The 2021 Ford Explorer XLT rewards those who crave an engaging drive in an SUV format, blending composure with responsive chassis tuning. From the first turn, it feels planted and confident, the steering providing reassuring weight and clarity through curves and highway sweepers.
Drivers who prioritize connection and sensory feedback will find this SUV particularly satisfying. The Explorer XLT's ergonomic cabin, with Ebony ActiveX captainâs chairs and a heated steering wheel, positions the driver for command and comfort. In areas like rd St. Homewood, IL, where weather and road conditions shift rapidly, the combination of 4WD and acoustic-laminated front side windows means the cabin remains quiet and composed, while the drivetrain inspires confidence during spirited commutes or long family trips.
Performance in the Explorer XLT is defined by its 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, which delivers brisk throttle response and a surge of smooth, usable torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission is tuned for both seamless cruising and energetic acceleration, with gear changes that feel precise and unobtrusive. Through sweeping curves, the suspension balances control and comfort, absorbing imperfections while maintaining composure. The steering communicates road texture clearly, staying direct and stable during lane changes or quick maneuvers, making the driving experience naturally engaging for those who relish nuanced feedback from their vehicle.
Safety technology in this SUV is tuned to enhance, not override, driver control. Stability control intervenes subtly to maintain composure on slick roads, while the exterior parking camera and LED fog lamps boost awareness in low-visibility conditions. The heated steering wheel aids grip during cold starts, supporting steady input in all seasons. These active systems work in concert, providing reassurance and allowing drivers to maintain a confident, involved connection with the roadâ"never diluting the tactile experience behind the wheel.
Comfort and convenience features further elevate the daily drive. SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps navigation and media accessible without distraction, while dual-zone front air conditioning ensures a tailored cabin climate. Remote start makes cold mornings easier, and the power liftgate streamlines loading for weekend getaways. Illuminated entry and well-finished interior surfaces, including a leather steering wheel and heated front seats, contribute to a premium feel that doesnât sacrifice practicality.
Against competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Explorer XLT stands out for its direct steering feel and more responsive turbocharged engine. While the segment is crowded with capable options, this SUV's driving dynamics and real-world fuel economyâ"20 MPG city and 27 MPG highwayâ"deliver a balance of excitement and efficiency. The Explorerâs unique blend of road feedback and comfort ensures it remains a top choice for those who value both involvement and versatility in their daily drive.
Is the Explorer XLT comfortable on long trips? The acoustic-laminated front side windows and ergonomic seating deliver a quiet, fatigue-free environment for hours on the highway. How does the warranty compare? This SUV is Gold Certified, providing a powertrain limited warranty of 84 months or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, delivering peace of mind for years to come.
For a rewarding test drive that puts you at the center of the experience, visit Ford of Homewood at 3233 183rd St. Homewood, IL 60430 or call 708-356-9308. Discover how the 2021 Explorer XLT transforms every journey into a moment to look forward to behind the wheel.
Certified Pre Owned 2021 FordExplorer XLT
- Exterior Color
- Gray Metallic
- Interior Color
- Ebony
- Odometer
- 51,441 miles
- Transmission
- 10-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4WD
- Engine
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4
- VIN
- 1FMSK8DH9MGA79064
- Stock Number
- 26410A
Ford
Explorer
Highlighted Features
- Lane departure
- Automatic temperature control
- Emergency communication system
- Wireless phone connectivity
- Parking sensors
- Exterior parking camera rear
- Front dual zone A/C
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Speed sensitive wipers
- 3rd row seats
- Split folding rear seat
- Heated front seats
Included Packages & Accessories
- 6 Speakers
- AM/FM radio: SiriusXM
- AM/FM Stereo
- Air Conditioning
- Automatic temperature control
- Front dual zone A/C
- Rear air conditioning
- Rear window defroster
- Power driver seat
- Power steering
- Power windows
- Remote keyless entry
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Four wheel independent suspension
- Speed-sensing steering
- Traction control
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- ABS brakes
- Dual front impact airbags
- Dual front side impact airbags
- Emergency communication system: SYNC 3 911 Assist
- Front anti-roll bar
- Knee airbag
- Low tire pressure warning
- Occupant sensing airbag
- Overhead airbag
- Rear anti-roll bar
- Power Liftgate
- Brake assist
- Electronic Stability Control
- Exterior Parking Camera Rear
- Auto High-beam Headlights
- Delay-off headlights
- Fully automatic headlights
- Panic alarm
- Security system
- Speed control
- Bumpers: body-color
- Heated door mirrors
- Power door mirrors
- Roof rack: rails only
- Spoiler
- Compass
- Driver door bin
- Driver vanity mirror
- Front reading lights
- Illuminated entry
- Leather steering wheel
- Outside temperature display
- Overhead console
- Passenger vanity mirror
- Rear reading lights
- SYNC 3/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tachometer
- Telescoping steering wheel
- Tilt steering wheel
- Trip computer
- 3rd row seats: bench
- Front Bucket Seats
- Front Center Armrest
- Heated front seats
- Power passenger seat
- Split folding rear seat
- Passenger door bin
- 20" Premium Painted Aluminum Wheels
- Alloy wheels
- Rear window wiper
- Speed-Sensitive Wipers
- Variably intermittent wipers
- Equipment Group 202A
- Remote Start System
- Acoustic-Laminated Front Side Windows
- LED Fog Lamps
- ActiveX Captain's Chairs
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 1st Row Heated Seats
- Unique Cloth Captain's Chairs
- Wheels: 18" 5-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Alum
- 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle Ratio
Included Packages & Options
- Equipment Group 202A$3,540
- 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle Ratio
- Wheels: 18" 5-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Alum
- ActiveX Captain's Chairs
- Acoustic-Laminated Front Side Windows
- Heated Steering Wheel
- LED Fog Lamps
- Remote Start System
Detailed Specifications
- 1-touch down
- 1-touch up
- Air conditioning
- Automatic temperature control
- Driver door bin
- Driver vanity mirror
- Emergency communication system: SYNC 3 911 Assist
- Front beverage holders
- Front dual zone A/C
- Illuminated entry
- Overhead console
- Passenger door bin
- Passenger vanity mirror
- Power windows
- Proximity key: doors and push button start
- Rear air conditioning
- Rear beverage holders
- Rear door bins
- Remote keyless entry
- Speed control
- Telescoping steering wheel
- Tilt steering wheel
- Trunk/hatch auto-latch
- Alloy wheels
- Four wheel independent suspension
- Front anti-roll bar
- Power steering
- Rear anti-roll bar
- Speed-sensing steering
- 1st row LCD monitors: 2
- AM/FM radio: SiriusXM
- Primary LCD size: 8.0"
- Satellite radio trial duration with new vehicle purchase (months): 3
- Smart device integration: SYNC 3/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Speakers: 6
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Wireless phone connectivity: Bluetooth
- 3rd row seats: bench
- Front center armrest
- Front seats: bucket
- Heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Power 2-way driver lumbar support
- Power driver seat
- Power passenger seat
- Premium cloth
- Rear seats Folding position: fold forward seatback
- Split folding rear seat
- Compressor: intercooled turbo
- Cylinder configuration: I-4
- Drive type: four-wheel
- Engine liters: 2.3L
- Engine location: front
- Fuel economy city: 20mpg
- Fuel economy combined: 23mpg
- Fuel economy highway: 27mpg
- Fuel tank capacity: 17.9gal.
- Horsepower: 300hp @ 5,500RPM
- Hybrid traction battery type: none
- Mode select transmission
- Number of valves: 16
- Recommended fuel: Premium Unleaded
- Standard fuel economy fuel type: gasoline
- Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3,500RPM
- Transmission: 10 speed automatic
- Variable valve control
- Approach angle: 20 deg
- Departure angle: 22 deg
- Ground clearance (min): 208mm (8.2")
- Ramp breakover angle: 17 deg
- Bumpers: body-color
- Heated door mirrors
- Power door mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Rear cargo: power liftgate
- Spoiler
- Trailer sway control
- 3rd row headroom: 988mm (38.9")
- 3rd row hiproom: 1,039mm (40.9")
- 3rd row legroom: 818mm (32.2")
- 3rd row shoulder room: 1,387mm (54.6")
- Compression ratio: 10.00 to 1
- Curb weight: 1,971kg (4,345lbs)
- Engine bore x stroke: 87.5mm x 94.0mm (3.44" x 3.70")
- Engine displacement: 2.3 L
- Engine horsepower: 300hp @ 5,500RPM
- Engine torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 3,500RPM
- Exterior body width: 2,004mm (78.9")
- Exterior height: 1,783mm (70.2")
- Exterior length: 5,050mm (198.8")
- Front hiproom: 1,504mm (59.2")
- Front legroom: 1,092mm (43.0")
- Front shoulder room: 1,570mm (61.8")
- GVWR: 2,794kg (6,160lbs)
- Interior maximum rear cargo volume: 2,486 L (88 cu.ft.)
- Interior rear cargo volume: 515 L (18 cu.ft.)
- Passenger volume: 4,324L (152.7 cu.ft.)
- Rear hiproom: 1,501mm (59.1")
- Rear legroom: 991mm (39.0")
- Rear shoulder room: 1,572mm (61.9")
- Towing capacity: 2,404kg (5,300lbs)
- Wheelbase: 3,025mm (119.1")
- Appearance: analog
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Blind spot: Ford Co-Pilot360 - BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) warning
- Compass
- Delay-off headlights
- Exterior parking camera rear
- Front reading lights
- Fully automatic headlights
- Lane departure: Lane Keeping Alert active
- Low tire pressure warning
- Outside temperature display
- Parking sensors: Reverse Sensing System rear
- Rear reading lights
- Rear window defroster
- Rear window wiper
- Speed sensitive wipers
- Tachometer
- Trip computer
- Variably intermittent wipers
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- ABS brakes
- Brake assist
- Dual front impact airbags
- Dual front side impact airbags
- Electronic stability
- Forward collision: Ford Co-Pilot360 - Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection mitigation
- Front pedestrian detection: prevention
- Ignition disable
- Knee airbag
- Occupant sensing airbag
- Overhead airbag
- Panic alarm
- Perimeter/approach lights
- Rear collision: Cross-Traffic Alert warning
- Security system
- Traction control
Standard Features
- 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle Ratio
- Wheels: 18" 5-Spoke Sparkle Silver-Painted Alum
- ActiveX Captain's Chairs
- Acoustic-Laminated Front Side Windows
- Heated Steering Wheel
- LED Fog Lamps
- Remote Start System
- 1st Row Heated Seats
Dealer Notes
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Overall3.6Out of 5
- 5.0
Love it.
By Alex | on 8/9/2026 11:55:02 PM
Single guy looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive but can haul junk too, and this fits the bill. I came from a 2018 Lincoln MKZ 3.0t AWD, this has all the same features but this does it better. Mine had one minor panel issue the dealership is fixing, but otherwise everything is solid. Installed a BOV, I find it funny to blow past people with a quiet exhaust and a loud Spanish sound as they disappear into the distance. Fantastic nighttime viability over the lower trims. Actually just better over all than the lower trims. Bolt ons and a tune just puts this in its own league for the price you pay, the only thing that comes close is a 2026 dodge Durango RT 392. ST is not for everyone but it is for me. "Sporty" family hauler my butt. Wrong demographic. This is a genuine fast mid-sized SUZ that you'd have to go luxury to get close to the performance numbers otherwise.… - 5.0
Explorer Value 7-7-2026
By General Jim | on 8/7/2026 11:06:23 PM
Your evaluation procedure was simple and complete. I will be in contact with you when I sell or trade this vehicle.… - 5.0
Seats and performance
By Chan78 | on 6/30/2026 6:16:53 PM
I love the suv its fantastic to drive only issue I have is the wind noise in the driver seat but I'd sleep in it every night the seats are comfortable.…
All reviews on KBB.com
Based on 61 consumer ratings for 2020–2026 models. | Privacy
- Price
- $25,000
- Doc Fee
- Please Call
- Filing Fee
- Please Call
- Sale Price
- $25,000
- We're here to help: 708-798-1668
- We're here to help: 708-798-1668

