Topic: 2021 Ford Explorer ST - Is it necessary?
Ford has given the world sporty Explorer models before, such as the creatively named Ford Explorer Sport.
But, the ST badge was reserved for the really cool fast Fords, so can a Explorer truly be worthy of this badge?
Well, given that Ford has already stuck this badge on the Edge and created the Edge ST - which might just be the worst new crossover we've ever come across in the last decade - it just shows that Ford is interested more in marketing hype, than badge integrity.
But, is the Explorer ST actually deserving of its name, or just another example of misusing a badge that gained cred through models like the Mondeo ST, Focus ST and the Fiesta ST.
Let's dive into this in more detail, shall we!
Styling: We weren't big fans of the latest generation of the Explorer when it was unveiled at the 2019 North American International Auto Show - but the blacked out grille, the sporty rims, and red brake calipers does make this 2021 Ford Explorer ST look good. We'll give it a 6/10.
Interior: Lots of space, lots of equipment, but we don't like the vertical infotainment screen (which looks like an afterthought) and the seats are a bit short on thigh support. So, the best we can award it is 5/10.
Safety: According to IIHS, this new Explorer is very safe, so we score it a 9/10.
Powertrain: Motivating this SUV is a twin turbocharged 3.0L V6 that produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to all-wheels via a 10 speed automatic gearbox. This is a good drivetrain, so we score it 7/10.
Performance: This Explorer ST will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and it'll top out at 235 km/h (electronically limited). That means, it is quite good! Score, 6/10.
Driving Dynamics: After missing the mark by a million miles on the Edge ST, our hopes were not high for the Explorer ST, but it proved us wrong. The ride might be a hit stiff, but the handling is superb for a vehicle of this size and weight, and every jab of the accelerator brings a huge smile to our face. Loved driving this thing, so it gets a proper 7/10 here.
Fuel Economy: You can't have fun and have hybrid vehicle fuel economy either. We averaged 12.9L/100 km over our 300 km test cycle (180 km on the highway, 120 km in city driving). Given this prefers to drink premium fuel, running costs are high, so in this area, it gets a 3/10.
Pricing: Our test vehicle was worth $66,000. That's actually not a lot for a vehicle of this size, features, safety, and performance, so we are comfortable scoring it a 6/10 here.
Verdict: The 2021 Ford Explorer ST is really quite good, and actually deserving of the ST moniker. So if you're looking for a SUV or s CUV and want something fun, do check out this vehicle. Total score is, 49/80 - good job, Ford!
Hope you liked the video, please *SUBSCRIBE* to our YouTube channel, and also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
#FordExplorer #ExplorerST #SUV #luxurylifestyle #performance
Video Presented by: Kevin 'Crash' Corrigan
Video Filmed and Edited by: Maria Qureshi
Description by: Nauman Farooq
This has been an Automotive Affairs production - 2021.
