Some questions on a 2021 Ford Explorer Purchase

[Bluesnake01]

Couple of things, the Platinum is more expensive vs the ST, option for option and starting price...
As stated.. both have the same exact drivetrain with a different final gear ratio....

The comparison is strictly with the Platinum vs the ST as they're near identical, 99% identical. If you want slight speed, grab the ST, if you want smooth/comfort, go for the Platinum. Want both? Platinum with tune as they both make the same exact power tuned in the same Explorer package. Not exactly apples to oranges comparisons with 2-4x price difference nor "thousands of dollars" need to be spend for mods. It's literally apples to apples comparisons.

 

[DoraAExplorer]

Is Ford going to warranty the tune? No, will Ford use the aftermarket tune that you have on your Explorer to deny any and every engine related warranty claim you submit? Yes

What I believe you are stating is that you want the ride of the Platinum with the engine tune of the ST. Ford does not offer this combination, but the Aviator does. The Aviator is the most luxurious and powerful of this platform.

 

[Bluesnake01]

That is 100% correct! The Aviator is best of both worlds.
Regarding warranty, 5* tunes can offer a warranty IF you ever need go that route, so there are options.

There's also a Ford performance tune in the works.... Probably wont be available till next year but itll be backed 100% by Ford warranty

 

[DoraAExplorer]

^Yes if Ford Performance releases it then it would be covered under warranty. I would love a Cobb solution for the Explorer that was supported by Ford.

 

[quickfix]

If I wanted that engine I'd go for the Platinum and invest in a tuner. Luxury and power.

 

[honky]

Somewhere along the line, you're gonna have to make a decision. I have this feeling that if you buy the ST and don't like it--that you can find someone with a Platinum that will make an even swap with you (for their own reasons). As such, since you seem to be like many of my friends that can't make a decision--I've taken the liberty of making it for you and it is--the ST. Now you have someone to blame if it doesn't measure up--and, a way out. Get off the billfold and get it done!

 

[BarCode]

Is there a noticeable difference in power between the 2.3 Eco Boost ( Explorer/XLT/LTD) and the Platinum, with the 3.0 V-6?

I drove both and got the Platinum. The 3.0 is a bit faster than 2.3 but also remember the AWD cars are bit heaver too. The 2.3 is quick but just can't get over the 4 cyl sound and the 2.3 still has that lurching issue.

 

[honky]

Couple of things, the Platinum is more expensive vs the ST, option for option and starting price...
As stated.. both have the same exact drivetrain with a different final gear ratio....

The comparison is strictly with the Platinum vs the ST as they're near identical, 99% identical. If you want slight speed, grab the ST, if you want smooth/comfort, go for the Platinum. Want both? Platinum with tune as they both make the same exact power tuned in the same Explorer package. Not exactly apples to oranges comparisons with 2-4x price difference nor "thousands of dollars" need to be spend for mods. It's literally apples to apples comparisons.

What we have overlooked here is the different final gear ratio that you mention. Do you know what the ratio is for both models? If so, what is it? For a driver that is going to put thousands of highway miles on it--it could be the decider because of gas mileage. For those of us that don't care about mileage but put acceleration first--it's also important. For example, a 3.8 axle should return better gas mileage than a 4.0. But, the 4.0 axle may deliver quicker acceleration times all other things being equal. So, the ratios are ???

 

[Dale5403]

What we have overlooked here is the different final gear ratio that you mention. Do you know what the ratio is for both models? If so, what is it? For a driver that is going to put thousands of highway miles on it--it could be the decider because of gas mileage. For those of us that don't care about mileage but put acceleration first--it's also important. For example, a 3.8 axle should return better gas mileage than a 4.0. But, the 4.0 axle may deliver quicker acceleration times all other things being equal. So, the ratios are ???

Pretty sure that all new Explorers have a final ratio of 3.58

 

[I bleed Ford Blue]

Pretty sure that all new Explorers have a final ratio of 3.58

That's what came in my ST

 

[DoraAExplorer]

That's what came in my ST

And none have limited slips

 

[2012 Ford Explorer]

For the 2 whining about what they have currently. Im not gonna quote because im not putting anyone on the block. You should stop. Some people want only the 2011 to 2021 body style Explorers but cannot afford one. Be happy you even have a car. And on that happy note. If you want looks the ST looks beautiful. In fact i would get one if i had the chance mostly the atlas blue and black rims.

 

[2012 Ford Explorer]

May i ask. Why the hell are automakers so damn greedy? They literally sell millions of cars yet just keep jacking the price up?

 

[Exit32]

Pretty sure that all new Explorers have a final ratio of 3.58

According to the 2021 Ford Explorer Order Guide:

• Base, XLT, Limited, and ST get 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle (RWD and 4WD)
• Hybrid gets 3.73 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle (4WD only)
• Platinum gets 3.31 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle

 

[Dale5403]

According to the 2021 Ford Explorer Order Guide:

• Base, XLT, Limited, and ST get 3.58 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle (RWD and 4WD)
• Hybrid gets 3.73 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle (4WD only)
• Platinum gets 3.31 Non-Limited-Slip Rear Axle

I stand corrected. Good catch.

 

[peterk9]

May i ask. Why the hell are automakers so damn greedy? They literally sell millions of cars yet just keep jacking the price up?

Probably because the costs of various materials keep going up. Nothing new there.

Peter

 

[2012 Ford Explorer]

Hey peterk9 im honestly not surprised. All companies want is money money money

 

[bcarlson]

When you look at modern engines, especially turbo-charged engines, you need to look at both the torque curve and the horsepower, and compare it to your normal driving . Torque is what makes an engine feel powerful in most normal driving situations. Max horsepower is what makes you feel good when justifying the money you spent.

For example, I had a BMW 328 with a 2.0L engine rated at 245 HP, but BMW designed the boost so that you reach max torque by only 1500 rpm. Since most folks drive a lot in the 1500-4500 rpm range, it really felt peppy in normal driving when you need to merge into traffic. It also got great gas mileage because you didn’t need much throttle in normal city driving .

There is a web site where they have documented the torque and horsepower curves for many current cars. If you are interested in a comparison, I would search for it and see what they have on the current Ford engines.

 

[honky]

Well, Bluesnakes01:
Some of us are not waiting in great anticipation--but, what are you going to do?
Honky.

 

[peterk9]

Well, Bluesnakes01:
Some of us are not waiting in great anticipation--but, what are you going to do?
Honky.

I think you're asking the wrong member. He already has a 2020 Platinum. Member msg is the thread starter and is looking for assistance on a 2021.

Peter