Ford say this Explorer is the, “Most off-road capable Explorer yet.”

2021 Explorer Timberline Exterior

To give the Explorer Timberline a rugged exterior appearance, the 3 row SUV comes with a pair of Red Ember tow hooks, Timberline badging, LED fog lamps, and high-gloss painted aluminum wheels that feature a laser-etched Timberline logo.

Forged Green Metallic (a new color) is the color the vehicle will launches in. A dark Carbonized Gray grille comes with a wiring harness ready to set up Ford Performance auxiliary lights (dealer install) which have 160,000 candelas to illuminate nighttime trails. The unique front and rear fascias aren’t just for looks. Read on to find out more.

Off Road Explorer Timberline
Photo: Ford.

Timberline Off-Road Features

Not just rugged on the outside, the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline features a host of usable off-road features. Steel skid-plates on the underbody protect important parts of the vehicle such as the engine and transmission. Steering and suspension are specially tuned for off-roading, including the front spring rebound to prevent abrupt jarring.

A Torsen® limited-slip rear differential aids in transferring power/grip between wheels when splipping occurs in order to maximize grip.

Off-Road Explorer

Timberline Explorer also benefits from an extra 0.8-inches of ride height, increasing grousing clearance to 8.7-inches. A front a rear fascia redesign allows the SUV to have more aggressive approach and departure angles (clearance for steep/short distance angles). To be more specific the approach angle is 23.5 degrees and the departure angle is 23.7 degrees.

Standard features on all 4WD Explorer’s include Intelligent-Four-Wheel-Drive, Hill Descent Control, and the Terrain Management System with drive modes. Drive modes include;  Normal, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco.

Tires are Bridgestone Dueler P265/65R-18 all-terrain tires, which Ford says, have a “tread pattern that balances off-road traction and on-road quietness.”

Interior

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline
2021 Ford Explorer Timberline- Interior. Photo: Ford.

On the inside, the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline comes in a Deep Cypress trim color. The instrument panels get a Stone Mech applique, while other accents such as the center stack, armrest trim and door armrest trim are Satin Silver Twilight.

Seats are (heated) cloth with easy-to-clean ActiveX trim around the edges and orange decorative stitching.

Explorer Timberline Active Safety

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Speed Sign Recognition, Evasive Steering Assist, and Lane Centering are all available as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 or Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package. A 360-degree camera provides a view of obstacles around the vehicle. A front camera provides useful views ahead while navigating off-road terrain.

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline models are available to order now, and due to arrive in Ford dealerships this summer.