2021 Ford Explorer Price Cuts Reflect Reality

According to a report in Automotive News, and confirmed by a Ford spokesperson, 2021 Ford Explorer prices are falling by hundreds to thousands of dollars for the new model year. All versions of the Explorer are more affordable for 2021. The price changes are as follows:

• The 2021 Ford Explorer base price is $33,470, a discount of $540
• The 2021 Ford Explorer XLT price is $35,245, a discount of $2,925
• The 2021 Ford Explorer Limited price is $45,955, a discount of $3,670
• The 2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid price is $51,100, a discount of $2,675
• The 2021 Ford Explorer ST price is $53,850, a discount of $2,135
• The 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum price is $56,075, a discount of $3,770

Ford Explorer incentives in July averaged $5,599, according to Automotive News. Only the Buick Enclave and Nissan Pathfinder offered larger amounts in order to move the metal. This amount of cash on the hood of a popular and redesigned SUV is highly unusual, prompting Ford to adjust its strategy.

To achieve the price cuts, Ford says it modified standard and optional equipment packaging. "The net result is a more competitively priced Explorer with content and features customers want,” said Ford spokesperson Mike Levine in a statement to Automotive News. 

With its 2020 redesign, the Explorer moved from a front-drive platform to a rear-drive architecture shared with the Lincoln Aviator. The change reduced third-row seating accommodations, but otherwise improved the Explorer in terms of design and driving dynamics. Additionally, aside from the hybrid powertrain, the latest Explorer is offered exclusively with turbocharged 4-cylinder and V-6 engines.

Other changes for the 2021 Ford Explorer include the return of the XLT Sport appearance package (shown in the photo), which adds gray-painted trim and dual exhaust outlets plus a 2-tone ActiveX leatherette interior and satin silver interior trim. As for a 2021 Explorer release date, expect the SUV to start arriving in dealership showrooms in October of 2020. 

The information in this article is from Ford and trusted automotive publications. It was accurate on August 17, 2020 but may have changed since that date.