--- title: "It’s good to be the king; Ford Explorer adds King Ranch edition" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2021/02/its-good-to-be-the-king-ford-explorer-adds-king-ranch-edition/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Jill Ciminillo" published: "2021-02-24T18:05:50+00:00" modified: "2026-08-19T15:42:44+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021_Explorer_King_Ranch_001.jpg" --- # It’s good to be the king; Ford Explorer adds King Ranch edition By Jill Ciminillo Published: 2021-02-24T18:05:50+00:00 Updated: 2026-08-19T15:42:44+00:00 ![Featured image]() Looking to creating a top, top tier trim to the Explorer, Ford Motor Co. adds the ultra-lux King Ranch trim to the [popular SUV’s lineup for 2021](). ### **\[Related content: [2025 Ford Explorer revealed: What you need to know]()\]** Previously only available on [the F-150](), this trim will be both premium and rugged with real wood accents and Mesa Del Rio leather. This new trim celebrates a 20-year collaboration with the south Texas cattle ranch. “In 1853, Captain Richard King bootstrapped the King Ranch in the harsh landscape of southern Texas until it became a shining example of agricultural and livestock innovation and success,” said Lee Newcombe, Ford Explorer marketing manager. “Ford Explorer families can now enjoy a piece of the King Ranch’s renowned craftsmanship and the multigeneration legacy that still thrives 168 years after its founding.” So, all those high-end details you’re used to seeing on the F-150 King Ranch will make their way into the midsize SUV. Specifically, features you’ll find will include: - Leather wrapped and stitched instrument panel - Available premium technology package with multi-contour seats, a 10.1-inch touch screen and a 14-speaker B&O sound system - A unique Stone Gray-painted mesh grille insert - 20-inch aluminum wheels with Running W center cap - Quad chrome exhaust tips - King Ranch badging everywhere ![2021 Ford Explorer]() 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch edition interior. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.) In terms of safety, the King Ranch trim will have Ford’s up-level Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard fare. ## **The bottom line on the Ford Explorer King Ranch** Ford is really good at listening to its customers, and they wanted a more refined interior for [Explorer](). This King Ranch trim will certainly do that. But don’t take our word for it. Check out the photo gallery below, and let us know what you think. [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() [2021 Ford Explorer]() ## Related vehicle coverage - [2021 Ford Explorer]() ## Structured page information ~~~json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2021/02/its-good-to-be-the-king-ford-explorer-adds-king-ranch-edition/#article", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2021/02/its-good-to-be-the-king-ford-explorer-adds-king-ranch-edition/" }, "author": { "name": "Jill Ciminillo", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/#/schema/person/17a307b2bd8654a0efc57d38f2e79df8" }, "headline": "It’s good to be the king; 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