Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2021 Ford Explorer ST AWD, a performance-oriented SUV that blends everyday practicality with a hefty dose of power. If you're looking for a family vehicle that can also deliver thrills on the road, the Explorer ST might just be what you need. Let's break down what makes this ride so special, from its engine specs to its all-wheel-drive capabilities and overall horsepower.

Performance and Engine Specs

The heart of the 2021 Ford Explorer ST AWD is its 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean for you? It translates to quick acceleration, confident passing, and an overall engaging driving experience. The EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging to boost its output, providing plenty of power across the rev range. This ensures that you have ample power whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling city streets. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth and responsive shifts. This transmission helps to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency, making the Explorer ST a versatile choice for various driving conditions. One of the standout features of the Explorer ST is its sport-tuned suspension. This suspension system provides a firmer ride compared to the standard Explorer models, which results in improved handling and reduced body roll in corners. The enhanced suspension, combined with the powerful engine, makes the Explorer ST feel more like a sporty sedan than a typical SUV. It gives drivers confidence and control, whether they're navigating winding roads or simply commuting to work. The Explorer ST also comes with several drive modes, including a Sport mode that further enhances the vehicle's performance capabilities. In Sport mode, the transmission holds gears longer, the throttle response is sharpened, and the steering becomes more direct, creating a more immersive driving experience. This allows drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their specific preferences and driving conditions. In addition to its impressive power and handling, the 2021 Ford Explorer ST AWD also offers respectable fuel economy for its class. It's rated at an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is quite reasonable considering its performance capabilities. This balance of power and efficiency makes the Explorer ST a practical choice for families who want a vehicle that can do it all.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the 2021 Ford Explorer ST is designed to provide enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. Unlike some AWD systems that only engage when wheel slip is detected, the Explorer ST's system is always active, constantly monitoring and adjusting the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels. This proactive approach helps to maintain optimal traction and control, regardless of the road surface or weather conditions. The AWD system is particularly beneficial in slippery conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. By distributing power to all four wheels, the system helps to prevent wheel spin and maintain forward momentum. This can be especially useful when accelerating from a stop or climbing a hill on a slick surface. The AWD system also enhances handling and stability in dry conditions. By distributing power to the wheels with the most grip, the system helps to reduce understeer and oversteer, allowing the driver to maintain better control of the vehicle. This is especially noticeable when cornering or making quick maneuvers. The intelligent AWD system in the Explorer ST works seamlessly with the vehicle's other performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension and electronic stability control. These systems work together to provide a confident and engaging driving experience in all types of conditions. The system also features a terrain management system with selectable drive modes, allowing the driver to optimize the vehicle's performance for specific types of terrain, such as sand, mud, or snow. This versatility makes the Explorer ST a capable choice for both on-road and off-road driving. In addition to its performance benefits, the AWD system in the 2021 Ford Explorer ST also provides an added sense of security and peace of mind. Knowing that the vehicle is constantly monitoring and adjusting its traction can help drivers feel more confident and in control, especially in challenging driving conditions. This can be particularly reassuring for families who frequently travel in areas with inclement weather.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Ford Explorer ST, you'll find a cabin designed with both comfort and technology in mind. The ST-specific sport seats offer excellent support and bolstering, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving. These seats often feature unique stitching and logos that add to the sporty aesthetic of the interior. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display that houses the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system is user-friendly and responsive, offering features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system also includes voice control, allowing you to operate various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The Explorer ST also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and prevent accidents, making the Explorer ST a safe and reliable choice for families. The interior of the Explorer ST is also designed to be practical and versatile. It offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it well-suited for long road trips or daily commutes. The second-row seats can be easily folded down to create even more cargo space, and the third-row seats are surprisingly spacious for an SUV in this class. In terms of materials and build quality, the Explorer ST offers a step up from the base Explorer models. The cabin features premium materials and finishes, giving it a more luxurious and refined feel. The attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, from the stitching on the seats to the design of the dashboard. The 2021 Ford Explorer ST also offers a range of optional features that can further enhance the interior experience. These include a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. These options allow you to customize the interior of the Explorer ST to your specific needs and preferences. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Ford Explorer ST is a well-designed and comfortable space that offers a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality. Whether you're driving across town or across the country, the Explorer ST provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Overall Driving Experience

The overall driving experience of the 2021 Ford Explorer ST AWD is one of its strongest selling points. The combination of the powerful EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension, and intelligent AWD system creates a vehicle that is both fun to drive and practical for everyday use. The acceleration is brisk, and the handling is surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its size. The Explorer ST feels planted and confident on the road, whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling winding backroads. The steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback and allowing you to feel connected to the road. The brakes are also strong and provide confident stopping power. One of the standout features of the Explorer ST is its ability to switch between a comfortable family SUV and a sporty performance vehicle with the push of a button. In Normal mode, the Explorer ST provides a smooth and comfortable ride, making it well-suited for long road trips or daily commutes. But when you switch to Sport mode, the Explorer ST transforms into a more aggressive and engaging machine. The transmission holds gears longer, the throttle response is sharpened, and the steering becomes more direct, creating a more immersive driving experience. The Explorer ST also offers a range of advanced driver-assistance features that help to enhance safety and convenience. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can help to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents, making the Explorer ST a safer and more enjoyable vehicle to drive. The 2021 Ford Explorer ST is also surprisingly quiet and refined on the inside. The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for passengers. The seats are also comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. Overall, the driving experience of the 2021 Ford Explorer ST is a well-balanced blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. It's a vehicle that is equally at home on the track and on the school run. If you're looking for an SUV that can do it all, the Explorer ST is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the 2021 Ford Explorer ST AWD is a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty SUV with ample power, all-weather capability, and a comfortable, tech-filled interior. It's a versatile vehicle that can handle daily family duties while providing an engaging driving experience. If you're in the market for a performance-oriented SUV, the Explorer ST should definitely be on your list! I hope this helps you guys! Safe driving!.