Ford News: Jeep Challenge is on as Ford Grows Rugged SUV Lineup!

[G. David Felt]

The 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline edition is the most off-road capable Explorer ever due to increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, steel skid plates, Torsen limited-slip differential, Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, new shocks, springs and stabilizer bars.

The Timberline sports a functional, capable appearance with unique front and rear styling combined with three rows of seating for everyone.

Fords marketing data shows that over the last 10 years, SUVs have jumped to command 55% of the U.S. Market with sales growing from 4.6 million units in 2011 to 7.8 million for 2020. This same Ford data is saying that owners are reporting a 56% increase in off-road use over the last 3 years alone. Timberline was built to give customers more confidence and capability to get to the their next adventure be it fishing or a remote off the beaten path spot.

A second very important trend is the data showing people are now participating in more outdoor activities and adventures than before due to the pandemic. 40% of all Americans surveyed say they spent more time outdoors since the pandemic began.

The Ford Explorer Timberline off-road credibility starts with Ford's standard intelligent four-wheel drive. A system that automatically adjusts torque between the wheels based on conditions and driver inputs delivering best traction, pre-empting wheel slip with proper application of torque per wheel.

Ford continues the off-road passion with the following details:

• Intelligent four-wheel drive
• Torsen Limited-slip rear differential
• Terrain Management System featuring seven drive modes (based on 2020 version, could be different on the 2021)
  • Normal mode
  • Eco mode
  • Sport mode
  • Slippery mode
  • Deep Snow and Sand mode
  • Trail mode
  • Tow/Haul mode
• Standard Hill Descent Control for constant speed control between 2 to 12 mph maximum
• Timberline capability
  • Heavy duty steel skid plates
  • Enhanced steering calibration
  • Heavy duty stabilizer bars and springs tuned for the Timberline
    • Includes exclusive rebound springs in the front to prevent sudden jarring off-road
  • Heavy Duty Shocks raises the ride height 0.8 inches (Developed for the Explorer Police Interceptor)
  • Bridgestone Dueler P265/65R-18 All-Terrain tires
  • Approach angle of 23.5 degrees and departure angle of 23.7 degrees
  • Minimum ground clearance of 8.7 inches
• EcoBoost 2.3L engine producing 300 HP and 310 lb/ft of torque paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission giving a 5,300 lb towing capability.

Ford only states a couple modes in their press release and as such it could be using the same 7 modes from the 2020 Explorer, but since this is the Timberline edition of rugged off-road prowess, it could be using the Bronco 7 G.O.A.T. modes which stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. This would be the first 5 listed above and then would include a Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes for the final two. Either way you will have a very capable off-road SUV.

The Explorer Timberline edition launches a new Forged Green Metallic exterior color with a blackout treatment and red ember tow hooks rated at 150% gross vehicle weight. Ford has already incorporated a heavy duty wiring harness that allows Fords wide dealer network to install Ford Performance auxiliary lights giving an output of 160,000 candelas of illumination for nighttime trail riding. This equates to 2.5 times the brightness of the Explorer Timberline high-beam headlamps.

Ford's Deep Cypress interior trim color compliments the new Forged Green Metallic exterior and includes the standard Co-Pilot360 with Assist+ technology featuring Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Speed sign recognition, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering assist and voice activated touch screen navigation. Standard 360 degree cameras provide views of all potential obstacles including a front view camera to help with cresting hills off-road.

Ford has partnered with Yakima Rooftop accessories for customer to take any and all the equipment they want on their adventure.

2021 Ford Explorer Timberline is available to order now and arrives at Ford dealers summer of 2021.

Ford Grows Rugged SUV Lineup with New Ford Explorer Timberline – Most Off-Road-Capable Explorer Ever | Ford Media Center

What’s New in the 2020 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System? (akinsford.com)

Terrain Management System - Ford Technology| Ford KSA

2021 Ford® Bronco Sport First Edition SUV | Model Detail & Specs

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