The ride quality changes are also curious. But I do wish that the smoother, torquier 365-hp, turbo V-6 from the Explorer Platinum were available, if not the ST’s 400-hp unit.Ģ022 Ford Expedition Timberline | Manufacturer image AWD is standard on the Timberline, and the 10-speed automatic transmission does a good job keeping the engine in its power band with smooth enough shifts that it doesn’t feel like it’s hunting at all. It’s EPA-rated at 19/23/21 mpg city/highway/combined, which isn’t great, especially considering a standard all-wheel-drive four-cylinder Explorer is rated at 20/27/23 mpg. It delivers decent acceleration at the expense of fuel economy, however - my week with the SUV netted just 20 mpg combined. That boosted little four-cylinder, the same one you’ll find under the hood of Ford’s Mustang sports car and Ranger mid-size pickup, works its heart out for you. That’s not to say it’s slow - I’d call the four-cylinder Explorer adequately powered, with decent acceleration and smooth highway operation. On-road, what used to be one of my favorite SUVs to drive in Platinum or ST ( especially in ST) trims is now less enjoyable because of noisier, knobby off-road tires, steering that’s not as sharp due to the taller sidewalls and acceleration that’s not as quick due to being equipped only with the base 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The changes that create the Timberline have something of a mixed effect on the Explorer.
It’s obviously not a super-capable, purposeful off-roader like a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler, but it looks to have meaningful upgrades to help it survive in the woods better than other versions of the Explorer, including the road-rocket ST trim.
The look is appropriately butch and outdoorsy, especially when painted in the beautiful dark Forged Green Metallic that my test vehicle came in. There are also unique LED foglamps, orange front tow hooks and a gray-painted grille with a prewired electrical harness for adding your own driving lamps. The Timberline is identifiable thanks to its black high-gloss painted wheels that feature a Timberline logo, blacked-out headlamps and taillamps, a black Ford oval logo and badging on the C-pillars and rear hatch. Related: 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline: Ford’s Off-Pavement Answer to Cabin FeverĢ021 Ford Explorer Timberline | photo by Aaron Bragman
#SPIN TIRES MAP MODS MODS#
But are they any good to drive? Have the mods made them any more capable, or are these visual trim packages only? We had a long spin behind the wheel of the new 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline, and came away with mixed feelings. This has led to spikes in camping, state park attendance, travel trailer sales and interest by customers in vehicles that can get them there while towing these trailers.įord has responded with the new Timberline trim for the Explorer and Expedition SUVs, upping the off-road ability of its stalwart SUVs a bit while adding a dash of pine-scented outdoorsy style. Some of that has been driven by the coronavirus pandemic, as we’ve been told that the safest places for recreation are out in the wilderness, away from other people. Half a dozen new trims have appeared in the past few years catering to a new push by millenials and zoomers to get outside and into the woods. If you’re noticing that a lot of automakers are up with outdoorsy-themed trim levels for what were previously on-road-focused SUVs, then kudos to you for paying attention.