The Ford Explorer Timberline Edition: For Those into Pushing Envelopes
The trend towards vehicle variants adapted for off-roading continues apace. Ford has presented the 2021 Explorer Timberline edition, designed for families who want a little more adventure than the regular version of the SUV is built to offer. This is the first of what will likely be several Timberline editions of SUVs in Ford’s lineup.
The looks
To begin with, the Timberline edition looks the part, starting with a meaner-looking Carbonized Gray front grille, blackened Ford logo and dark accents around the lights, plus a set of red tow hooks at the front, rated for 150 percent of the gross vehicle weight. Also present are exclusive fog lamps and an available Ford Performance auxiliary light set for the grille for even more trail lighting. The Timberline edition also gets the nifty Forged Green Metallic paint finish you see here.
The performance
More importantly, there’s substance to match the style here, meaning there are high-sidewall Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires and new heavy-duty shocks, and a ride height raised by 0.8 inches (here 8.7 inches compared to the 7.9 of the regular Explorer). Special dampers were imported from the Police Interceptor variant and tuned specifically for this model. Also adapted are the springs, stabilizer bars and steering rack. Ford has also included a unique front rebound spring that serves to prevent violent impacts on trails from being felt in the cabin.
Beneath the vehicle are skid plates for the front and under the engine, transmission and other key elements. It’s possible with the Timberline to take an approach angle of 23.5 degrees (up by 2.5) and a departure angle od 23.7 degrees (up by 1.7).
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