2021 Ford Explorer Trims Comparison

Base
Even in its entry-level trim, the Explorer comes with a lot of standard features that include:

• A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
• Power liftgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench
• 50/50-split folding third-row seats
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
• Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app

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)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Trailer sway control (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)

XLT
The XLT receives improve interior materials and several convenience items that include:

• Roof rails
• Keyless entry/ignition and an exterior keypad
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Second-row USB ports

Limited
The midrange Limited dresses up the interior with higher-quality trim pieces. It also adds:

• Interior ambient lighting
• Leather upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-folding and heated second-row seats
• Second-row sunshades
• Wireless charging pad
• Navigation system with voice control
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Additional safety features that include:
• Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
• 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)

ST
The ST is the sporty Explorer. Models produced earlier in the model year built off the Limited's features, removed the roof rails, and added unique styling treatments. Halfway through the model year, Ford introduced a new, less expensive version referred to as the ST Enthusiast that built off the XLT's features. Most of the Limited's features could be added via the new 401 package.

All 2021 Explorer STs, regardless of when they were produced, include:

• A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Paddle shifters
• Digital instrument panel
• Sport front seats

King Ranch
The new King Ranch trim builds off the Limited equipped with its 301A option package. Besides the turbocharged V6, it adds:

• Wood interior trim
• Digital gauge cluster display
• Unique leather upholstery
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Platinum
The top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets a positively luxurious interior. It has the turbocharged V6 but forgoes the ST's sporty touches. It adds:

• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Class 3 Trailer Tow package
• Digital gauge cluster display
• Extended leather upholstery
• Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Many features are available on supporting trims as options. Other add-ons are dependent on trim levels and include:

• Sunroof
• Hands-free liftgate
• Upgraded brakes (ST trim only)
• Power-folding third-row seats
• Massaging front seats
• A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen
• 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
• Dual-screen rear entertainment system