Great review y'all! We've been telling our customers to think of the Timberline as the trim for the more adventurous family! It's not a Bronco by any means, but it will help get to the trails and campsites that you couldn't always get to.
Great review. One thing that was omitted was to mention that this trim doesn’t have a traditional exhaust tips but rather concealed and cut back under the rear bumper.
Four loves sticking this engine and everything It’s in this, the bronco ,mustang ,Ranger and the focus ST I have a 2021 Ford ranger and I love it my wife and I are planning on buying this timberline next month
I have a 21 Ford Explorer xlt and I think it’s really amazing the powers really good and it’s smooth, I will say though sometimes the gear shifts are a bit rough sometimes, but if you want to buy a Explorer and sometimes go off-road you don’t really need a timberline because the other explorers also have all the same off-road modes as the timberline and also has full time 4 wheel drive.
Picked mine up three weeks ago. After a week, I had enough. I love 4-wheeling and took it off road in a pretty challenging area. Mud about a foot deep and water up to mid door. No problem. Areas with 3 wheel contact…no problem. I will get the 1-1/2” lift, as I had to power onto a steep incline when my bumper hit. The police package suspension is clutch. I jumped it about a foot in the air with all 4 tires off the ground. Smooth landing. Kept control. This thing is real deal. I do hate the lack of hood latch…..and the stock stereo is garbage. Also wish the back seats reclined more.
Lol that thing is junk Might as well be one of those Broncos sports or a rav4. It has no low rang or lockers 🤣 not even a real 4x4 it's AWD plus a 4 banger come on
@@newdefsysI did finally get one in April and was radically surprised how happy and satisfied I am with the 4 cylinder turbo. It is smooth, strong and impressed me over time. The 6 cylinder would take up more engine space and create more weight up front. I learned an off road vehicle does not need high end torque.
Im not a ford fan. But this thing is gorgeous enough that im considering it. The interior and styling is perfect for me. Wife had one as a rental last year and we were deff smitten.
I more need this off road ability because of awful road conditions and more intense weather. It’s a major piece of mind having a vehicle that can handle the should be simple task of handling obstacles like mud, rocks, or water.
I have the 2021 Ford Explorer ST … I’ve only seen one Timberline on the road and I’ve been traveling the past 4 months. I love my ST but would really like the toe hooks up front which would make my vehicle complete…I may have to do an after market install.
Just got my timberline last month and I'm loving it so far! It's going to make a great road trip/ trail vehicle. Mine seems to have more features than this 2022 though
I drive an explorer xlt for work and a Toyota 4Runner TRD off road as my personal vehicle. The explorer does see some of pavement action because of the type of work I do. The explorer has more pep than the 4Runner, but that’s about the only upside. Build quality is junk compared to the 4runner. The transmission shifts hard on the explorer. On road ride is different, but they’re both fairly smooth. As far as this specific review goes, don’t kid yourself into thinking this is an off road vehicle. This does not have four wheel drive. It has a glorified all wheel drive system. Its also unibody vs a body on frame. It’s a soft roader not an off roader. Overall I wouldn’t spend my personal money on an explorer, but I’m happy to use it when someone else is footing the bill.
Correct, the Explorer is a glitzed-up unibody that's got some extra equipment on it to get a bit farther off-road than a standard Explorer XLT or Limited on street tires would. Nobody's claiming it's as capable as a 4Runner or Bronco or Wrangler. It isn't, and it's meant for a very different kind of buyer :-)
Never heard of this model until I saw several used ones on a Ford lot.. If a V6, non hybrid was available, I probably would roll the dice on one.. I'm not a fan of the new design of the Explorer, but, as a taller and wider old guy, I snuggle up nicely in the front cabin.. Just cant get my head arround a base pinto 2.3 Turbo ( see, old guy ) lasting in a vehicle this large...Ford...maybe 5.0 up the ST...
Nice review. However, I disagree with their opinion on the Timberline trim versus others. To me, this is the appropriate "off road" capability to justify a SUV/CUV for a family. Basically for ski trips, beaches, gravel/dirt roads with a few high spots or ungraded sections. If you won't leverage this capability then you should be getting a minivan, which I can say from experience is much better than a 3 row crossover.
About the LSD..!! standard doesn't have it right? (I drive PHEV btw.) but I exprienced myself there's no torque steer in harsh ecceleration. and saw in u tube, with tcs off, it can even drift!! Could you tell me about the mechanic thins about standard model?
It appears the only Explorer model (right now) to have a LSD is the Explorer Timberline. All other Explorers have an open differential on the rear axle and will use ABS to try and stop the spinning wheel(s) to get you moving. AWD should generally take care of any torque steer.
Not sure the Torsen locker was the right choice here. I had one in the previous gen ranger and I did love it EXCEPT since its always active it meant when there was snow/ice and you gave it a little too much throttle the locker would engage and walk the back end out. In 2wd you could find yourself fish tailing while trying to get out in traffic. This was one of the reasons I did not feel comfortable letting my wife take that truck (or my older 150 with LSD) out. With the new electronic lockers it acts as an open diff and will just spin one tire but still keep you pointed in the right directlon. It gives you that warning time to adjust your throttle without kicking out the rear. Overall I believe the electronic locker would have been safer for those that may not be as attentive to conditions like the soccer moms that may end up driving these because their husbands thought they were cool.
Interesting point and totally see how it'd be slightly challenging on a 2WD truck like the Ranger. My only counterpoint with the Explorer Timberline in particular is that it's AWD, not selectable rear/all, so while the theory holds some water, it should also kick power forward in the event of rear slip and not pose much, if any, issue.
Are they steel skid plates. I previously read that they were “fake” or plastic for appearance only. Can you confirm they are actually steel skid plates?
They are steel, confirmed via Ford's press release: "Explorer Timberline delivers on capability in the form of its standard steel skid plates. The underbody protection starts underneath the front, continues under the engine and transmission and through the rear - all to help protect key components and give customers more confidence while off-roading." media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2021/05/05/new-ford-explorer-timberline.html
Have to disagree. I overland quite often and will take my sons 4Runner Limited with the 3rd row package. We all load up and spend a weekend overlanding. We have a roof top cargo box for our gear.
Thanks for this review. I'll tell you one thing, this FORD Timberline, or ANY FORD SUV, has much better build quality and reliability than ANY LAND/RANGE ROVER. TATA IS THE INDIAN COMPANY OWING JAGUAR AND LAND/RANGE ROVER and that refuse to address their quality problem.
@Anthony just a quick note - the RRS and Explorer are not related at all. Range Rover Sport is on the D7u platform that underpins some other Land Rovers (L462 Discovery and L405 Range Rover) and Explorer is on Ford's CD6 platform, shared only with the Lincoln Aviator. Even in their prior generations, they were not related.
Agreed, it would have been a much better pairing. Guessing they used the 2.3 to keep costs down since the Timberline-specific upgrades added cost elsewhere, but would buyers be okay with a slightly higher MSRP (or at least having the 3.0TT as an option) to get the extra power, torque, and refinement?
The 2.3 has more horsepower and tq than some other suvs with the v6. More than the Toyota Highlander v6 and the standard v6 on the Jeep grand cherokee L.
I think this is just a test mule for the Bronco brand......eventually they will add a explorer like suv with in the bronco line up. The timberline is to Guage the demand for such a vehicle.
It's an interesting thought! Ford is doing the Timberline on both Explorer and Expedition. Curious how much of a demand they see for this trim level on both vehicles, we'll have to wait and see if they release numbers after they've been out for a full year.
As an off-road version: under 9" clearance and no adjustable suspension, no 4L, wider turning radius. As a 50K SUV: cloth seats, no ventilated seats, no driver memory. Kind of hard to talk yourself into this versus a Grand Cherokee L for example.
You could lift it, but you can only do so much before 1) you deal with CV angle issues and 2) you've basically made it a Bronco that's less capable. Some slightly taller springs - maybe available aftermarket or something - could probably get another half an inch of ride height out of it and be okay. Maybe.
If I'm paying $45k+ for an suv I certainly wouldn't be off roading in it. Range Rovers are made for off road but you rarely see people using them for that.
The Timberline seats have gray center portions and the outer "leather"-ish material and door panels are a dark green. Almost looks black unless the light hits it just right.
The explorer would be the PERFECT vehicle in my book if they added ventilated seats, a better infotainment screen, and got rid of the third row seating. I want an ST line or a timberline SO badly, but the lack of ventilated seats and the shitty infotainment system is a major turn off for me.
They're handcrafted boots from a company called Taft. Super comfy and well made! We'll be sure to run our choice of footwear by you before filming any more videos.
Lmao. They are definitely going to get you noticed. I’m a middle aged man approaching retirement soon and I wouldn’t be seen in these things. I’m also a black man and my brothers love to wear loud colored shoes. I simply cannot partake in the foolishness.
So you basically watch a almost half hour video and you only get about less than 5 minutes off-roading testing which is not really off-roading it's more of a side of the highway watered puddles . I guess I'll be heading over to the Russian videos where they can really test a off-road capable vehicle
Exactly! I noticed the channel didn’t acknowledge your comment. This off road test was a joke. A bicycle could go through that puddle. It was clearly a hard bottom with no mud. Just water.
I personally own one of these and I love it. I just went off-roading and it was great !
Great review y'all! We've been telling our customers to think of the Timberline as the trim for the more adventurous family! It's not a Bronco by any means, but it will help get to the trails and campsites that you couldn't always get to.
Great review. One thing that was omitted was to mention that this trim doesn’t have a traditional exhaust tips but rather concealed and cut back under the rear bumper.
I like them this way. Its more of the “Police Intercepter” parts bin style. So more of a heavy duty look.
Four loves sticking this engine and everything It’s in this, the bronco ,mustang ,Ranger and the focus ST I have a 2021 Ford ranger and I love it my wife and I are planning on buying this timberline next month
I really like that interior. So different than most other ones out there and looks done in classy way imo.
I have a 21 Ford Explorer xlt and I think it’s really amazing the powers really good and it’s smooth, I will say though sometimes the gear shifts are a bit rough sometimes, but if you want to buy a Explorer and sometimes go off-road you don’t really need a timberline because the other explorers also have all the same off-road modes as the timberline and also has full time 4 wheel drive.
Picked mine up three weeks ago. After a week, I had enough. I love 4-wheeling and took it off road in a pretty challenging area. Mud about a foot deep and water up to mid door. No problem. Areas with 3 wheel contact…no problem. I will get the 1-1/2” lift, as I had to power onto a steep incline when my bumper hit. The police package suspension is clutch. I jumped it about a foot in the air with all 4 tires off the ground. Smooth landing. Kept control. This thing is real deal.
I do hate the lack of hood latch…..and the stock stereo is garbage. Also wish the back seats reclined more.
Awesome to hear how someone is actually using one of these!!
Lol that thing is junk Might as well be one of those Broncos sports or a rav4. It has no low rang or lockers 🤣 not even a real 4x4 it's AWD plus a 4 banger come on
You're lieing
Bull shit
Don’t discount the towing. We pull a family RV and it pulls it great. Gets decent fuel mileage if you keep speed at 65.
Great presentation, very informative! Great job!! I wish the Timberline had a bigger engine like the 6 cylinder option.
yeah, thats a deal breaker
@@newdefsysI did finally get one in April and was radically surprised how happy and satisfied I am with the 4 cylinder turbo. It is smooth, strong and impressed me over time. The 6 cylinder would take up more engine space and create more weight up front. I learned an off road vehicle does not need high end torque.
Couldn’t imagine a better opening catchphrase “cars as you are,” says it all ❤️
It's an off-road Explorer. Of course I got it to go off-road. I love the extra engine noise and tire noise.
My wife and just bought one of these and i really like it. I don't think it any good for off roading. At least not what i think of as off-road anyway
Im not a ford fan. But this thing is gorgeous enough that im considering it. The interior and styling is perfect for me. Wife had one as a rental last year and we were deff smitten.
I more need this off road ability because of awful road conditions and more intense weather. It’s a major piece of mind having a vehicle that can handle the should be simple task of handling obstacles like mud, rocks, or water.
We live on 4.5 miles of gravel. Would you get a timberline or a different model of explorer?
Went to ford last week to change my wife’s oil on her 17 explorer, was looking at the timber and walked out with a 22 TRD OR 4Runner 😂
I have the 2021 Ford Explorer ST … I’ve only seen one Timberline on the road and I’ve been traveling the past 4 months. I love my ST but would really like the toe hooks up front which would make my vehicle complete…I may have to do an after market install.
Just got my timberline last month and I'm loving it so far! It's going to make a great road trip/ trail vehicle. Mine seems to have more features than this 2022 though
I really like this. I’m sure it has nothing to do with me wanting a green on green ranger splash in my youth 😄
Awesome review! Really thorough and with all the performance details that some other reviewers dont seem to understand well.
When did off roading become rebranded as overlanding?
I drive an explorer xlt for work and a Toyota 4Runner TRD off road as my personal vehicle. The explorer does see some of pavement action because of the type of work I do.
The explorer has more pep than the 4Runner, but that’s about the only upside. Build quality is junk compared to the 4runner. The transmission shifts hard on the explorer. On road ride is different, but they’re both fairly smooth.
As far as this specific review goes, don’t kid yourself into thinking this is an off road vehicle. This does not have four wheel drive. It has a glorified all wheel drive system. Its also unibody vs a body on frame. It’s a soft roader not an off roader.
Overall I wouldn’t spend my personal money on an explorer, but I’m happy to use it when someone else is footing the bill.
Correct, the Explorer is a glitzed-up unibody that's got some extra equipment on it to get a bit farther off-road than a standard Explorer XLT or Limited on street tires would. Nobody's claiming it's as capable as a 4Runner or Bronco or Wrangler. It isn't, and it's meant for a very different kind of buyer :-)
Never heard of this model until I saw several used ones on a Ford lot..
If a V6, non hybrid was available, I probably would roll the dice on one..
I'm not a fan of the new design of the Explorer, but, as a taller and wider old guy, I snuggle up nicely in the front cabin..
Just cant get my head arround a base pinto 2.3 Turbo ( see, old guy ) lasting in a vehicle this large...Ford...maybe 5.0 up the ST...
Nice review. However, I disagree with their opinion on the Timberline trim versus others. To me, this is the appropriate "off road" capability to justify a SUV/CUV for a family. Basically for ski trips, beaches, gravel/dirt roads with a few high spots or ungraded sections. If you won't leverage this capability then you should be getting a minivan, which I can say from experience is much better than a 3 row crossover.
Great video!! We just got ours this week. Hope to go out on a trail this weekend. Looking forward to pulling a small trailer too
Thanks, glad you enjoyed and congrats on the new ride! Hope it treats you well!
Are there handles on the ceiling above the driver and passenger side windows?
Thank You Almighty God I will buy one for myself
Top notch review. Best one I've watched on the timberline
Glad you enjoyed!
Really sucks that you can't find a bronco for under 5k dealer markup. Or find them at all set up with sasquatch pkg. I do like the timberline
About the LSD..!! standard doesn't have it right?
(I drive PHEV btw.)
but I exprienced myself there's no torque steer in harsh ecceleration. and saw in u tube, with tcs off, it can even drift!!
Could you tell me about the mechanic thins about standard model?
It appears the only Explorer model (right now) to have a LSD is the Explorer Timberline. All other Explorers have an open differential on the rear axle and will use ABS to try and stop the spinning wheel(s) to get you moving. AWD should generally take care of any torque steer.
Not sure the Torsen locker was the right choice here. I had one in the previous gen ranger and I did love it EXCEPT since its always active it meant when there was snow/ice and you gave it a little too much throttle the locker would engage and walk the back end out. In 2wd you could find yourself fish tailing while trying to get out in traffic. This was one of the reasons I did not feel comfortable letting my wife take that truck (or my older 150 with LSD) out. With the new electronic lockers it acts as an open diff and will just spin one tire but still keep you pointed in the right directlon. It gives you that warning time to adjust your throttle without kicking out the rear. Overall I believe the electronic locker would have been safer for those that may not be as attentive to conditions like the soccer moms that may end up driving these because their husbands thought they were cool.
Interesting point and totally see how it'd be slightly challenging on a 2WD truck like the Ranger. My only counterpoint with the Explorer Timberline in particular is that it's AWD, not selectable rear/all, so while the theory holds some water, it should also kick power forward in the event of rear slip and not pose much, if any, issue.
this guy aint leaving the pavement
Great review
How cone this suv is rated low on consumer reports?
Love mine
they are ok but i remember my moms 94 explorer 2 door 5speed 4x4 4cyl that thing would go anywhere
Are they steel skid plates. I previously read that they were “fake” or plastic for appearance only. Can you confirm they are actually steel skid plates?
They are steel, confirmed via Ford's press release:
"Explorer Timberline delivers on capability in the form of its standard steel skid plates. The underbody protection starts underneath the front, continues under the engine and transmission and through the rear - all to help protect key components and give customers more confidence while off-roading."
media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2021/05/05/new-ford-explorer-timberline.html
Aluminum foil probably
@@OutMotorsports Do they cover the cats? Because that's a real concern in this day and age.
nicely done.
needs to be more FX4 , as a overlander we dont want or need a 3rd row
The argument could be made that if you don't need or want a third row, the best option is a four-door Bronco...
Have to disagree. I overland quite often and will take my sons 4Runner Limited with the 3rd row package. We all load up and spend a weekend overlanding. We have a roof top cargo box for our gear.
Thanks for this review. I'll tell you one thing, this FORD Timberline, or ANY FORD SUV, has much better build quality and reliability than ANY LAND/RANGE ROVER. TATA IS THE INDIAN COMPANY OWING JAGUAR AND LAND/RANGE ROVER and that refuse to address their quality problem.
@Anthony just a quick note - the RRS and Explorer are not related at all. Range Rover Sport is on the D7u platform that underpins some other Land Rovers (L462 Discovery and L405 Range Rover) and Explorer is on Ford's CD6 platform, shared only with the Lincoln Aviator. Even in their prior generations, they were not related.
The V6 engine would have been perfect for this size of SUV given this is somewhat off road vehicle.
Agreed, it would have been a much better pairing. Guessing they used the 2.3 to keep costs down since the Timberline-specific upgrades added cost elsewhere, but would buyers be okay with a slightly higher MSRP (or at least having the 3.0TT as an option) to get the extra power, torque, and refinement?
I agree, I’d gladly pay around 52k for an explorer timberline with the 3.0TT
The 2.3 has more horsepower and tq than some other suvs with the v6. More than the Toyota Highlander v6 and the standard v6 on the Jeep grand cherokee L.
@@Highnooner. Yep. This Explorer has 300 hp. That's more than the V6 in my F150. Crazy.
Dudes a swiftie
Every so often it's just a whole mood 🤣
an extra HALF INCH of clearance? Wow. I'm gonna run right out an get one. better add more recovery hooks.
The trails aren't even _ready_ for you!
I think this is just a test mule for the Bronco brand......eventually they will add a explorer like suv with in the bronco line up. The timberline is to Guage the demand for such a vehicle.
It's an interesting thought! Ford is doing the Timberline on both Explorer and Expedition. Curious how much of a demand they see for this trim level on both vehicles, we'll have to wait and see if they release numbers after they've been out for a full year.
Don’t kid yourselves. It’s just for looks
As an off-road version: under 9" clearance and no adjustable suspension, no 4L, wider turning radius.
As a 50K SUV: cloth seats, no ventilated seats, no driver memory.
Kind of hard to talk yourself into this versus a Grand Cherokee L for example.
A Cherokee Trailhawk would run circles around this thing in the bush.
Would it maybe better if you were to put a lift kit in it?
You could lift it, but you can only do so much before 1) you deal with CV angle issues and 2) you've basically made it a Bronco that's less capable. Some slightly taller springs - maybe available aftermarket or something - could probably get another half an inch of ride height out of it and be okay. Maybe.
If I'm paying $45k+ for an suv I certainly wouldn't be off roading in it. Range Rovers are made for off road but you rarely see people using them for that.
I don’t know where you see green - my seats are grey
The Timberline seats have gray center portions and the outer "leather"-ish material and door panels are a dark green. Almost looks black unless the light hits it just right.
The explorer would be the PERFECT vehicle in my book if they added ventilated seats, a better infotainment screen, and got rid of the third row seating. I want an ST line or a timberline SO badly, but the lack of ventilated seats and the shitty infotainment system is a major turn off for me.
There are some aftermarket places that can do ventilated seats.
I got stuck in mud 3 hours 😂 st model 😅😊
I would take the Ford Everest if Ford brought over the Everest I would get that I hate cross over based SUVS wish the Explorer was body on frame
I wish it had a larger motor like 3.0.
Ffs. Youre on a road that a typical sedan could go on.
That is not an off road trail!!!! My Honda accord can do that...
Who the heck is gonna take an $80,000 vehicle off road, let's be honest!!
Facts dude
These are 45 to 54k in my part of the country
@@neooverby3750 Wow,,, They are giving them away!!
@@jerrypelletier2328 that’s reasonable price for one of these. You are probably the type of person that says a 5k car is too expensive 😂
Lmfao not 80,000
You lost me at 4 cylinder
Yeah, these would make more sense with the 3.0L TT V6 they offer on other Explorers.
Looks pointless….nothing you can’t do with an ST model 💦
Interior is terrible.
That's one dull looking interior. Kinda outdated layout.
Oh nice *overlanding*. The word to describe city people needing high dollar vehicles and gear to go drive in the woods and camp.
Wait I just watched gay channel?! Crap!
Congrats you're gay now, your copy of the 2023 Agenda will be mailed to you within five (5) business days
@@OutMotorsports thank you I can’t wait
👉👈
Interior color 🤮
What the hell are those shoes he’s wearing…they look like clown shoes
They're handcrafted boots from a company called Taft. Super comfy and well made! We'll be sure to run our choice of footwear by you before filming any more videos.
@@OutMotorsports there comfortable and that what counts. When you become a adult you really don’t care what anything looks like as long it is comfy.
Lmao. They are definitely going to get you noticed. I’m a middle aged man approaching retirement soon and I wouldn’t be seen in these things. I’m also a black man and my brothers love to wear loud colored shoes. I simply cannot partake in the foolishness.
So you basically watch a almost half hour video and you only get about less than 5 minutes off-roading testing which is not really off-roading it's more of a side of the highway watered puddles . I guess I'll be heading over to the Russian videos where they can really test a off-road capable vehicle
Exactly! I noticed the channel didn’t acknowledge your comment. This off road test was a joke. A bicycle could go through that puddle. It was clearly a hard bottom with no mud. Just water.