I’m considering a 2021 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD as an 8-seater SUV. I had initially been looking at the Honda Pilot and VW Atlas, but the crazy markups pushed them out of reach. A Ford dealer offered me the Explorer XLT at $42k MSRP with 0% APR financing, which sounds appealing.
I don’t know anyone who owns this model and would love to hear firsthand experiences, especially about its reliability (engine and transmission). I’m planning to keep this SUV for 8-10 years, so reliability is a big concern.
We bought a 2021 XLT 4WD with appearance and tow packages. It’s mid-tier—Active-X leather, upgraded wheels, but no nav or sunroof. We upgraded from a 2018 Escape, and so far, it’s been great. It’s the nicest car we’ve owned. The power is decent, it rides smooth and quiet, and there’s plenty of room.
On the downside, the gas mileage isn’t great, and I wish it came with Sync 4 for wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. Also, the front USB ports are tucked away in storage areas, which can be a little inconvenient. Overall, though, we’re happy with it.
If you go for it, I highly recommend the built-in AT&T Hotspot. For $20/month, you get unlimited data for up to 10 devices. It made our 12-hour family road trips so much easier.
We factory-ordered a 2020 XLT 4WD and absolutely love it. We also plan to keep it long-term. In Chicago winters, the 4WD has been a lifesaver. We’ve done 14,000 miles so far, including a multi-state road trip, and it’s been super comfortable. No reliability issues—just regular maintenance and a small adjustment on the rear wiper. Couldn’t be happier.
We just got a 2021 XLT 2WD with the sport appearance package. My wife wanted captain seats for easier access to the third row. It drives great—surprisingly fast for a 4-cylinder turbo, especially in sport mode. Merging on the highway is a breeze. We got 28 mpg on the highway and about 24 mpg around town during our first week. Too early to comment on reliability, but so far, we’re happy.
Zaden said: @Penn
Wow, that’s great mileage! We’re a family of four, and ours doesn’t get that good. Do you use Eco mode?
I’m another responder, but I can help. I always drive in Eco mode unless it’s slick out or I’m getting on the highway. It definitely helps with mileage at the cost of a bit of off-the-line performance.
I have the 2021 Explorer Platinum. After two months, here’s what I’ve noticed:
The massage chairs are cool but too firm for long trips.
I’ve got big wheels with low-profile tires, which make bumps more noticeable. If you don’t care about sporty handling, smaller wheels with higher sidewalls might be better.
The 3.0L twin-turbo engine is fast and powerful but drinks gas—21 mpg highway, 15 city.
The space inside is massive, and my family loves it for road trips.
The sound system is good but has a bit too much bass.
I wish it came with Sync 4 for wireless CarPlay, but we’re stuck with Sync 3 for now.
Overall, it’s a powerful and roomy SUV. I love the confidence the size and speed give me.
@Ben
My wife has a 2021 ST with the same engine but tuned to 400hp. It’s ridiculously fast. Do you have the 10-inch screen? I don’t love it because CarPlay only uses the top half.
Thayer said: @Ben
My wife has a 2021 ST with the same engine but tuned to 400hp. It’s ridiculously fast. Do you have the 10-inch screen? I don’t love it because CarPlay only uses the top half.
Yeah, I have the big screen, and I agree. Ford really needs to update CarPlay to use the full screen—it feels like such a waste of space!