Cheaper Explorer ST model coming

[T-dubz]

https://fordauthority.com/2021/04/2021-ford-explorer-enthusiast-st-offers-st-performance-at-lower-price/

 

The new Enthusiast ST starts around 48k. The article mentions a bunch of things it comes with but I didn’t see it mention how it differs from the regular ST. It would have been nice to see them drop some more content to make it even cheaper. It would be awesome if they would make an XLT with the ST appearance package and engine in the low 40’s.

[rmc523]

16 minutes ago, T-dubz said:

https://fordauthority.com/2021/04/2021-ford-explorer-enthusiast-st-offers-st-performance-at-lower-price/

 

The new Enthusiast ST starts around 48k. The article mentions a bunch of things it comes with but I didn’t see it mention how it differs from the regular ST. It would have been nice to see them drop some more content to make it even cheaper. It would be awesome if they would make an XLT with the ST appearance package and engine in the low 40’s.

 

https://www.autoblog.com/2021/04/08/2021-ford-explorer-updates/

 

Thankfully, the best parts of the ST stick around for the Enthusiast ST. It features the same powertrain, including the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All the mechanicals are carryover, meaning the Enthusiast ST should drive and handle exactly like the regular ST. It’ll also look exactly the same (seen in red above), as Ford ensures onlookers won’t know you bought “the cheap one.” 

But what do you lose? The main items lost are many of those found in Ford’s 401A equipment package. There’s no more 12-speaker B&O audio system, heated second row, 360-degree camera, navigation or wireless charging pad. Ford didn’t spell everything out in its announcement, but we asked for a more detailed list of all the equipment differences. Other omissions include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and Active Park Assist 2.0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, the hybrid is being offered on the Platinum, which also gains a RWD only option.

[bzcat]

RWD Platinum makes sense since Ford made RWD King Ranch which is basically the same thing just different interior trim. And the lack of Platinum hybrid was a weird omission from the start.

 

Cheaper ST is interesting move. ST was basically fully optioned Limited with different suspension and 3.0 EB. So the new "base" ST sounds like it will be equipped exactly like the Limited without options. 

 

I wonder if Ford really should just introduce the ST Line concept here in the US... how many people asking for cheaper ST really just want the ST look and are ok with 2.3 EB?

[bzcat]

The two articles posted so far didn't make it clear... the new base ST model is RWD only.

 

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-ford-explorer-enthusiast-st-platinum-rwd-hybrid-price/

 

ST Enthusiast is RWD so Ford is just normalizing the line up after King Ranch 3.0 EB RWD was introduced last month. 3.0 EB used to require AWD when Explorer launched 2 years ago. Now it is available in RWD or AWD in all 3 trim levels. You can add back all the equipment removed from the AWD ST in ST Enthusiasts. 

 

2020 model: 3.0 EB AWD ST or Platinum (ST was similar to optioned out Limited AWD in equipment level but with sport suspension)

 

2021 model: 3.0 EB available in RWD or AWD on ST, King Ranch, or Platinum (ST RWD now more closely mirror Limited in standard equipment)

 

And remember, King Ranch and Platinum are similar in equipment. The only difference is interior theme and color. 

 

Base 100A 2.3EB RWD $32,450 / AWD $34,450

XLT 200A 2.3EB RWD $34,225 / AWD $36,225

Limited 300A 2.3EB RWD $45,005 / AWD $47,005

Limited 310A 3.3 HEV RWD $49,855 / AWD $51,855

 

ST 400A 3.0 EB RWD $49,995 / 401A AWD $52,830

KR 501A 3.0 EB RWD $52,350 / AWD $54,350

Platinum 501A 3.0 EB RWD $52,480 / AWD $54,480 

Platinum 510A 3.3 HEV RWD $53,085 / AWD $55,080

Edited April 8, 2021 by bzcat

[ice-capades]

1 hour ago, bzcat said:

The two articles posted so far didn't make it clear... the new base ST model is RWD only.

 

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-ford-explorer-enthusiast-st-platinum-rwd-hybrid-price/

 

ST Enthusiast is RWD so Ford is just normalizing the line up after King Ranch 3.0 EB RWD was introduced last month. 3.0 EB used to require AWD when Explorer launched 2 years ago. Now it is available in RWD or AWD in all 3 trim levels. You can add back all the equipment removed from the AWD ST in ST Enthusiasts. 

 

2020 model: 3.0 EB AWD ST or Platinum (ST was similar to optioned out Limited AWD in equipment level but with sport suspension)

 

2021 model: 3.0 EB available in RWD or AWD on ST, King Ranch, or Platinum (ST RWD now more closely mirror Limited in standard equipment)

 

And remember, King Ranch and Platinum are similar in equipment. The only difference is interior theme and color. 

 

Base 100A 2.3EB RWD $32,450 / AWD $34,450

XLT 200A 2.3EB RWD $34,225 / AWD $36,225

Limited 300A 2.3EB RWD $45,005 / AWD $47,005

Limited 310A 3.3 HEV RWD $49,855 / AWD $51,855

 

ST 400A 3.0 EB RWD $49,995 / 401A AWD $52,830

KR 501A 3.0 EB RWD $52,350 / AWD $54,350

Platinum 501A 3.0 EB RWD $52,480 / AWD $54,480 

Platinum 510A 3.3 HEV RWD $53,085 / AWD $55,080

 

The information/specifications are in the updated 2021 Explorer Order Guide that I uploaded to the Dealer Order Guides section. 

[bzcat]

45 minutes ago, ice-capades said:

 

The information/specifications are in the updated 2021 Explorer Order Guide that I uploaded to the Dealer Order Guides section. 

 

So according to the order guide ST 400A is still AWD not RWD per Motortrend article. Not the first time they got the details wrong. Also, my mistake in thinking Platinum hybrid is standard RWD. It is in fact AWD only so $53,085 is all-in. 

 

Also, ST 400A is based on XLT High (202A) whereas ST 401A was based on Limited High 301A. So there is a huge step down in standard equipment in the ST if you don't opt for the "High" series (401A)