ford’s Terrain Management System with Hill Descent Control, and intelligent four-wheel drive.
Additionally, the Explorer Timberline has received some exterior and interior enhancements including tow hooks, unique fog lamps, a Carbonized Gray grille, a new Forged Green Metallic exterior color, a blacked-out Ford oval, unique wheels, Timberline badges, a Deep Cypress interior theme, Deep Tangerine stitching, ActiveX seating, and more. Power comes exclusively from Ford’s 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, which is mated to the company’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
As Ford Authority reported back in August, the 2022 Explorer Timberline and ST will be the only models in the Explorer lineup available with paddle shifters.
We’ll have more on the Explorer Timberline soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Curious to see an actual off-road test of one of these. No one expects it to run the Rubicon, but I’d like to see it do well enough in a head-to-head with the Grand Cherokee, to knock some Smug off of Jeep president Jim Morrison, after his smarmy comments.
Jeep just peddles a bunch of unreliable junk. They’re sour the Bronco and Bronco sport walk all over the Wrangler and Cherokee.
I really like this trim level. I wish that Ford had gone further with the off road bits like an even higher ride height, different 4X4 systems with various locking diffs, etc to get a leg up on the Grand Cherokee L since Jeep isn’t offering one in Trailhawk trim yet.