The 2021 Ford Explorer's #16 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good cargo capacity Powerful engines Plenty of features Composed ride and handling
Cons Low-rent interior Second- and third-row seats less comfortable than in rivals Upgraded infotainment system not much of an upgrade
For 2021 New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.More affordable version of the Explorer ST debuts..Platinum trim is now available for the Hybrid model.New off-road-themed Timberline debuts midway through the model year.
Pros Strong engines for quick acceleration Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing Roomy cargo area
Cons Too much wind noise at highway speeds The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry Lackluster interior material quality
Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.A high-end King Ranch trim joins the lineup and features unique mahogany-colored leather upholstery.
Pros Smooth and controlled ride, cargo friendly interior design, comfortable front seats.
Cons Third row space is tight, plasticky interior bits, most desirable models are pricey.
Pros Lots of cargo room in both the standard and extended-length versions Easy-to-use tech interface Strong turbocharged V6 has ample power for towing Plenty of standard and optional advanced driver aids
Cons Limited off-road capability Too large for some garages
Lincoln's flagship SUV has received a styling update for 2022 which includes a reworked grille and new exterior lighting elements. The interior has been enhanced with a new infotainment display with updated Sync 4 software, and two new design themes. The Central Park design theme includes interior trim with a laser-etched map of the famous park's pathways on the instrument panel while the Invitation theme sports open-pore Kai wood trim with an overlayed geometric motif as well as black leather upholstery with brandy-colored stitching. Lincoln's new semi-autonomous driving mode—called Active Glide—will also make its debut on the 2022 Navigator.
Pros Powerful twin-turbo V-6, palatial interior, upscale styling.
Cons Fuel efficiency could be better, large size inhibits maneuverability, stiff ride.
