Over the last 30 years, SUVs have steadily supplanted traditional sedans as the market’s go-to choice. The rise of crossover models has only accelerated the trend, but even as drivers continue to embrace the SUV, they’ve begun to lose sight of what made the segment so special in the first place. Today’s crossovers might excel in terms of fuel efficiency, comfort, and cargo room, but all too often, they lack the utility that made SUVs such a force to be reckoned with. This is especially true when it comes to off-road ability. We’re not saying that every SUV needs to be able to climb sheer rock faces, ford rivers, and plow through deep mud, but it’s always nice to see a brand return to its roots by giving some of its modern models an off-road overhaul.
Introduced in 2021, the Ford Explorer Timberline aims to do just that. Essentially a rugged version of the typical Explorer designed to conquer the road less traveled, the Timberline turns the popular three-row SUV into a readymade overlanding rig with the addition of off-road hardware, a new suspension, all-terrain tires, and some extra ground clearance. It’s a compelling package for any driver seeking a used Ford Explorer for sale and one that has helped the brand gain some ground on some of its more outdoorsy rivals. While Ford did discontinue the Explorer Timberline as it moved into the 2025 model year, the brand has hinted that a replacement could return in one form or another before too long. This hiatus gives us the perfect opportunity to look back on the Timberline and discover how Ford was able to see the forest for the trees to deliver an intriguing new off-road trim.
Distinctive Design
Anyone who’s logged some serious hours on the trail understands the importance of ground clearance, as well as approach and departure angles, when it comes to finding off-road success. Improving these dimensions allows a driver to aggressively tackle challenging off-road terrain without having to worry about incurring any long-term damage, which is why it’s so nice to see Ford prioritizing these three important metrics. The Timberline offers nearly an extra inch of ground clearance when compared to the base Explorer. That might not sound like a drastic improvement, but it can make all the difference when it comes to dodging rocks, logs, and other off-road obstacles that could cut your next adventure short.
The Timberline also improves on the Explorer’s approach and departure angles, giving the SUV 23.5 degrees of clearance up front and 23.7 degrees in the rear. That’s more than three extra degrees when compared to the standard model, which can have a noticeable impact when you’re navigating a steep incline, picking your way through a tricky stretch of trail, or barreling down a hill. The Timberline also provides an extra 1.8 degrees of breakover angle, ensuring your undercarriage won’t get beached when you summit a narrow peak.
An Upgraded Engine
The Timberline is powered by the turbocharged 2.3L engine that can be found on the lower trims of the sixth-generation Explorer. This is still enough power for a six-second zero to 60 mph time that, while it won’t set any records, is pretty impressive for a three-row SUV. Those looking to really max out the Explorer’s performance can always opt for the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, which replace the turbo-four with a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 that’s capable of reaching 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds.
Of course, speed isn’t the be-all, end-all when it comes to the crossover segment, especially when you’re talking about models that are designed with off-road adventure in mind. Looking to bring a small boat, camper, or trailer loaded down with recreational vehicles on your next off-the-grid excursion? The Explorer Timberline is up to the task with a maximum tow rating of 5,300 lbs. That’s a solid figure for the three-row segment, besting the Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot by a good 300 lbs.
Four Wheels, Unlimited Fun
Four-wheel drive is an essential feature for any trim worth the off-road designation, and the Explorer Timberline doesn’t disappoint with its potent powertrain. While the Timberline does lack a two-speed transfer case and low-range gearing, its all-wheel drive system comes complete with a 3.58:1 Torsen limited-slip rear axle that’ll allow drivers to traverse tough terrain with confidence. Perfect for conquering off-road terrain—or just a slippery snow-covered street—the limited-slip differential improves traction and control by limiting the wheel slip that can leave your head and tires spinning. The Explorer Timberline doubles down on its off-road ability thanks to Ford’s Terrain Management System. With dedicated settings for Normal, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco, the Timberline can drastically adjust its traction and stability control systems to ensure success no matter what sort of conditions the road might throw at you.
Off-Road-Ready Equipment
Engine, four-wheel drive, and design aside, it’s the Timberline’s arsenal of robust off-road equipment that really gives the SUV an edge. Like every sixth-gen Explorer, the Timberline comes standard with a comprehensive suspension package that includes MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. While this approach gives the Explorer a more refined on-road experience without sacrificing the off-road capability that’s so important in this adventurous market segment, it’s the Timberline-exclusive gear that really ups the crossover’s off-road resume.
Ford has loaded the Timberline with a pair of front recovery hooks and Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires wrapped around trim-exclusive 18-inch wheels. But the real star of the show would have to be the heavy-duty suspension. Borrowed from the Explorer Interceptor model designed specifically for law enforcement agencies, the upgraded springs and dampers have an iron-clad pedigree and allow the SUV to excel in both on-road and off-road environs while lending the Timberline a responsive, stable ride.
This suspension is an important part of the package, but it can also lead to a little overconfidence as drivers aggressively approach bumps, ruts, and other obstacles. Luckily, Ford has you covered with a full complement of skid plates protecting the engine, transmission, and rear end. This additional underbody protection doesn’t give you a license to throw common sense out of the window, but it does provide an important safety net that can help to protect drivers from some worst-case scenarios.
A Modern, Purpose-Built Interior
Ford has gone out of its way to build an off-road trim that goes far beyond the typical appearance package, but that doesn’t mean that style necessarily takes a backseat over substance. The Timberline sets itself apart from the rest of the trim ladder with some sporty details and interior upgrades that speak to the SUV’s off-road intentions. From blacked-out headlights and taillights to black-painted aluminum wheels, the Timberline offers an aggressive appearance that might have other drivers mistaking the SUV for one of the police-issue Explorers. Grille-mounted LED fog lights add a little off-road utility, illuminating tricky off-road terrain well after the sun has gone down. Activated by pressing an AUX button on the SUV’s headlight control dial, the LED fog lights prove that Ford engineers are no strangers to their local off-road trails.
The Timberline’s interior is also a departure from the typical Explorer, with Ford introducing a number of exclusive styling options. These include surfaces done up in a distinctive Deep Cypress green, Deep Tangerine stitching, and Stone Mesh trim that can’t be found on any other model. The Timberline also prioritizes comfort with a spacious interior and three-row design that should provide more than enough room for all seven passengers. The SUV offers 18.2 cu.ft. of cargo room when all three rows are in use, but that number grows all the way to 87.8 cu.ft. with the second and third rows stashed away. It’s a solid number for the three-row segment and one that helps the Explorer Timberline cement its reputation as a practical, well-rounded crossover that can excel as a daily driver.
A Winning Combo of Comfort and Capability
In addition to its long list of off-road equipment, unique styling, and impressive cargo space, the Explorer Timberline also boasts a bevy of modern amenities that go a long way toward elevating the everyday driving experience. From a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation, an available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, the Timberline doesn’t ask drivers to sacrifice comfort and convenience in the name of off-road capability. The Timberline represents a notable upgrade over the standard Explorer, especially when you factor in the affordable starting price of a used model. Sure, there are more capable off-road SUVs on the market, but the Ford Explorer Timberline manages to walk a fine line by upgrading a standard SUV with a host of sturdy components without losing any of its on-road ability, comfort, and practicality. This winning combination makes the Timberline’s departure from the Explorer lineup a little perplexing, but given the increasing popularity of off-road trims, odds are a replacement will take its place before too long.
