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Used 2021 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
11 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Overall, been a great vehicle

Sams Ford Review, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 02/24/2023
Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

We bought our 2020 Explorer XLT in November of 2019 when they were still giving killer deals on it. For the XLT, RWD, basically fully loaded, it was out the door for 36k. This is after the 10k incentives they threw in, 3k negotiated off the top and before the trade in for our car. Review written at 30k miles Pros: Drives great. We are used to german cars (audi, bmw, Merc, Vw) and have been impressed with this one overall. It handles well with daily driving and can be pushed on the hwy easily. Plenty of power from the 2.3 turbo. If you're not happy with it, theres plenty of tuners that can get another 60-85hp easily out of it. Very spacious inside and fits my family very well, PLUS, everything we need to haul (dads wheelchair, baby carriage, etc) MPG is great. We average 25mpg combined and I tend to push it harder than others would. The interior overall is very comfortable and it does well in the FL heat all day with the a/c. The car also looks amazing. We bought it in White with a black interior and they compliment eachother very well. Cons: Transmission isnt as clean as Id like it to be. Shifting from 1-2 is jerky, but not always. Its kind of odd. The trans does gear hunt a bit on roads, but on the hwy is phenomenal. Fit and finish leaves a bit to be desired. For what we paid, Im ok with it. If you paid full retail, I would be pissed. Brakes need to be reviewed. Theyre not bad, but for an suv this size, when loaded with people and cargo, its good not great at braking. We upgraded to carbon ceramic pads and the issue has disappeared. Dealerships arent that great with Ford. We're used to the brads I mentioned earlier which provide great service and customer support (MB is probably the BEST at this) while Fords service centers leave a bit to be desired. Communication is hit or miss with many, so if you find a good one, stick to them. OVERALL: This is a great family suv. I wouldnt go crazy with it and get the ones that have all the bells and whistles since I dont 100% think ford has it together when it comes to electronics, but they did a great job with the SUV and its pretty fun to drive and haul the family in. I would definitely buy it again.

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

4x4 XLT Ford Explorer

Lori, Radcliff, KY, 08/10/2021
Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful

I put 2,000 miles on it already and I haven't had no problems with mine. It drives great and wouldn't have any other vehicle. I love my 4x4 XLT

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
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2021 Ford Explorer for sale near you
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1 out of 5 stars

Multiple problems!!

Aly, Kansas City, KS, 01/20/2022
Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2021 Ford Explorer 11/2021. MULTIPLE problems come with it. Transmission jerks, Auto start/stop feature makes a thud and will jerk. Collision Assist function will randomly go off, Engine will grind or rattle, a burning smell, High oil pressure, and a loud ticking noise, which is constant, is just "normal" functions of the Ford Explorer. It has been in the shop 3 times for these issues because they aren't normal for any vehicle, except apperantly Ford. They ignore my emails and will answer phone calls but then direct me to email them, which they wont respond. I have had a terrible time with Ford. I may not have the nicest explorer but the explorer has many upgrades from just a normal XLT. Literally worst vehicle I have had and I had a 1998 Honda Accord with transmission problems (mainly occasional jerking when shifting, but will 300,000 miles). But my accord was still working better than this. I will never recommend a ford to anyone unless you want a vehicle to eventually break down and have constant problems.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Comfy, but noisy

Partially satisfied customer , Blacksburg, SC, 10/05/2021
Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful

The XLT with sports package looks great. The ride is comfortable but inside, it sounds like a 10 year old pickup when going down the road. The windows have to be let down equally in front and back if you don’t want a loud squealing sound as you ride along. A few tweaks could have been made be Ford to make this a much better and more impressive vehicle.

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

Terrific Rear Wheel Drive SUV

ValleyEarl, North Hollywood, CA, 01/06/2022
updated 07/08/2024
Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I'm amazed at the power this new 2021 2.3 turbo charged engine has! I had a wonderful 2018 Explorer XLT 6-cylinder with a great array of options -- and have grown to love the new 2021. The read-wheel drive makes it FUN to drive. All the safety features included make this the best Explorer ever.

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
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