Ford Dials up the Explorer SUV's Off-Road Capabilities With a Timberline Edition

Ford has geared up its Explorer SUV with greater off-road capabilities for 2021 with a new Timberline model.

To better equip the SUV to tackle harsh terrains, the American automaker started by raising the ground clearance of the new Explorer variant, lifting it up to 8.7 inches and improving both its approach and departure angles by 23.5 degrees and 23.7 degrees respectively. A Torsen limited-slip rear differential makes sure the car retains traction and grip when sending power through the rear wheels, while a Terrain Management System offers seven different drive modes catered to your specific needs, including settings such as Trail or Deep Snow/Sand.

There’s also a range of upgrades to the exterior as well, including LED fog lamps, a Carbonized Gray grille with auxiliary lights, Red Ember tow hooks, and gloss black aluminum wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. As for power, the Explorer Timberline carries a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can push out 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. That’ll translate to a towing capacity of roughly 5,300 pounds with its Class III towing package.

For those interested, Ford’s new Explorer Timberline will begin arriving at dealerships this summer, with a starting price of  $47,010 USD.

Elsewhere in the automotive world, Bentley has confirmed that its first fully electric vehicle will be an SUV.