• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


New guy, 2020 vs 2021?

Messages
98
Reactions
44
Points
17
Location
Melbourne, FL, USA
#1
Hi all,

Recently started looking for a new daily driver to go with my Corvette. Explorer St is at the top of the list, followed closely by a used srt8 jeep. Seen some great deals on 2020s, but test drove a 2021. I know they switch o the shiny black plastic in the interior for 2021, but are there any other changes I should be aware of? Any reason not to get a 2020 vs a 2021?
 

Symetry

Active Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
642
Reactions
875
Points
232
Location
West KY
#2
The third row seats are powered in 2021, don't think they are in 2020.

The second row seats are powered to move forward and flip down for easier access to third row, don't think they are on 2020.

If I'm wrong , someone correct me.

Jim
 

Messages
107
Reactions
147
Points
37
Location
CA
#3
The third row seats are powered in 2021, don't think they are in 2020.

The second row seats are powered to move forward and flip down for easier access to third row, don't think they are on 2020.

If I'm wrong , someone correct me.

Jim
Wrong on both counts. The 2020 3rd row seats are powerd, and the 2nd row has a button to flip the seat forward.
 

Symetry

Active Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
642
Reactions
875
Points
232
Location
West KY
#4
Ok, I had been told , the 2020 didn't have it.

I've never driven a 2020 , so it was just hearsay.

Thanks for straighten that out.

Good info as I'm trying to buy my first ST.

Can you talk about exactly what some differences are?

Jim
 

Messages
32
Reactions
35
Points
12
Location
NYC
#5
Mostly insignificant changes in my opinion. I don't like the flat top look on the 2021, (you can purchase the roof runners though). Some will say the 2021 is cheaper than 2020 but it's not. The 2021 has a lot less in rebates than a similar 2020. I leased my 2020 with 2021s on the lot and got a better deal. I leased so I'm not concerned about being a year old on paper and the depreciation. 36 months and move on to another. Fun car to drive!!
 

Messages
11
Reactions
6
Points
2
Location
Wisconsin
#6

Dave G ST

Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
104
Reactions
47
Points
27
Location
Hurlock, MD, USA
#7
Depending on your budget. I really think they are one in the same. You can get about $10K off 2020's right now and I still see some available. With 2021's having a lower sticker price, I would say the price difference would be at least $5K for the same ST.
 

Messages
37
Reactions
14
Points
2
Location
Raleigh, NC, USA
#8
I would say the biggest difference would be if the 2021 has Sync 4.

The 2020 have Sync 3 for sure and it's a bit lacking.

They also made the running change in May 2020 that allow 2020s post change to earn top IIHS pick.

https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/fo...ety-pick--thanks-to-improved-crash-protection


I have a '21 ST and it has Sync 3. Is there an update that I don't know about?

SYNC® 4 | Features and Updates | Ford.com
 

SwankST

New Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
9
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
OK, USA
#9
I wish the 21 had Sync 4!
 

Symetry

Active Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
642
Reactions
875
Points
232
Location
West KY
#10
I read , can't recall where , that 2021s were Sync 4.

Is that not true?
 

SwankST

New Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
9
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
OK, USA
#12
I read , can't recall where , that 2021s were Sync 4.

Is that not true?
No the 21s are not Sync 4 that’s one of the things I was really wanting, along with a screen that’s actually useful. Would also love a HUD.
 

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
950
Reactions
530
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#13
In the past, Ford does Sync version updates with mid-cycle refresh.
 

JBrow171

New Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
2
Reactions
2
Points
2
Location
Fowlerville, MI, USA
#14
Only the F150 is getting sync 4 in the 2021 line up. The ST gets the enhanced sync 3, in other words the last update available. :)
 

Cdubya

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,693
Reactions
842
Points
262
Location
NE Ohio
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#15
2021 vs 2020 are really small differences. Like some black glossy trim on the inside instead of cheap-looking plastic. The roof rails are now optional. Everything else is basically the same. That said, it makes sense that 2021 benefits from "fixes" to the 2020 production that have been ongoing. I personally would get a 2021 if were in the market even though the remaining 2020's are being cleared out at a substantial discount.
 

SwankST

New Member
U.S. Navy Veteran
Messages
9
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
OK, USA
#16
Only the F150 is getting sync 4 in the 2021 line up. The ST gets the enhanced sync 3, in other words the last update available. :)
Bronco has Sync 4.....but that will most likely be in 2321 at this rate.
 

Symetry

Active Member
U.S. Army Veteran
Messages
642
Reactions
875
Points
232
Location
West KY
#17
Just pulled up the window sticker on the 2021 ST that I'm negotiating to buy, build date was 11/20/2020.
Clearly states Sync 3.

Jim
 

JohnE

Active Member
Messages
513
Reactions
281
Points
82
Location
Vancouver, WA, USA
#18
Bronco has Sync 4.....but that will most likely be in 2321 at this rate.
I saw a car carrier on the highway yesterday with a full load of Broncos. I’m thinking of getting one to tow behind the motor home. Pretty cool looking.
 

JohnE

Active Member
Messages
513
Reactions
281
Points
82
Location
Vancouver, WA, USA
#19
Just pulled up the window sticker on the 2021 ST that I'm negotiating to buy, build date was 11/20/2020.
Clearly states Sync 3.

Jim
So what’s the status on your purchase?
 

Messages
90
Reactions
39
Points
17
Location
Skunk Hollow
#20
Great financing deals right now on in stock 2020 models. I'll take 0% for 60 mos any day.
 



Top