2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid
What’s new
- New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim
- Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020
Pros & Cons
- Quick acceleration
- Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
- Roomy cargo area
- Hybrid model limited to a single upper-level trim
- Elevated noise from wind and hybrid system
- Lackluster second- and third-row interior space
- Interior materials could be better
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Ford Explorer Review
Coming off a full redesign last year, the Ford Explorer returns for 2021 with only minor changes. As with past models, this is a three-row midsize SUV that's well suited for a variety of tasks. This sixth-generation Explorer is notable for a few reasons, one being its available hybrid powertrain. It combines a V6 engine with a hybrid system to provide 318 horsepower as well as upwards of 28 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA.
This is only a few mpg better than what you get from the Explorer's base turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's also down from the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 35 mpg. But Ford prioritized capability more than maximum fuel efficiency. Maximum towing capacity with the hybrid powertrain is a respectable 5,000 pounds. This new-generation Explorer also has traditional rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional), which is beneficial for both handling and towing stability.
Ford only offers the hybrid powertrain in the rather expensive Limited trim level, however. This makes the hybrid a dubious choice from a value standpoint. To learn more, check out our Expert Rating for an in-depth analysis of the 2021 Explorer with the hybrid powertrain.
Our verdict
7.4 / 10How does it drive?
8.0The engine holds up its end of the bargain when it comes to power, and it is a smooth highway cruiser. The trouble is that this hybrid powertrain doesn't feel as well sorted as it should. Acceleration isn't as smooth or predictable as it is in other hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Clumsy is too strong a word, but the Explorer's system could certainly use more polish.
How comfortable is it?
6.5Operating the automatic climate control system can require more manual adjustments than expected; the air vents won't pump out as much air as you want when you lower the temperature, for instance. Another drawback is that the Explorer isn't as quiet as it should be. The hybrid system emits more clunks, clicks and whirs than it should, and you can hear gusty wind noises at even moderate highway speeds.
How’s the interior?
7.5How’s the tech?
8.0You'll get a full complement of standard driving safety aids, including a forward collision warning system that can automatically brake for you if you don't react in time. It all works well, but the alerts for these various systems sound overly similar and the lane-centering system may falsely accuse you of taking your hands off the wheel.
How’s the storage?
8.0The Explorer is especially well suited to towing, and the 5,000-pound maximum tow rating is quite good for a hybrid SUV. The optional Trailer Tow package comes with just about everything you'll need, including an easily accessed receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring, full support for an add-on electric trailer brake controller, a tow/haul transmission mode, and an enhanced blind-spot monitoring system that covers the length of the trailer.
How economical is it?
6.0Is it a good value?
6.0Wildcard
7.5For the most part, this is no hollow promise because the driving experience exceeds that of any previous Explorer. It's quick, it has poise and balance, and it likes to be hustled through corners. This is the one to get if your daily drive includes mountain roads or interesting corners. The hybrid isn't quite as refined as its non-hybrid brethren when driven around town, but it still satisfies beyond city limits.
Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?
2021 Ford Explorer models
The 2021 Ford Explorer is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for six or seven passengers. There's a variety of available trim levels, but only the Limited offers the hybrid powertrain. It produces a total of 318 hp and comes with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.
The Explorer Limited with the hybrid powertrain comes standard with:
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Roof rails
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Second-row captain's chairs
- 50/50-split folding third-row seats
- Keyless entry/ignition and an exterior keypad
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Second-row sunshades
Technology features include:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
- Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
- Second-row USB ports
- Wireless charging pad
- Navigation system with voice control
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
Every Explorer also comes with these advanced safety features:
- Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Trailer sway control (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Significant options for the Explorer Limited include:
- Sunroof
- Second-row bench seat
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Sponsored cars related to the Explorer
Features & Specs
| Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $49,855 |
| MPG | 27 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 318 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD 3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $51,855 |
| MPG | 23 city / 26 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 318 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Explorer safety features:
- Lane Keeping System
- Alerts the driver as the Explorer starts to drift out of its lane. Also applies pressure to the wheel to guide the car back into the lane.
- Post-Collision Braking
- Applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the effects of a secondary collision.
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Maintains the distance between the Explorer and the car in front. Also includes a system that keeps the Explorer centered in the lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 14.7% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Ford Explorer vs. the competition
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride
After earning Edmunds Top Rated status for the last two years, the Kia Telluride continues to impress us with its abundant comfort, spacious interior and long list of standard features. By contrast, the Ford Explorer trails by a sizable margin — it's held back by its higher price, disappointing interior materials and noticeable wind noise on the highway. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Telluride.
Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a close relative of the Kia Telluride and enjoys many of the same advantages. Not surprisingly, it easily leads the Ford Explorer in a number of ways. The Palisade is a bit more expensive than the Telluride but still represents a relative bargain compared to the Explorer.
Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is the veteran of the class; it was last redesigned in 2016. Despite its age, the Pilot remains a very strong pick among three-row SUVs thanks to its versatile interior, smooth ride and clever storage options. It might not be as exciting to drive as the Explorer, but its smart family-friendly design gives it a distinct edge. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Pilot.
FAQ
Is the Ford Explorer a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Ford Explorer?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Ford Explorer:
- New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim
- Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020
Is the Ford Explorer reliable?
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Ford Explorer?
The least-expensive 2021 Ford Explorer is the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,855.
Other versions include:
- Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $49,855
- Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) which starts at $51,855
What are the different models of Ford Explorer?
More about the 2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Overview
The 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid is offered in the following styles: Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A), and Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A).
What do people think of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Explorer Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Explorer Hybrid featuring deep dives into trim levels including Limited Hybrid, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
The 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $55,340. The average price paid for a new 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) is trending $2,429 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,429 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $52,911.
The average savings for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) is 4.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrids are available in my area?
2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Listings and Inventory
There are currently 11 new 2021 [object Object] Explorer Hybrids listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $55,040 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,899 on a new, used or CPO 2021 [object Object] Explorer Hybrid available from a dealership near you.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 [object Object] Explorer Hybrid for sale near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Explorer Hybrid you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ford Explorer for sale - 7 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $8,897.
Find a new Ford for sale - 11 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $14,347.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid and all available trim types: Limited Hybrid, Limited Hybrid. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials