2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, more handsome than the Land Rover Discovery. Its refined, upscale design featured widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and prominent "Explorer" lettering on the hood. The ST version, with black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite a price tag that could reach $60,000, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The switchgear was solid, but the overall feel was not up to par with competitors like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer maintained a family resemblance with other Ford SUVs, featuring sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages. Depending on the trim, the grille varied from black to full chrome. The interior offered three rows of seating as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dash was clean, with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and large knobs and buttons for the audio system and climate controls. The center console housed a rotary gearshift, freeing up space for storage. The XLT trim, the most popular, offered better equipment like a power front passenger seat and nicer finishes.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing a balanced weight distribution. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST's performance was impressive, with precise steering and flat cornering. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, was the most common choice. A gas-electric hybrid option was available, combining a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied, with the hybrid powertrain towing 5,000 pounds, the 4-cylinder towing up to 5,300 pounds, and the V6 with AWD handling 5,600 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the ST trim offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission was standard across all trims. Towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine. The Explorer's towing capabilities were competitive but not exceptional in its class.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample space for passengers and cargo. On a road trip to Maine, the vehicle comfortably accommodated three adults and their gear. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than previous models, fitting six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer featured physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo controls, but thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras created blind spots.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base trim, with captain’s chairs in the second row reducing capacity to six in other trims. Second-row legroom was 39 inches, competitive with other SUVs in its class. With the third row deployed, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, total cargo volume with the rear seats folded was 81 cubic feet, less than some competitors. The interior featured a clean dash, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a rotary gearshift in the center console, providing ample storage space.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The system was well-organized but lacked innovation, with updates only available through an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was available but not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Ford Explorer also featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and HD radio. Higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen and up to 14 speakers in the B&O sound system. Charging options included two USB ports in the center console and five 12-volt power points. The ST trim replaced one power point with a 110-volt AC power outlet, also available as an option on the Limited trim.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. A passenger front knee airbag was standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Explorer "Acceptable" in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The base model included Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, available from the Limited trim up, added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, a forward sensing system, rain-sensing wipers, and speed sign recognition.