2021 Ford Explorer Platinum vs. ST
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum and 2021 Ford Explorer ST contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum and the 2021 Ford Explorer ST.
When comparing the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum's and the 2021 Ford Explorer ST's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Ford Explorer ST has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum and 2021 Ford Explorer ST have the same interior volume, overall quality score Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum's and the 2021 Ford Explorer ST's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum is a better car than the 2021 Ford Explorer ST.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum ranges from $33,197 to $44,899 while a used 2021 Ford Explorer ST is priced between $34,994 to $45,477.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum and the 2021 Ford Explorer ST both lose 47.6 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10. Ford Explorer is ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 out of 39 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum’s base engine makes 365 horsepower, and the 2021 Ford Explorer ST base engine makes 400 horsepower. The Platinum is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 525 miles. The ST is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. This gives the 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Ford Explorer ST. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$52,730
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$49,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$39,185
Price Range:
$33,197 - $44,899
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
213
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40,148
# Good or Great Deals:
60
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,309
Price Range:
$34,994 - $45,477
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
539
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
43,892
# Good or Great Deals:
176
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Explorer ST
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, Timberline, XLT
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Timberline, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
380 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.078 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 525 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4701 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4701 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
199.3 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
21.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/45R21
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
