Negotiating leverage
43
moderate leverage / 100
~64 days of national supply — moderate negotiating leverage.
Ridekick price intelligence
2021 Ford Explorer Price: Fair Market Value & MSRP
A mileage-adjusted read of comparable active listings—not a quote for a specific VIN, trim, condition, or location.
Fair market price
$25,355
Inside the middle half of current listings.
Price intelligence
A map of today's market
Fair price is in the typical market range
$11,500$33,990
- Typical market range
- $20,306–$25,989
- Ridekick fair price
- $25,355
- Original MSRP range
- $34,925–$54,480
Middle 50% of active listings
Mileage-adjusted estimate
7 sourced trims when new
Buyer context
Market pulse
Signals to help you frame a conversation—not a promise about a particular vehicle or dealer.
National supply
64
days of supply
Buyer's market
Inventory is moving slowly, so buyers typically have more room to negotiate on a 2021 Ford Explorer.
Estimated dealer cost (invoice)
$32,131–$33,528
Estimated dealer invoice — about $34,925 MSRP minus a typical 4–8% manufacturer margin.
An estimate, not a sourced figure. Actual dealer invoice varies with manufacturer incentives, holdback, and regional pricing.
Fair price by trim
| Trim | Fair price | MSRP | Est. dealer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Police Interceptor | $17,439 | $40,615 | $37,366–$38,990 |
| Base | $22,117 | $34,925 | $32,131–$33,528 |
| XLT | $23,974 | $35,075 | $32,269–$33,672 |
| Limited | $25,210 | $47,255 | $43,475–$45,365 |
| Platinum | $30,166 | $54,480 | $50,122–$52,301 |
| ST | $31,914 | $52,605 | $48,397–$50,501 |
| timberline | — | $46,015 | $42,334–$44,174 |
Trim comparison
How each trim is priced
Estimated dealer cost Original MSRP Fair price
Trim
$14,476$35,960$57,443
Fair priceUtility Police Interceptor
$17,439
Utility Police Interceptor: fair price $17,439, original MSRP $40,615, estimated dealer cost $37,366 to $38,990.
Base
$22,117
Base: fair price $22,117, original MSRP $34,925, estimated dealer cost $32,131 to $33,528.
XLT
$23,974
XLT: fair price $23,974, original MSRP $35,075, estimated dealer cost $32,269 to $33,672.
Limited
$25,210
Limited: fair price $25,210, original MSRP $47,255, estimated dealer cost $43,475 to $45,365.
Platinum
$30,166
Platinum: fair price $30,166, original MSRP $54,480, estimated dealer cost $50,122 to $52,301.
ST
$31,914
ST: fair price $31,914, original MSRP $52,605, estimated dealer cost $48,397 to $50,501.
timberline
—
timberline: fair price not available, original MSRP $46,015, estimated dealer cost $42,334 to $44,174.
All marks use the same price scale. Dealer cost is an estimate; original MSRP and fair price are shown for context, not as a guarantee of a particular vehicle’s price.
Out-the-door price by state
Out-the-door for a 2021 Ford Explorer runs about $26,769 in MT to $29,238 in NJ — fair price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical dealer doc fee.
| State | Sales/use tax | Doc + title + reg | Out-the-door |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | $1,918 | $110+ | $28,486 |
| TX | $1,654 | $332 | $28,444 |
| FL | $1,587 | $1,074+ | $29,119 |
| NY | $1,058 | $371 | $27,887 |
| PA | $1,587 | $587 | $28,632 |
| IL | $1,654 | $683 | $28,795 |
| OH | $1,521 | $444 | $28,423 |
| GA | $1,852 | $637 | $28,947 |
| NC | $794 | $793 | $28,045 |
| WA | $1,720 | $215+ | $28,393 |
| OR | $0 | $525 | $26,983 |
Estimates using each state's base tax rate. Local (city/county) taxes can add 1–3% in many areas, dealer doc fees vary, and some states base registration on vehicle value or weight (shown with a "+"). Trade-in tax credits are not included.
Out-the-door price by state: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon
Safety & recalls
26 open NHTSA recalls on record for the 2021 Ford Explorer.
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Incorrect rear suspension module components may have been installed due to a labeling error.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension module, and replace any incorrect parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S47.
Campaign 21V870000 · 10/11/2021
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.
Campaign 20V788000 · 17/12/2020
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.
Campaign 21V735000 · 22/09/2021
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.
Campaign 21V652000 · 23/08/2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V022000 · 23/01/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
Campaign 23V069000 · 10/02/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Remedy: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
Campaign 23V199000 · 24/03/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
Campaign 23V305000 · 28/04/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V342000 · 12/05/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.
Campaign 23V626000 · 08/09/2023
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
Campaign 23V675000 · 06/10/2023
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.
Campaign 24V598000 · 10/08/2024
Source: NHTSA. Contact your dealer to schedule a free recall repair.
Questions buyers ask
What is a fair price for a 2021 Ford Explorer?
A fair, mileage-adjusted price is about $25,355, within a typical market range of $20,306 to $25,989.
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer cheaper than MSRP?
Yes — its original MSRP was about $34,925, so a fair used price is roughly $9,570 below MSRP.
What is the out-the-door price of a 2021 Ford Explorer?
Out-the-door (price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical doc fee) runs about $26,769 in MT to $29,238 in NJ, depending on your state. Local taxes can add more.
Is now a good time to buy a 2021 Ford Explorer?
There are about 64 days of national market supply for the 2021 Ford Explorer — Inventory is moving slowly, so buyers typically have more room to negotiate on a 2021 Ford Explorer.
How much can you negotiate on a 2021 Ford Explorer?
Negotiating leverage rates 43/100 (moderate). ~64 days of national supply — moderate negotiating leverage.
What does the dealer pay for a 2021 Ford Explorer?
The estimated dealer cost (invoice) is roughly $32,131–$33,528 — its $34,925 MSRP minus a typical 4–8% margin. An estimate; actual invoice varies.
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Prices are computed from live market listings, adjusted for mileage, and aggregated by trim · updated 8/2/2026. Estimates only; your price depends on condition, options, and location.