2021 Ford Explorer Timberline Preview
Arriving in dealers this summer, Ford has debuted a new dedicated off-road version of the popular Explorer called the Timberline. As Explorer owners have been increasingly taking their vehicles off-road, Ford has ensured that the Timberline version can take customers to even more out of the way locales. To that end, the Timberline has increased ground clearance along with improved approach and departure angles as well as steel skid plates.
Other features unique to the Explorer Timberline include a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. The ride height is raised 0.8 inch due to off-road-capable heavy-duty shocks that were originally developed for the Explorer Police Interceptor. In addition, a Terrain Management System comes standard and has 7 drive modes including Trail and Deep Snow/Sand, Hill Descent Control also comes standard. Customers planning to do an extensive amount of off-road driving will appreciate the approach angle of 23.5 degrees and maximum departure angle of 23.7 degrees as well as the ground clearance of 8.7 inches for traversing unpaved roads and uneven trails.
On the performance front, all Timberlines come with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Potential owners who plan to pull their powersports vehicles or trailers can tow up to 5,300 pounds with the Timberline. As for lighting, there are LED fog lamps while the front grille can accommodate dealer-installed Ford Performance auxiliary lights with an output of 160,000 candelas to brighten trails at night.
Inside, there are standard rubber floor liners that help keep the carpet clean during off-roading while the seats are trimmed with ActiveX material and cloth inserts for easy cleaning and to stop passengers from sliding over rough terrain. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Speed Sign Recognition, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist and a navigation system come standard along with a 360-degree camera that can give a view of obstacles around the Explorer on tough trails.
With the Timberline, Ford clearly intends for the Explorer to appeal to even more families as people have been spending more time outdoors due to the pandemic. We think customers will appreciate the rugged look of the Timberline and the additional capabilities when compared with the standard Explorer. Any person who opts to check out the Explorer Timberline this summer will likely come away with a positive impression of what they see.
