The 2021 Ford Explorer lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor rattling noises and door lock issues. At $29,990 to $53,998, it’s a decent value for a three-row SUV, although it’s not the best option on the market.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Ford Explorer since it’s more efficient than other large SUVs, while still offering good technology. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, upgraded stereo system, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are decent for a full size SUV, the seats are comfortable on long trips, although cargo space is a bit lower than other SUVs.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 Explorer. Models from 2013–2017 have a lot of mechanical issues, while 2018–2022 are much more dependable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base engines are similar to other large SUVs, while the turbocharged V6 in the ST model is very quick for its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Explorer is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include steering assist as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 484 miles of range out of the 20.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $57 cheaper than average at $253 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Ford Explorer is cheaper than many other large SUVs on the market, with average depreciation rates, making it a good value.
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Explorer?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford Explorer offers improvements paired with a spacious cabin, while also earning good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Explorer at 3.9/5, praising the responsive handling, but doesn’t like the excessive wind noise.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Explorer a 3.6/5, enjoying the efficient engines for an SUV of its size, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Explorer include rattling noises from the rear end, door lock failures, along with wind noise from the driver’s side door. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as the Explorer ages.
Rattling noises from the rear end are the most common problems mentioned on the 2021 Ford Explorer in the first 2,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by loose components on the underbody panels on the rear. Most dealerships will tighten down the parts for free, while some charge around $50 for the labor to inspect and fix the issues.
Door lock failures have also been reported in the first 5,000 miles on some Explorer models. The door lock control module is known to have some bugs that can cause it to stop working. Resetting the door lock system can be done with an OBD-2 scan tool and most dealers will do it for free while the vehicle is new.
Wind noise from the driver’s side door is another issue mentioned by some owners. Usually, the problem is caused by damage to the gasket on the door or window. Diagnosing and fixing the problem costs around $250, depending on local labor rates, since usually the gasket will have to be replaced if it’s torn.
There are six recalls on the 2021 Ford Explorer, which is more than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the PCM, which can reset and cause the vehicle to roll away. Ford will repair issues with the parking control system for free on affected models. Many of the other recalls cover the rearview camera system, which they will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Ford Explorer Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ford Explorer can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some long-lasting large SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $685 per year.
As a used 2021 Ford Explorer reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the wheel bearings for $250, the trailing arm costing $300, as well as the radiator fan assembly which costs $425.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 8-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen along with more powerful stereo systems.
Standard safety technology features are great including:
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- MyKey which allows you to set volume and speed limits
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Reverse brake assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Perpendicular and parallel park assist
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a good value since it offers a lot of practicality for the money with better reliability ratings than other years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,990 to $53,998, making it less than a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $32,925 to $54,600. Depreciation is similar to other large SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Explorer?
There are six models of the 2021 Ford Explorer offered, from the entry-level Base through to the more luxurious Platinum. The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Upholstery
- Power Liftgate
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Folding Second and Third Row Seats
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Remote Monitoring With Smartphone App
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Exterior Keypad
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Seats
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Roof Rails
- Second Row USB Ports
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Upholstery
- Interior Ambient Lighting
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power-Folding Second Row
- Heated Front and Rear Seats
- Twin Panel Moonroof
- Sunshades
- Wireless Charging Pad
- 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System
ST is a sportier model which has:
- More Powerful Engine
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Digital Instrument Panel
- Sport Front Seats
King Ranch adds features such as:
- Wood Interior Trim
- Unique Leather Upholstery
- Upgraded Exterior Trim
- Digital Gauge Cluster
Platinum is the flagship model which has:
- Adaptive Headlights
- Class 3 Trailer Towing Package
- Extended Leather Upholstery Throughout The Cabin
- Rear Automatic Braking
- 1-Inch Touchscreen
- 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio System
- Optional Dual-Screen Rear Seat Entertainment System
What Engines Come In the Ford Explorer?
- The base engine is an average 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder which makes 300 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which produces 365 horsepower at up to 20 MPG. It also comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- The ST Model comes standard with a more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 which generates 400 horsepower at up to 20 MPG. Performance is great, taking only 5.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Explorer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Explorer?
The 2021 Ford Explorer is well-regarded for its comfortable and well-appointed interior, offering a pleasant ride experience for both drivers and passengers. The cabin is spacious and features ample headroom and legroom across all three rows of seating with enough room for up to seven passengers. The seats are supportive, with available upgrades such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated or ventilated seats, contributing to the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle.
Additionally, the Explorer’s smooth suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable and composed ride even on rougher surfaces. The cabin is also well-insulated from exterior noise, providing a quiet and serene environment for conversation or enjoying the available premium audio system. With its combination of roominess, supportive seating, and a refined ride, the 2021 Ford Explorer is a comfortable choice for families, commuters, and adventure seekers alike.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Explorer Have?
The 2021 Ford Explorer offers a versatile and spacious interior designed to accommodate a variety of cargo needs. With all three rows of seating in use, the Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row, which is ample for everyday items like groceries, small luggage, or a few pieces of sporting equipment. If additional cargo room is needed, the third-row seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to an impressive 47.9 cubic feet, perfect for larger items such as bicycles, camping gear, or multiple suitcases.
For those instances when even more storage space is required, both the second and third-row rear seats can be folded down, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet. This vast storage area can accommodate larger objects like furniture, big appliances, or even a kayak, making the 2021 Ford Explorer an ideal vehicle for road trips, outdoor adventures, or simply transporting large items.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Ford Explorer was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2015: Updated exterior styling package offered on the XLT model.
2016: Minor styling changes, new 4-cylinder engine, updated safety technology.
2017: New SYNC 3 infotainment system added, replacing the MyFord Touch system.
2018: Small exterior styling changes, 4G LTE hotspot added to all models.
2019: Minor changes to options packages and is the final model year for the fifth generation.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2021: Sport package offered on the XLT model, more affordable version of the ST model introduced.
How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ford Explorer is a nice SUV offering plenty of passenger room along with some of the latest safety technology on the market. It may not be as affordable to own as some of the competitors, though.
The Chevy Traverse is another three-row SUV which starts at around $3,500 less. Passenger room in the third row is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Ford Explorer is more efficient. We recommend the Ford Explorer since the predicted reliability rating is slightly higher, although both are very similar.
The Toyota Highlander is a popular competitor available in the same price range. Ownership costs are much lower on the Toyota Highlander, while the Ford Explorer has more legroom in the rear two rows. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it’s one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, but both are worth trying out to see which you prefer.
