Ford's New 'Enthusiast' Package Lowers Cost of Explorer ST

Ford's New 'Enthusiast' Package Lowers Cost of Explorer ST

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  • Ford adds new 2021 Explorer Enthusiast ST by Ford Performance for customers who want spirited fun, while also lowering the cost of entry for ST performance
  • Explorer Enthusiast ST boasts the same specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine – making 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque – as Explorer ST
  • Ford Explorer lineup also adds new lower-priced rear-wheel-drive Platinum and Platinum Hybrid options; all are available for ordering today
DEARBORN, Mich., April 8, 2021 – Ford adds three new choices to America’s all-time best-selling SUV, the Ford Explorer. New for 2021 is a lower-priced Explorer Enthusiast ST, powered by Ford Performance, and a better-value rear-wheel-drive Explorer Platinum, while Platinum Hybrid takes Explorer’s three rows to new levels of luxury and efficiency.

All the new Explorer lineup additions are driven by customer feedback, starting with the Explorer Enthusiast ST. Like Explorer ST, Enthusiast ST is the most powerful Explorer ever – built for customers who want that same spirited fun and performance, but at a lower cost.

“The market continues to grow for performance SUVs, and the ST currently accounts for nearly 20 percent of sales,” said Craig Patterson, Ford SUV marketing manager. “With our new Explorer Enthusiast ST, we’ve made this Explorer performance SUV an even better value for more customers to enjoy, while maintaining the same exterior styling and performance – for an uncompromising, exciting ST driving experience.”

The Enthusiast ST is the new Standard Equipment Group within the ST model and features the looks and performance of Explorer ST at a lower MSRP of $48,750. It has the same specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine making 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability and sport-tuned suspension, this enables a top track speed of 143 mph. A standard Class III Trailer Tow Package provides towing capability of up to 5,600 pounds.

Inside, Explorer Enthusiast ST comes with leather seating surfaces with unique Miko micro-perforated inserts and City Silver accent stitching with ST logo, in addition to a 12.3-inch digital cluster and heated sport-style steering wheel featuring ST logo and paddle shifters. Outside, the Enthusiast ST sports quad chrome exhaust tips, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, and sideview mirrors with ST projection lamps.

The Explorer Enthusiast ST also features standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology including Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Hill Start Assist, a rearview camera with built-in lens washer, auto headlamps with auto high-beams, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking with Pedestrian Detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support and post-impact braking.

Also new for 2021 is a 3.0-liter rear-wheel-drive Platinum option starting at $52,480 MSRP, in addition to the premium four-wheel-drive model. The rear-wheel-drive option provides customers a better value, offering the right equipment for the right markets – those where four-wheel-drive is not necessary.

Upscale Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum insert, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside cladding insert, roof-rack side rails and a unique grille with satin aluminum finish. Platinum models also feature a standard twin-panel moonroof, which allows light to flood the most comfortable Explorer cabin ever. Explorer Platinum includes special leather seats, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, door rollovers, and door and front console armrests.

For the first time, Explorer Platinum is now available as a hybrid, starting at $53,085 MSRP. With Platinum Hybrid, the broadest Explorer lineup ever gets even broader – further expanding a successful full hybrid-electric powertrain into the highest-spec Explorer series to give customers even more choice and fuel efficiency.

The Explorer Enthusiast ST, rear-wheel-drive Platinum and Platinum Hybrid are available for ordering today. They arrive at Ford dealers this summer.
 
$52,830 - ST
$48,750 - Enthusiast ST
$ 4,080 difference

Definitely Ford marketing at its "best". So let's remove some of the ST greatness and call it an Enthusiast ST. :rolleyes: But IMO in doing that, they've watered down the ST name and what it represents. Hell, just create a new model with a non-ST name (maybe Sport), add the bigger motor with 400hp (or maybe slightly de-tuned from the ST), enhance the suspension a bit (but not to ST level), and slot it between the Limited and ST.

I like the overall package. I just don't like calling it an 'ST' when it loses some of what makes the ST what it is.
 
$52,830 - ST
$48,750 - Enthusiast ST
$ 4,080 difference

Definitely Ford marketing at its "best". So let's remove some of the ST greatness and call it an Enthusiast ST. :rolleyes: But IMO in doing that, they've watered down the ST name and what it represents. Hell, just create a new model with a non-ST name (maybe Sport), add the bigger motor with 400hp (or maybe slightly de-tuned from the ST), enhance the suspension a bit (but not to ST level), and slot it between the Limited and ST.

I like the overall package. I just don't like calling it an 'ST' when it loses some of what makes the ST what it is.
I had expected some of the creature comforts to be removed saving cost and making it more "performance" oriented, but it seams it still comes with leather seats and Co-Pilot 360.
 
OK, so after some digging I found out what the Enthusiast ST lacks over the regular ST.

What you don’t get compared to the standard ST

To lower the Enthusiast ST’s price, the Blue Oval omitted the standard ST’s “High Equipment” (?) package that adds a bunch of comfort and tech features such as 2nd row heated seats, a B&O sound system with 980Watt 14 speakers, a wireless charging pad and more.

So lower the base ST price as packaged for the Enthusiast ST, especially if it includes the regular ST suspension/brake components, and then offer the other ST packages that provide more luxury and convenience. Seems simple to me, but Ford has to muddy up the water.

 
I had expected some of the creature comforts to be removed saving cost and making it more "performance" oriented, but it seams it still comes with leather seats and Co-Pilot 360.
Yes, it does. I'm glad they left the leather seats and Co-Pilot 360. It really is a more base base configuration. Nothing wrong with removing some of the luxury and lowering the base price accordingly. Ford would still get those buyers who choose to opt for more luxury and convenience. I just don't get it.
 
It should attract a fair amount people who don't really care for the stereo and the rear warmer seats. Practically what a base 2019 Explorer Sport was, similar priced too.

Wonder what the weight savings would be on the Platinum RWD and MPG.

Interesting, MT has the Enthusiast ST as RWD too, wonder if that was a mistake?
 
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$52,830 - ST
$48,750 - Enthusiast ST
$ 4,080 difference

Definitely Ford marketing at its "best". So let's remove some of the ST greatness and call it an Enthusiast ST. :rolleyes: But IMO in doing that, they've watered down the ST name and what it represents. Hell, just create a new model with a non-ST name (maybe Sport), add the bigger motor with 400hp (or maybe slightly de-tuned from the ST), enhance the suspension a bit (but not to ST level), and slot it between the Limited and ST.

I like the overall package. I just don't like calling it an 'ST' when it loses some of what makes the ST what it is.

I was really hoping that's what they did. Just add the drivetrain to a base model and I'd be in!
 
Of course they named it exactly the opposite of what this lifted station wagon is.

They should have went with one of the following.
- "Poor Man's ST". PMS for short
- "The Cheap Bastard" edition
- "You Tried" ST

Squeezed out with help from the svtperformance.com mobile app
Would think "Properly Priced ST" would fit better lol The ST is overpriced for what it is, should've been 48k from the beginning.

Even then, China's Explorer looks nicer than the US version, I would've preferred to have style especially the console.
 
Losing a sound system, rear heated seats and a wireless charging pad, but adding a model year does not add up to a $4k price reduction. Sorry, there is more to the story here. I bet the MT statement of this one being RWD instead of AWD is probably the real reason for the price reduction. It would make the thing handle differently and be lighter, but probably not any faster because of traction limitation. Not to mention completely worthless as an SUV...

I don’t recall hearing anyone wishing their Explorer was a summer-only station wagon, and that’s probably why the press release is completely unclear about losing AWD as the prime cost saving measure... even Ford is embarrassed by it..
 
Losing a sound system, rear heated seats and a wireless charging pad, but adding a model year does not add up to a $4k price reduction. Sorry, there is more to the story here. I bet the MT statement of this one being RWD instead of AWD is probably the real reason for the price reduction. It would make the thing handle differently and be lighter, but probably not any faster because of traction limitation. Not to mention completely worthless as an SUV...

I don’t recall hearing anyone wishing their Explorer was a summer-only station wagon, and that’s probably why the press release is completely unclear about losing AWD as the prime cost saving measure... even Ford is embarrassed by it..
You might very well be right about it being RWD, and if that is the case, you're also right that it would be worthless as an SUV with RWD. Maybe Ford has purposely omitted that notation from their official release knowing that customers would not turn a blind eye to an upper level SUV without Intelligent 4-wheel drive or AWD.
 
So basically this should be a base/ST1/400A/whatever package name, and the 2020/early 2021 ST should be the ST2/401A/whatever next-level-up package name. The Premium Tech pack (massage seats & 10.1" touch screen) is still optional, as is the Street Pack with the 21s and bigger brakes.

"Enthusiast" is a very stupid name for this. I'm an Enthusiast, and I don't want to lose all those features.

Also I skipped the Street Pack because I didn't want 21s and even the bigger brakes aren't great; I will be getting some aftermarket Brembos.
 

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