The New Ford Explorer Timberline Edition

 As we all know, SUVs are becoming more and more popular across North America, in fact Canada’s market has grown over 20% for SUV sales jumping from over 30% of the market to now over 50%. So what are manufactures doing to pull in those extra sales?

Well, for Ford this means bringing more off-road capable models to their already large selection of SUVs. Today we are talking about the Ford Explorer Timberline edition.

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline

As an overall package, the Timberline will have better ground clearance, a more rugged look, bigger tires, and plenty of space for you and the family or friends. 

Underneath, the Timberline adds 0.8-inches of ground clearance by changing out the OE suspension with a more off-road orientated version out of the Explorer Police Interceptor. Combined with the suspension, Ford has given the Timberline a set of Bridgestone Dueler tires, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and steel skid plates that carry from the front of the truck all the way to the back.

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline

Under the hood, the Timberline uses the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine making 300hp and 310 lb.-ft of torque. The automatic 10-speed transmission behind that combined with the AWD drivetrain will allow the Explorer Timberline to tow up to 5,300 pounds, great for all toys you might bring with you on an off-road adventure. The Timberline will also feature more electronic controls that include a Trail and Deep Snow/Sand mode, along with standard Hill Decent Control which allows for the Explorer Timberline to hold a constant speed between 3 and 19km/h when going, well, down a hill. 

The exterior of the Timberline is quite cool. For starters, the Timberline will feature all-black accents which always looks good and will come in a new Forged Metallic Green color with black 18-inch aluminum wheels. Scattered throughout the exterior will be Timberline logos and, on the front and rear will be Red Ember tow hooks. The blacked-out front grill will also feature pre-cut provisions and a wiring harness for OE+ Ford Performance light bars that can output up to 160,000 candelas of light (2.5 times brighter than the high beams).

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline

The interior also gets the Timberline treatment. Ford has thrown a plethora of Timberline logos on different parts of the interior but, they have also added some upgrades including a Deep Cypress trim color, A, B and C-pillar grab handles and a moonroof shade. For the seats, Ford has given the Timberline ActiveX seat trim which allows for easy cleaning should they get dirty, while also keeping you in-place when bouncing around off-road. While on the topic of staying clean, the Timberline will come standard with Rubber floor mats. 

Other key features include, heated seats, heated steering wheel, a touch screen (good luck with that when off-road), and all the other driver assisted commodities we have come to expect in new vehicles.

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline

Overall, I think Ford has done a tremendous job lately introducing more off-road capable vehicles in their lineup. The Explorer Timberline is only one of many others including the Bronco’s, F-150 Raptor, and Ranger Tremor. With obviously more to come from Ford in the off-road department, I look forward to seeing how they will introduce more orientated vehicles to people who seek freedom from the city and try to get off the beaten path. 

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline Specs:

Engine/Drivetrain

• 2.3l EcoBoost 
• 300hp and 310 lb.-ft 
• 10-speed Automatic
• AWD

Undercarriage

• Skid plates
• .8-inches Of Additional Travel
• Front and Rear Tow Hooks

Towing Capacity

• 5,300-pounds

Features

• Trail, Deep Snow/Sand Drive Modes
• Hill Descent Control
• LED Lights in Grill