Skip to main content

Used 2021 Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example
3 out of 5 stars

A lot of money to have trouble already

Vernon, Dexter, MO, 06/11/2021
Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

Bought the 21 ST new, after 4K miles got a bad rattle under the front of the vehicle that you can feel even over small bumps and when braking, my old truck has under carriage damage and makes the same noise, seen plenty of people complain about this on other sites seems Ford knows it. I traded a 18 limited for this and it never had these problems

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

2 out of 5 stars

Explorer ST-Good for cops but not the public.

JayC, Novi, MI, 05/04/2021
Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
55 of 65 people found this review helpful

Your money would be spent better elsewhere. The electronics are horrible in this. The radio stations don't change and lock up all the time and Sync is slow and sporatic. You listen and do what Ford wants, not what you want. The vehicle hits the brakes all the time when backing without a soul around. The ride is absolutely terrible here in Michigan-you feel every expansion joint and every bump and then some in this. I watch my passengers shake while driving. Not a long hauler or daily driver. This family vehicle is begging for some kind of ride control. It's embarrassing having spent so much for this. The plastic trim is coming off around the wheel wells and isn't painted without an option to paint. The street pack 21s are too big for this vehicle-too much unsprung weight. The power is there though. It is a strong puller but you pay at all the pumps. Don't even think of getting 20mpg to the gallon. Not happening. Try 17-18 driving mellow. The seats are not sporty and there's very little bolster support. Steering feels very heavy. Wind and road noise are there, not overwhelming but there. Cheap plastic interior abounds. B & O stereo is good though but not liking the non-integrated ipad someone just threw in there which doesn't work well at all. The HVAC and wipers work well if the electrical is working. Lots of space to put spare parts. Been in for repairs for electronic and tranny related issues. Fingers crossed.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
2021 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 112 listings
See all 112 listings

5 out of 5 stars

Pilot or Explorer

Rick Bernard, Bessemer, AL, 12/17/2020
Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
61 of 73 people found this review helpful

Had a 2019 Honda Touring awd. Traded on Explorer ST awd In comparison the Explorer has a more stylish interior, more room, better seating, better backup camera, auto hold brakes, way better stereo, Fords Auto adaptive cruise control will bring you to a stop. Honda disengages at 20mph. Explorer looks mean on outside blacked out. paid 10,000 more but have 400hp and everything I described. The ST wont disappoint. What I dont like us the lack of gauges displayed in the digital dash. no oil, volts, trans temp only in tow mode. no launch control.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

What a Ride!

CLH Drussel, Meridian, ID, 12/07/2021
updated 06/12/2023
Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

We have the ST Explorer which has been SO fun to drive. We did the ST experience in Park City, UT, which was courtesy of Ford. It was a great course which helped us have a lot of confidence in ourselves as drivers, but also with what this vehicle can handle! It can screech around sharp curves and barely even lean because it is so stable. It has excellent steering and braking capabilities as well as a very powerful 400 hp engine. We took it off road where it has great traction, where each tire is communicating with the others for extra traction and stability. We've used all the modes; the Sport mode for extra get up and go, Normal for city driving, Wet/Slick/Icy for traction, Off Road, Eco for short trips. They've all been great. It's a very responsive vehicle with many comfort additions built in such as heated and cooled front seats, heated second row seats, and massage for the front seats as well. Massage has been awesome when I've done something to strain my back! We love the screen. Ford put a lot of options back into the "regular" type of controls, but we love having the big screen for navigation! It is beautiful at night, too. This is our second Explorer since the body change. We loved the Ecoboost engine of the previous model, but we are really appreciating the response and energy built into this vehicle. This Explorer continues to be an awesome SUV. It has been trouble-free. It handles so well and has such a powerful engine that it makes it fun to drive especially on long drives. We've had this SUV for two years now and still love it. Its handling, responsiveness and comfort are still wonderful!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Our 3rd Explorer and they still keep improving

Nate J, Mishawaka, IN, 09/09/2021
Ford Explorer ST 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful

We’ve had a 2013 Limited which was a great vehicle and LOADED with features. Then we got a 2017 Explorer Sport with all those features and a twin turbo 365HP engine. We didn’t think it could get better til we test drove the new Explorer ST with 400HP and way more interior space for the family. The new set up inside the cabin is more convenient and well thought out to maximize space and increased leg room. The twin turbo engine has multiple driving modes from “eco” mode (low power/high gas mileage) to “sport” mode (lots of power/lack of gas mileage… but who buys a twin turbo SUV and worries about gas mileage). We test drove Durangos, Traverse/Acadias, and some foreign luxury 3 row SUVs. None could compete with the features for the price of the Ford.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
5