X

2021 Ford Explorer prices decline for new model year

Ford's big SUV is actually cheaper for the new model year.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
2021 Ford Explorer

Definitely wait for the 2021 model.

Ford

The 2021 Ford Explorer will be a better deal for those shopping three-row SUVs .

Prices released via Ford's order guide show the base Explorer receives a $540 price cut and a final cost of $33,470 after a $1,245 destination charge. The bigger change comes from the volume-selling Explorer XLT trim. The SUV when fitted with either rear-wheel drive now costs $35,245. The outgoing model checks in at $38,170, reflecting a nearly $3,000 price decrease. The savings continue to the all-wheel drive model, too.

The cuts continue to the Explorer Limited models. Buyers will find a $45,955 starting price for the more luxurious SUV, compared to $49,625 -- a price cut of $3,670. Adding AWD reveals a price of $47,345, which still reflects the same $3,670 discount compared to the outgoing Explorer. If you want the hybrid powertrain here, good news as well; Ford dropped the price $2,675, or $2,875 when selecting AWD.

Moving into the upper rings of the Explorer portfolio, the ST model costs $2,135 less at $53,850 and the range-topping Explorer Platinum sees a $3,770 price reduction and now runs $55,725 -- a pretty large drop compared to the SUV's current $59,495 price tag.

Ford confirmed the prices with Roadshow but didn't comment further. While the Explorer remains a steady seller for Ford, the SUV's launch was anything but perfect. These price changes likely reflect a more realistic expectation, too. We always felt the upper trims were a tad expensive, especially noting how lovely of a vehicle the Lincoln Aviator is.

Hustle along in the 2020 Ford Explorer ST

See all photos
Watch this: 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid: A new way to haul