2021 Ford Explorer updates off-road features

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According to Ford, Explorer owners reported a 56-percent increase in off-road use over the last three years. For those who are chomping to get off road, the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline might fit the bill! Learn more at any Earnhardt Auto Centers location, especially Earnhardt Ford in Chandler.

Photo credit: Earnhardt Auto Centers Facebook

Ford dubs its latest Explorer Timberlane as the “most off-road-capable Explorer ever.” Rugged Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires and a mild suspension lift add .8 inch to the Explorer’s ground clearance for a total of 8.7 inches, says Motortrend in a review. In addition, revised bumper fascias improve the vehicle’s approach and departure angles to 23.5 and 23.7 degrees. And an extensive set of steel skid plates protects the Explorer’s underside.

Other optimizations include updates to the power steering calibration, new anti-roll bar and spring rates, and heavy-duty shocks. In addition, a Torsen rear differential helps the rear tire with the best grip to get the most torque. And an improved terrain-management system offers seven modes, including Trail and Deep Snow/Sand.

The Explorer Timberline comes with the SUV’s base engine, a turbocharged 2.30-liter inline-four with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, says Car and Driver in a review. A towing package comes standard and the Explorer Timberline offers a tow rating of 5300 pounds, according to Ford.

With recognizable Timberline colors and logos, this vehicle promises a stylish ride. Inside, the Explorer Timberline features “easy-cleaning” vinyl and cloth seats in a deep cypress green shade with tangerine accent stitching, Motortrend notes. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard, along with Ford’s full Co-Pilot 260 Assist+ suite of safety and driver-assist tools, including adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and speed-sign recognition and lane centering.

Get to know the Ford Explorer Timberline, or all other Ford Explorer trim levels, and take a test drive soon at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler. Or shop online at Earnhardt Auto Centers anytime!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.