Zander Drives Cars

Ford’s Performance branch became awfully quiet when the Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST left the United States market in 2019. Two of their most important models were just axed. Yes, they have the Mustang, but that was different. They needed to get busy and make something else to blow people’s minds. So, in 2021 when Ford announced that the next ST branded model would be the… Explorer? The 3-row family SUV that had little to no performance value? Yes. What the hell could they do with that? Well, the answer was to make it one of the best-performance SUVs on the market.

The Explorer has always been one of the few SUVs that has a presence to it. That could potentially be due to the wide usage of pursuit variants from sea to shining sea, but whatever the reason, the Explorer had a presence. So, what do you do to make it stand out more? Well, not much. Don’t overplay it. The only real differences between the ST Explorer and an XLT Explorer are the black trim, wheels, and red brake calipers. I love it. They didn’t need to do a Mansory-like mutilation of an existing car. They kept it low-key except for this car, which is red. That arguably makes it even better.

The continued theme of “ST” continues the moment you open the door. No, it isn’t a badge rather than a plaque that says “Ford Performance.” It is a pretty good preview as to how many “ST” logos you can find hidden here. There are ones on the front seats, one on the steering wheel, and one that shows up on the infotainment screen when you start the car. I explained last time I drove a Ford that their interior quality is normally the most consistent of the Big 3 and I stand by it. Everything felt right for the price. Nothing super fancy, but nothing appalling either. Yes, some scratchy plastics exist on the doors and the brushed aluminum on the dashboard isn’t my favorite, but there’s nothing here to get mad about. The ST is fitted with captain’s chairs in the second row which is always a win for everyone involved. They’re big and comfortable as are the seats up front. The third row is fine, too. Not amazing, but fine. Mind you, it did feel noticeably darker than the second row. For $61,000, I don’t think it’s too bad at all.

My biggest issue with the ST, and by extension the Explorer range, is this screen. Why is it in portrait mode? Not only does it look weird, but it makes functions like the backup camera small. Because they can’t stretch the image out they have to put it on the top making it difficult to use the camera itself. It is a shame because Ford’s Sync system is very easy to navigate and works well, but this orientation isn’t it. I would stay away from this screen and go with the standard one offered, even if that means sacrificing the optional Bang & Olufson sound system. The driver’s screen is fully digital and is customizable as well. You can have it show your tire pressure, a trip timer, and off-road stats, you get the gist of it. It also comes with a cool start-up animation as well, which will always be well-received in my book.

What this car does lack in some interior quality spaces, it makes up for in equipment. It is a long-known truism that American cars typically have the best bang for your buck in the industry, and the Explorer ST is no exception. You get heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, USB/USB-C ports, wireless charging, lane keep assist, cross-traffic alert, 360 sensors, CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control, power 3rd-row seats, and a Bang & Olufson sound-system. It is important to note that upgraded packages come with stuff like massaging seats, but I don’t think an option like that is necessary in the ST. One other thing worth noting is the placement of the wireless charging bay. It’s stored under the lid of the center console making it hard (rightfully so) to use your phone while it is charging. Good job, Ford.

The Explorer ST comes with a 3.0l twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost that makes 400hp and 415lb-ft of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. I’ll say it here now: this car drives so well. It is super difficult to make a large SUV feel like a sports car, and while you can debate whether or not anyone will truly replicate that experience, Ford has come really figgin close. You can tell that Ford’s Performance team he’s spent time tinkering with this car. The ride is firm and the steering feels connected directly to the wheels and not a computer, the acceleration (0-60 in 5 seconds) is quick and requires legitimate 2-handing of the wheel. It felt planted and controllable while being fun and agile. I am super impressed with this. That being said, one thing that bothered me: the noise. Ford pumps in fake exhaust noises into the cabin. This is fine normally, but in sport mode, while accelerating hard, the noise is unbearably loud and you can’t turn it off as far as I’m aware. It just feels fake. Do you know what else is fake? The quads on the back. Yes, they go to the exhaust but they dump from holes in the bottom. I can’t really be mad at that. I’m impressed.

It is also important to note that the ST is the thirstiest car in the Explorer range, doing 20mpg city and 27hwy. But the fun of driving the damn thing makes it worth it in my book.

There are very few performance SUVs in the $50-60k range these days. It’s this, the MDX Type-S… and that’s really it. the price compared to similar offerings from the germans makes this a great car for those who have to haul stuff, but want to do it irresponsibly. The Explorer ST is a rare example of a car that can make parenting fun. Which in and of itself is something to applaud.

Huge thank you, as always, to the folks at Plaza Ford, specifically Elliot and Joshua for letting me come down and drive the Explorer ST. They’re good people. Click here to view their inventory.