carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $45,397–$60,034 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Ford Explorer SL earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Reliability at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.9/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $45,397–$60,034, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Ford Explorer SL, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Ford Explorer SL ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $45,397 starting price is about 26% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford Explorer SL scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $51,383 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $49,887 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $48,389 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $46,893 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $45,397 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $43,901 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $42,403 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $40,907 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $39,410 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $37,914 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $36,416 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Ford Explorer SL's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Ford Explorer SL starts at $45,397 and ranges up to $60,034 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.