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2021 Ford Explorer Timberline
Today Ford revealed the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline, a new trim level for the popular full-size SUV that offers a more rugged off-road appearance backed by engineering updates and new equipment to improve off-road performance. Ford claims that Timberline is the most off-road-capable Explorer ever due to increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, steel skidplates, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires and revised suspension.
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Rugged New Timberline
Ford differentiates this new Explorer Timberline from other versions via redesigned front and rear bumpers that increase approach and departure angles as well as steel skidplates. The front bumper incorporates Red Ember tow hooks and an accent stripe. The unique grille is finished in dark Carbonized Gray with a black Ford oval. Headlights and taillights feature blackout treatment. The LED fog lights are standard equipment, and the grille can accommodate dealer-installed Ford Performance auxiliary lights, including the needed wiring.
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Explorer Timberline Details
The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline launches with a new Forged Green Metallic exterior color. High-gloss painted aluminum wheels with a laser-etched Timberline logo get shod with Bridgestone Dueler P265/65R18 all-terrain tires. Timberline badges are positioned on the C-pillars and the liftgate, with Timberline logos molded into the bumpers.
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Get Out and Explore
“Ford is delivering on more capable SUVs with Timberline. Consumer data has shown us that now more than ever, customers want to get outside and explore nature with friends and family,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of the Americas & International Markets Group at the Ford Motor Company. “Timberline hits a new sweet spot with these customers who want an ideal combination of passenger space, moderate off-road capability and great manners around town,” Galhotra noted.
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Timberline Interior
Inside, the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline features a Deep Cypress color for the seats, door panels and center armrest. The dash trim has a Stone Mesh pattern with Satin Silver Twilight trim for the center console, steering wheel and doors. The seats have easy-to-clean ActiveX and cloth inserts that hold occupants in position over rough terrain. The seats, steering wheel and doors receive Deep Tangerine stitching, and the front seats include Timberline logos. Heated front seats are standard as well as a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rubber floor liners complete the package.
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Off-Road Capability
To increase the off-road capability of the 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline, ride height increases by 0.8 inch thanks to the addition of heavy-duty shocks — originally developed for the Explorer Police Interceptor — and taller Bridgestone Dueler tires. Combined with the revised front fascias, Explorer Timberline’s off-road specs include an approach angle of 23.5 degrees, a maximum departure angle of 23.7 degrees and minimum ride height of 8.7 inches. In addition to the visible front and rear skidplates, steel skidplates also protect the engine and transmission. The SUV’s steering, stabilizer bars and springs are all specially tuned for Explorer Timberline, including a new front rebound spring that helps mitigate sudden jarring in off-road conditions. A Class III Trailer Tow Package is standard, and Explorer Timberline is rated at 5,300 pounds of towing capacity.
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Under the Hood
The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline is powered by Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard intelligent four-wheel drive automatically adjusts torque between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions. The standard rear Torsen limited-slip differential delivers torque to the wheel with the best available traction. Explorer’s Terrain Management System features seven drive modes including Trail and Deep Snow/Sand. Hill descent control will maintain a set speed between 2 and 12 mph as selected by the driver.
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Driver Assistance
The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline driver assistance includes Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ including intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and speed sign recognition, lane centering, evasive steering assist and voice-activated touchscreen navigation. A 360-degree camera is standard, and the front camera view assists the driver off-road when cresting a hill or negotiating obstacles.
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Outfitters Packages
Ford will offer three Outfitters packages for Explorer Timberline: Outfitters SkyBox, Outfitters MegaWarrior and Outfitters FrontLoader. All three packages include all-weather floor mats, crossbars and selected Yakima rooftop accessories to accommodate more equipment.
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On-Sale Date
The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline is available to order now and scheduled to arrive at dealers in summer 2021. (And don’t be too surprised if Ford adds Timberline versions for other models.)
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