The 2021 Ford Explorer is available in five trim levels: Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Its sleek, muscular design combines sharp angles with streamlined curves. It has an angular grille with the Ford Blue Oval in the center, a smaller lower grille, roof rails, a spoiler, manually-folding, heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, all-season tires, privacy glass, automatic high beams, and 18-inch wheels.

You can choose self-sealing tires, 20- or 21-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and red brake calipers. Adaptive headlights that move when you move the steering wheel for more visibility, an auto-dimming driver's-side mirror, chrome dual exhaust, and memory settings for the side mirrors are available as well.

This SUV comes with a 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gives 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. You can also select a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that generates 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque with the Platinum trim level or 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque with the ST trim. There's also a 3.3-liter hybrid V-6 that offers 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. All these engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Ford Explorer has excellent maneuverability and a smooth ride. It can get through tough trails, crowded cities, or long highways with ease. You can choose trail, normal, slippery, sport, eco, or tow/haul driving modes, and the optional all-wheel-drive only works when you need extra traction to conserve fuel. The Explorer gets up to 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Explorer comes with 87 cubic feet of cargo space. It can carry seven people, and its power-sliding second-row seats make getting in and out easy. Other standard features include push-button start, three 12-volt power outlets, three-zone climate control with buttons for the second-row seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, three 12-volt power outlets, SiriusXM satellite radio, folding second-and third-row seats, and remote start.

Additional options include cruise control with steering assistance, wireless charging, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a dual-pane sunroof, navigation, voice activation, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. You can also select a 14-speaker, 980-watt audio system, speed-sensitive volume control, a 10.1-inch touch screen, power-folding third-row seats, and a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster, and a heated front and second-row seats.

This vehicle comes with a variety of safety and driver assistance features, including eight airbags, a rearview camera with a washer, stability control, lane-keeping assistance, and lane change alert. The adaptive cruise control has stop-and-go capabilities, speed limit sign recognition, and steering assistance. The post-crash alert system uses the horn and the emergency lights to find help after an accident, and the security system has break-resistant glass, a panic alarm, and an engine immobilizer.