2021 Ford Explorer Timberline Looks Reasonably Ruggedized

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Ford is introducing a new trim level for the Explorer, targeting both outdoorsy types and those who desperately want to be but only manage to spend a couple of weekends at Kampgrounds of America.

The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline delivers a mix of visual accouterments and practical components that should actually make the SUV better off-road.

Don’t expect it to keep pace with a Raptor pickup, however. Despite the Timberline’s menacing new grille, skid plates, unique 18-inch wheels, and Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, it’s not a Baja buggy waiting to be jumped off the next sand dune — though it may be the best option for Explorer shoppers who don’t want to spend oodles on aftermarket parts.

Based on the equipment and features provided, our guess is that Ford wanted something to pit against the lengthened, three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee. The interior has been spruced up a bit against a base Explorer thanks to heated seats, heated steering wheel, stone mesh dashboard trim, and some new upholstery options adorned with Timberline logos shaped like mountains and orange stitching. But the powertrain remains the base 2.3-liter turbo with 300 horsepower offering 310 pound-feet of torque.

While Ford claimed future incarnations of the model would have numerous packages, there’s only one configuration for now. It comes with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, upgraded shocks from the Ford Police Interceptor, an increased ride height of 0.8 inches, and some vibrantly orange tow hooks. Those interested in doing some hauling of their own will also be pleased to hear that the Timberline defaults with a towing package rated for 5,300 hundred pounds.

Other than that, it’s your basic Ford Explorer with all-wheel drive and some of the better features available. Hill descent control and LED fog lights come standard on the SUV. The advanced driving suite is also pretty robust, with automatic lane centering, adaptive cruise control, sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera. Blue Oval is also adding a paint color for this one (Forged Green), which looks lovely.

We’re not certain if this is the vehicle one should take over the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however.

Ford is asking $47,010 for the Explorer Timberline and basically telling you that you have to take it as is. Meanwhile, the updated Jeep starts substantially lower (by almost 10 grand), comes with larger engine options (V6 or V8), a higher towing capacity (6,200 pounds), is a few inches longer, and allows you to make it prohibitively expensive as you add options. Combine that with Jeep having the better record off-road and the Explorer might not the best pick if you’re serious about taking your vehicle down a gnarly trail. But we’ll have to wait until we’ve tested them both to uncover the truth. The Timberline might end up nailing exactly what the average car customer desires by locating the happy medium between daily driver and part-time ORV.

Expect to see the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline parked between XLT and Limited trims this summer.

[Images: Ford Motor Co.]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on May 07, 2021

    Shouldn't the sales dept. simply intercept potential Explorer buyers at the door and redirect them to an F-150 at the same price point? "Come this way sir or madam, we're actually good at making this".

    • EBFlex EBFlex on May 08, 2021

      Are they though? With all the problems with the F150 of late and Ford’s insisting on “fixing” those quality issues by developing gimmicks (reclining seats, folding shifter, an inaccurate bed scale and a generator that you will use twice yet lug around for the entire life of the vehicle) I question if they have a clue as to what they are doing with trucks.

  • Nrd515 Nrd515 on May 08, 2021

    I actually like the looks of this thing, but no Ecoboost ever for me, unless I lost my mind and leased one. The price on these SUV/CUV's is over the top, especially for the ones I would actually want. The profit margin must be huge on them.

    • EBFlex EBFlex on May 08, 2021

      The profit margin is huge. When you eliminate any semblance of quality you’re bound to make money.

  • Joe This is called a man in the middle attack and has been around for years. You can fall for this in a Starbucks as easily as when you’re charging your car. Nothing new here…
  • AZFelix Hilux technical, preferably with a swivel mount.
  • ToolGuy This is the kind of thing you get when you give people faster internet.
  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
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