2021 Ford Explorer ST, The Sporty Family Hauler | CAR MOM TOUR

It's finally here! The very highly requested 2021 Ford Explorer did not disappoint.
If you're considering this car, watch these next:
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[@michellecavazos8375]

I just bought a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited and I absolutely looooooove it! And comes with auto hold! Used al the info you shared to look out for when buying preowned got a really sweet deal despite the craziness in these let right now! Thanks for all the tips and keeping it coming girl!

[@abbybuck1357]

I’ve been waiting for you to review this one!! Just ordered my 2022 last week and can’t wait! So excited

[@kristenmacari7117]

Just when I take this car off my list, you put it back on!! Your tours are the best!

[@breannayeargin6627]

My mom just bought this car. She’s a cool grandma and has 4 grandkids, 3 of which are in a car seat. Helpful video to help her choose!!!

[@athomewithjenn9303]

The side profile joke though! Thanks for the laugh. Told my husband roof vents were a must in our new car! We got the XLT with sport appearance package right after you posted the real on this last week!!! Thank you!!

[@byronchavarria4954]

I Got An XLT Because My Local Dealer Said They’re Sold Out Of Platinum Models

[@phillipvd92]

Very nice and informative review. Told me everything i needed to hear. Thank you so much Kelly.

[@stephaniekressbach5758]

It’s gorgeous! I have an Edge right now, and have wanted to check out the Explorer for awhile now. And I love where the wireless charger is. Perfect use of dead space

[@stephanieseyfert4492]

One of the more fun features you didn’t mention is it has massage seats! I have a 21 ST and love it! Also, I thought I’d hate the screen but now I absolutely love it. It also has the foot thing that you can wave your foot under the back to open the hatch.

[@valykrie]

Yes the massage seats are great

[@BeastModeFitness11]

How has the reliability been any issues ? Do you have the bench seat or captain ? Any dogs?

[@EnzoPrince92]

And then it’s removed on the 23…

[@daniellepepper-krin3733]

I feel robbed. Mine cool and heat but don’t massage.

[@jbm602920]

That iPad thing kills me 😂 so bad

[@samihultine4840]

Love the explorer and the ST line is amazing!

[@nicoleertzman5919]

Atlas Blue is where it’s at. I love my ST so very much. Thanks for giving her some love 💙

[@amandapercival]

I have a 2021 Ford Explorer XLT with the Sport Appearance Package in Silver and I absolutely LOVE it. It doesn’t have that massive iPad screen, but still has a lot of the cool features of the higher trims. The seats are sooooo comfortable coming from a Honda Accord. I love that we can start our car via the app from our phone so it’s the right temperature by the time we get in. I love the sportiness of it, both in looks and drive. I love the ActiveX material because it looks like leather, but it’s upkeep is easy. I love the cubby in the back. Honestly, there’s a lot to love. I’ve been waiting to hear your opinion on it for a long time and I’m happy to hear you weren’t disappointed. It’s my dream car for sure! (We also have a 2006 Silver Ford Explorer that my kids want to drive soon so as you can tell, I have a type 😂). My neighbors probably think I’m obsessed.

[@RunningAllDay4ever]

The ST is a different animal.

[@meganjones2485]

I have this exact car I take the cover off in trunk and have the deep trunk. My uppababy vista stands and fits! Completely love my ST

[@ossef9712]

I’ve never seen one with color matched fender flares and bumpers with the blacked roof. Best looking explorer I’ve ever seen

[@kaitlynlong8219]

I have a 2014 Ford Escape and I love it, but the Ford Explorer is my dream car! It drives so good (from the test drive I did at least) and the features and looks of it are awesome. Love this review!!

[@ladybugfly4850]

I love your honest review not all flowery just straightforward

[@Alannah-wh4qj]

You can use the 2nd row seat in bench and captains seats with a forward facing car seat using anchors, car seat friendly tilt

[@girlnextdoor603]

Am I in the market for a new car? Nope, I love my Atlas. But I HAVE to watch every new video Kelly does 😍

[@KatzWorldOfficial]

I’m obsessed as well😂 and we just bought a Renault Triber. Which is amazing to see all the things we have compared to the expensive cars. We have a glove box, a good size display for media, digitial display 😂

[@brittanyworkman]

Same lol

[@Sam-pe5np]

I’m so glad you did this one! My husband wants and explorer st but I wasn’t quite sold… we’ll see how I feel after the vid 🤪

[@marcusturner9896]

Nice review keep up the good work car mom

[@stephfromnj]

I just purchased 2021 XLT no packages included and I love it. Remote start can be by phone. I got my power lift gate and heated front row seats. The seats are super comfy in general. I have two kids, one uses a booster seat and the other is in an infant seat. The car has a setting where when iy shows who doesn’t have their seat belts on in all rows. When the car is off, it alerts to check for all the passengers when exiting. We got it in stone gray. I’m a happy camper. Also Ford just purchased Range Rover so that’s why it has those vibes 😎☺️

[@NancyDiaz-ns8gc]

Have you ever utilized the rear seat for car seats? Do you prefer infant seat in back and adult and toddler in middle or toddler in rear and adult and infant in middle? I’m trying to decide what would be best

[@nickrodriguez4111]

Might be picking this up for the wife thanks for the review!

[@thevetteman3]

Excellent review Kelly! I think all your comments were spot on. As a ST owning dad of two 3 and under, it was great to hear your thoughts.. And it was VERY useful to see your third row child seat review. That's something I have not yet done. I watched this with my wife. She enjoyed the review and it was good for her to hear a woman's perspective. She couldn't get into the buying process too much because we had a 3 mo old at home when I bought it. A few notes after owning it two months now. Performance is more than adequate. I tow a lot, wife has an Audi allroad and I also own a Corvette. This has equal to or greater fuel economy than the grand cherokee L 3.6L V6, and better power, torque and performance than the 5.7L V8. You'd need a SRT to be better. My personal preference is for the stock look with all the plastic trim unpainted. Easier to repair when you get small scuffs, as those parts form the outer perimeter of the car. The range rover look is not for me, I like that aspect of its Fordness. I would DEFINITELY take my ST over a Grand Cherokee L, Telluride, Ascent, Atlas, or CX9 any day. Small price to pay for the performance and utility, as long as you can live with the interior quality and firmer suspension. I recognize these aren't the priorities of most moms watching this vid, but it's an honest perspective from a car enthusiast dad with 2 little ones who needed 3 rows. Keep up the good work!

[@justin32089]

Agree with everything you said! I have an ST and a 7mo old and it’s become the family ride! Talking about my side taking it as a daily and ditching her Escape for something else for me not sure what yet. Seriously love the explorer ST

[@R3D8]

@@justin32089 How do you find driving it on the highways? Is there air noise in the cabin?

[@123456789bellab]

This is random but I’m looking at the explorer right now to buy, are the headrests in any seating positions removable? She said in the video it didn’t look like it

[@RunningAllDay4ever]

@@123456789bellab The middle headrests are removable, but of course would make the vehicle unsafe for anyone seating in those seats if removed.

[@m-at-the-w142]

Thanks for your input. As a car enthusiast dad too, I can appreciate that perspective. We are cross shopping the Palisade (ruled out the Mercedes GLS) and are looking for a safe, tech packed 3-row SUV for my wife. My stipulation is that it Hass to be extremely safe, but it can't have a 4cyl and must be AWD.

[@jonnasanches6141]

Just got the platinum tonight. I'm in LOVE

[@aleyburant1223]

Kelly, can you please make a video about outright selling your car to a dealer vs. trade in. Also, any info on how credit scores effect financing, ordering vehicles and everything to know about demo cars, how to buy them, what to look for, etc.

[@damonharrington2948]

Nice review. I wanted to upgrade from my Lincoln Nautilus to the bigger Aviator Reserve that starts about $60K. After further review I’m leaning towards the Explorer ST and intrigued with the Timberline.

[@crystalnow1495]

Thanks. Good review. I was waiting to watch this. I really like you when you drive the car or at least talk about how it drives. We are car shopping and a sporty, fun drive is important to us. Like you, my favorite car to drive is BMW. Also, my husband and I would like to see your top ten list. Thanks, Crystal Okc, OK

[@jessicasikes4335]

Your videos have been a game changer for looking at new car options as a growing family. I have two under 1 (Irish twins) and we are looking to upgrade. We travel often so our first thought was a Tahoe? I need to have space to get back there with them. Do you have a top 5 car list for traveling moms like me? (Two pack n plays and one big old double stroller plus all our bags) What type of vehicle do you personally have? If you don’t mind me asking :)

[@stephencannon3140]

Although I don’t have anywhere close to the Mom part of her reviews but Kelly does informative reviews with some possibly obscure information that we may not think of but can still be useful. With that said….the Tablet looks cheap and aftermarket. Forget the looking cheap that is a shrapnel hazard during a accident. Coming from a 2018 Explorer the only major design cue that I like was switching back to Rear Wheel Drive and upping the horsepower. Design wise O.K but the cheap aftermarket looks of the tablet was probably the biggest deal breaker for me. Props to Kelly in the 2021 Tahoe/Yukon review….I wound up getting a Tahoe Premier. Not sure if it was fixed for 2020/2021 but for the 2nd row Captains Chairs on the 2018 model….pay attention. If you don’t get the optional center console there is a plastic blank off panel that goes in the rear. That panel is very critical because there is a piece of metal cutting up as part of the frame….this can cause a sharp metal edge and or trip hazard. If you have the console no problem but also remember the 2nd row console the hinge is in the front so opens back to front. Keep up the good reviews Kelly!!

[@alialabbas1982]

Thank you for the great review 😀 😊

[@domomac1009]

Love your videos!!

[@annehein9661]

Excellent review! I currently have a Ford Escape but want to go bigger. I’d love to see a tour of the Ford Edge as well.

[@meganhebrink607]

I actually like the rear wiper blade better where they have it than tucked underneath. It looks cleaner tucked, but I live on a gravel road and when the rear wiper is tucked, dust gets trapped up under it and then if I run my vehicle through a auto car wash I have mud streaks down the whole rear of my vehicle as I’m leaving the car wash😬

[@rayplaag5665]

Girl you are on it good review! We have 2022 ST ..we like it so far.. hopefully Ford hired you to explain all the options ..

[@banditelvis721]

You are awesome i just subscribed to you, i have a 2020 ford explorer love it, next time i want to go for this ST Model!

[@FlippnAwsum]

I never thought I would consider a Ford for my next vehicle. I was pretty set on a RAV4. But now I’m thinking an Explorer might just be my next mom-mobile.

[@astrimejia2097]

Finally I've been waiting for this one since it came out

[@lordrichard8184]

I have a 2009 Ford Explorer. It’s a great truck. I love it. Just wish it was bigger and better on gas. I’ll eventually upgrade to a new Ford Expedition based on your reviews. I have to slide my seat up to put in my daughters car seat behind me. It doesn’t fit with me back in a comfortable driving position. I’m lucky to get 14 mpg. But I also drive through the mountains and it’s city driving. When I’m on the highway I’m generally towing. So I can’t ding it that hard for the bad mpg. Although I heard the 4th gens were bad on gas compared to the 3rd gens. Same engine and trans but they average like 18. I like the new back doors. Mine are very plane with no cup holder or side cubby. That tail gate has the same crappy design mine does. The way that cut out is for the license plate, that area will hold water if it’s raining and could dump it on you. Also you do a few pick up trucks for the dads. The f150 shares the same cab with the f250 and f350.

[@pmoracing7205]

That 3rd row seat is low and like a rock!

[@TexasTurtleFarmer]

That custom color is 🔥🔥🔥

[@Thedoors432]

Before I watched this video, I knew she would be so excited about this vehicle.

[@adamgreiner1901]

Not many people realize that the one nice thing of rear wheel drive is in the winter time, you find an empty parking lot and really see how the vehicle performs. That’s how you learn to recover when the car starts loosing traction.

[@mariahmorales132]

So after seeing all these reviews on suvs I went for a truck the 2020 Silverado Texas edition I highly recommend this car as a “mom” vehicle the space in the truck is amazing I change my baby’s diaper and it’s like a whole bed in the back so roomie idk hopefully she does reviews on trucks

[@noellenadeau378]

Hi I’m new here! I love your videos it’s giving me so many ideas for cars as a new mom. And I was wondering did you do a video yet of the Dodge Durango

[@daniellepepper-krin3733]

Having a rear/front facing car seat and a 5 point booster seat is hard with bucket seats. Have to put the booster in 3rd row bc it makes getting in/out impossible with both car seats in 2nd row. I wish they would’ve had bench seat available on the lot when I got mine.

[@colear3]

FINALLYYYYY! lol thank you!!

[@brittainysapien2749]

We bought our 2021 ST in July, so far love it! One thing you missed is the message chairs 😉 been enjoying those in the pick up line. Lol We also did the Bench seat for an extra seat, no regrets.

[@jungwoo4667]

Are you able to get to the 3rd row with 2 child seats installed in the 2nd row bench?

[@christinepieretti8533]

Really wish it had better 3rd row access. Want to keep my small kids rear-facing for a few more years but the older kid needs to get in the 3rd row. Maybe for the next car!

[@NataliaAndrea]

I loved it but I just viewed the hyundai palisade and the highest trim the caligraphy with all the technology was $48k and the interior looks so luxe

[@zgdafzgdaf4264]

Kelli, have you thought about giving standard ratings for each of the features you are reviewing? Then you can show how the Kelli score compares with other reviewed cars?

[@johnsantostefano3373]

This was my first choice, but pricetag was OUCH. Opted for /22 Pathfinder which I love But, yeah, the ST is superb!

[@sphillips4743]

Thanks for the great reviews!!! Can you drive/review a 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport?

[@MountainHobbler]

Great review! I just put in an order for a 22 Explorer ST. I read that the 22's will not have that 2nd row console between the captains chairs as well as come with SYNC4.

[@brandonr4427]

The 22s won’t come with sync 4.

[@marinewillis1202]

that center console is a pain in the ass. I have a 15 sport and I hate that thing

[@JDVaron]

Thanks for the video. Is that the rapid red exterior color? Or is it some type of wrap?

[@CaesarMiramontes]

If you could do review of the Timberline trim for the outdoors family. Can a family of three use that car to pull off a camping trip with a Thule over head container with one rear facing car seat stroller etc.

[@anngieeeexoxo]

We test drove this and looooved but we just felt it couldn’t beat the space in the atlas. I would love this car if I had older kids not in car seats. My husband is 6’4 and with a car seat behind him rf he has a tooooooooonnn of space for his legs and still lots of empty space between his seat and my daughters. The explorer was a bit tighter for sure. It’s roomy but doesn’t beat the atlas. Buuuuutttt! I love the features of the explorer.

[@dylanrr.3]

Great video! Could you do the Toyota Sequoia

[@mikaylaharmony2526]

I wish you could take out one of the captains chairs to easily get to third row. 3 kiddos and trying to avoid climbing in through the trunk or sqeezing through the second row to buckle up a third row car seat user.

[@Itsellasky]

amazing 🤩

[@redstone5149]

Good luck finding one.

[@kjchicago1]

Now that there 2021 Ford Explorer Looks Mighty Nice

[@milkmanfitness]

Love your channel, check out the GLS from Mercedes, and also you should look at the uppababy Minu. Great great stroller

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Nice job.....good to see a woman's point of view to the design ......looks great in two tone

[@BJW1997]

Love your channel. Can you review an Audi Q5, a new Toyota Venza, a Honda CR-V, a Jeep Wrangler and a regular Jeep grand Cherokee?

[@lacachiporra5034]

So Car Mom, from all the vehicles you have review so far, which one is your #1 pick?

[@SusieCruz144]

I wanted a review with the middle bench. Would it fit 3 car seats?

[@thetomasloretta]

In all fairness to the automakers, cup holders are not designed to hold such enormous containers such as you use for demonstration, especially not in the doors. For someone like me, I keep extra bottles of water in the door pockets and they always fit regardless of vehicle model. It would be a bonus if the vehicle could accommodate larger containers without issue but they don’t typically. The cup you’re using is ideal for the front center cup holders (because it narrows at the bottom) but not the doors and probably not all of the cup holders in the vehicle. It doesn’t seem even two of those could fit up front, from this angle. Also, can you mention more about safety lighting and interior lighting? And gas cap/fill area? Thank you.

[@D1am0ndm1ll3r]

Hey can you do a 2022 ford explorer walk through and car pick ??

[@eriksav5142]

We love our ST! Put it in Sport Mode and you will never be late to a soccer game 😂

[@godscara]

I agree with the look at the iPad. I did not purchase this vehicle just because of that weird look. The thing I do not like about my 2019 explorer is that only one side of back seat slides forward and back and it’s so close to the front seats. The highlander had a lot more room but I didn’t like the Highlander’s comfort at all!

[@Yourleftismyright88]

Everytime I see the Explorer I miss the Flex all that much more. Clearly, it wasn't the salers leader that Ford thought it would be but man it felt so much roomier then the Explorer and had the cargo room that some older minivans would envy.

[@btbbelesky]

The new explorers took a lot of the features of the flex. I have a flex now and I am ordering an explorer

[@MrVikasg]

Can you please clarify if Ford offer this dual exterior color pattern? I checked their website and tried to build on my own but I couldn’t find it.

[@mrcahyo1853]

Love you mom 😘

[@djglennb736]

God that red was always my favorite in the sports

[@sarahankins1242]

You should definitely do a review on a Porsche Macan and/or Range Rover Sport!

[@bjrnsigvebotnmark6618]

You should test the plug in hybrid of the Explorer

[@jarettecrookedhand5474]

The red and black?????? Oh. My. God, it’s beautiful

[@markied2873]

I swear every SUV looks great now.

[@ghill2393]

Where did you get the emblems? I have the same vehicle and color, but a 2020. Only thing I hate is the blue emblems.

[@Jazzking22]

Great video

[@emilyc4363]

I have this exact car, in infinite blue and people stop me ALLL the time to comment on it. Although, it’s currently at the dealer getting a whole new computer. Have had quite a few issues with that aspect so far, but hopefully this solves it.

[@Estrelaaaaa]

Do you have the same color with black top and red bottom.. Because what is avaialbel in my local dealer is full one color which is ok but I would prefer to have the area of body separate 2nd row from trunk in black color whatever the color up or down to it

[@219jello]

Is it a 2020? We had a bad launch with the 2020, but we are putting out a much better unit now. We are officially making 2022s right now

[@emilyc4363]

@@Estrelaaaaa I have a solid color. Very beautiful I think it’s called midnight blue.

[@emilyc4363]

@@219jello I have a 2021. We’ve had a handful of problems (accident sensors going off with no one around, screen freezing, door keypad not working etc) they forced it once, this last week I lost GPS and Apple play. Took it in and they ended up having to put in a whole new computer for corrupt software. Dealer said he has seen quite a few 21’s with computer related problems.

[@kellycaltabiano5842]

@@Estrelaaaaa the one from the video is a custom wrap that the dealer added. They don’t come from the factory with paint matched wheel wells and two toned.

[@ash81905]

I'm debating this Ford Explorer ST or the VW Atlas SE W/tech. When you went to build at the end you sounded JUST like me... what am i gunna do? lol

[@krishansen4769]

Finally someone that has posted about a FULL body color ST. I've always thought this would look fantastic and it doesn't disappoint seeing it. Especially love the red? can you provide any info on how this was done? paint, wrap, added cost? this is the bomb compared to the standard lower black plastic cladding.

[@Ganym3de]

This is probably a dealer that does customs. The give away is the red Ford logos. They fender well trim was probably wrap tbh. I wouldn't want them painted for various reasons.

[@georgelin8498]

Looks like a Range Rover sport

[@aliciamichael4495]

I have the ST and one thing I HATE that I’ve never heard you mention, is that the rear does not have auto climate and you cannot sync it to the driver. It’s 2 separate systems if that makes sense. I have 2 in car seats that cannot reach the rear controls or it probably wouldn’t be as big of an issue. But they are old enough to say if they’re hot or cold which changes 10 times in 15 minutes. Wish Ford would fix this!

[@kellycaltabiano5842]

There’s a button in the front that can control the rear climate!

[@jumaanewoods2861]

Did your st come in two tone paint from the factory or you painted it after you got it

[@angelis1125]

Love the car! And not bad for the price in the lower trim levels

[@casmatori]

We need a tour of a Toyota Venza, Lincoln Corsair and a Chevrolet Blazer

[@allenlord9096]

I would like to see your top ten list. 😉👍

[@kristinahoppe8524]

I had a 2018 Explorer, Currently in a 2020 Expedition. I love my Expedition but would go back to an Explorer in a heart beat. So fun to drive, easy to drive at that. Great space. Too bad we need to tow a camper and boat now

[@ZoraNaomi]

Love the car, hate the “iPad” not cute or sporty in my opinion. I have a 2015 Explorer that I love and want to upgrade soon. Another fantastic car tour, thanks Kelly!

[@mikerios82]

The Limited Edition has everything mentioned in this video minus the portrait iPad infotainment and massage seats. Really thinking of upgrading my current suv for a new Explorer. 😍

[@SpookyEng1]

The “iPad” is an option, the standard screen is smaller and horizontal.

[@katesmutok6796]

I love your reviews and have been watching a lot of them because I am looking for my next vehicle. I wish that companies, ratings and reliability were also discussed. I currently have a Ford Explorer and with only 100k miles on it- it now needs $6-10,000 k worth of work! I will never go for another FORD, so I have been watching your videos to see what else I should consider. As a mom, I want dependability, low maintenance and longevity! Please consider discussing these subjects as well to help educate us moms.

[@wardellward]

I like how they brought the old style back like the 1991 Explorer

[@georgesnyder5337]

This thing couldn't look further from a 91 explorer. Do you mean RWD? They used RWD a lot longer than that, but the 91 was still a truck based platform.

[@wardellward]

@@georgesnyder5337 they did went to front-wheel drive

[@thomasguyette6529]

Can you do a tour of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

[@keshavsfunactivities]

Your a beautiful car mom.

[@byronchavarria4954]

Get The Platinum Or ST It Has Active Park Assist 2.0

[@georgiafan6618]

Looks almost like a Ranger Roger with black roof - so much better looking! Body colored wheel opening trim over ugly black plastic. Sync 4 much improved and the 12” pad easier to read. Black or carbon fiber over the fake wood - but the best is RWD coupled with big turbo 6 and ten speed. Price is too high though. Don’t want or need 3rd row - can you get it without? Good review! 👍

[@kellycaltabiano5842]

Unfortunately the explorers did not get sync 4. They’re still stuck with sync 3

[@melissarico7154]

Hello car mom will you ever do the Honda Pilot?

[@randrowley5472]

SUN SHAAAAADES!

[@billnewberry6295]

I bought a 2020 XLT back in 2019, and for the most part, it was okay. Not great. My biggest issues with it was the afterthought placement of the smaller screen, and the air vents being in a useless position. Also, the interior trim did not line up from the center stack to the sides... it just felt like the fit and finish details were an afterthought. The dial gear selector was terrible, and the driving experience was even worse. The transmission in the car was the worst. Even before I had license plates, I had the car to my local dealer, thinking there was a huge problem brewing. In April of 2021, my car was certified as a lemon, and I punted it. For this to be the nameplate that truly created the SUV craze in the '90s, Ford has really let the Explorer slip, and I don't know that I would recommend one to anybody. There are far better vehicles on the market, that do everything better.

[@carlosarce48]

Good I love I have Ford Explorer st 2022 red yeeeeee😎