Ford Debuts Explorer King Ranch Between ST and Platinum Trims

By Michael S. Palmer - February 24, 2021

Looking for an Explorer with the quicker engine, acres of Del Rio leather, and a little touch of Texas? Check out the 2021 Explorer King Ranch.

Watch out, F-Series and Expeditions, y’all have a new King Ranch cousin joining the Ford lineup this spring. Born two decades after the King Ranch brand first adorned the 2001 F-150 King Ranch, the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch will roll into dealerships this spring with a $52,350 starting MSRP.

Priced between the performance-oriented Explorer ST and the luxurious Explorer Platinum, the King Ranch trim is the first explorer to offer the sporty 3.0-liter EcoBoost in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Much like the Platinum’s powerplant, this EcoBoost pumps out 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (versus 400hp & 415 lb.-ft of torque for the Explorer ST). You can also opt for four-wheel-drive, which costs an additional $2,000.

For those unfamiliar with the Ford and King Ranch partnership, imagine a luxury truck — or in this case SUV — with a touch of Texas. Two-tone brown leather and dozens of little King Ranch Running W logos. It’s effectively a slightly louder version of various Platinum-level Fords. Having driven a few myself, they typically offer a nice combination of creature comforts and amenities. (Plus, Ford’s leather quality has really improved in the last few years.)

The Explorer King Ranch cabin also features “leather door trim rollovers, genuine Sapele wood instrument panel appliqués, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel with Norias stitching and a Sapele wood insert.”

If technology is more your thing, you might want to upgrade to the “Premium Technology Package featuring multi-contour seats with active motion massaging functionality, a 10.1-inch center stack portrait touch screen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capability as well as a 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen specially tuned to Explorer’s interior.”

Key Features

3.0-liter EcoBoost (365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque)
Standard RWD (optional 4WD)
Del Rio two-tone leather seating
Real wood appliqués
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus
20-inch aluminum wheels
Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
Towing capability of up to 5,600 pounds
Liftgate scuff plate
Quad chrome exhaust tips
Optional Premium Technology Package with massaging front seats, a 10.1-inch center stack portrait touch screen & and a 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen

Pricing & Availability

Ford says the Explorer King Ranch edition will “start at $52,350 MSRP for rear-wheel-drive configuration and $54,350 MSRP for four-wheel drive. It will be available in dealerships this spring.”