Lucas Bell 
Before the new Ford Bronco came in and stole the limelight, the Ford Explorer had been the new SUV of the lineup. That said, the launch of the current model back in 2019 was plagued with quality control issues that ultimately slowed sales dramatically. In an effort to draw in more young customers, the XLT Sport Appearance Package is making a comeback on the 2021 Ford Explorer, and we can give you all the official details about the fan-favorite styling upgrade for Ford’s popular SUV.
To call the XLT Sport Appearance Package a popular option on the previous generation Ford Explorer is an understatement. Ford says that 25 percent of the Explorer XLTs that they sold were optioned with the visual upgrades, which is a staggering number. For the 2021 model year, the package includes a number of tweaks both inside and out.
Starting with the exterior, the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package includes a set of 20-inch Carbonized Gray wheels wrapped in all-season BSW tires, as well as a host of other Carbonized Gray accents. The grille with mesh inserts, liftgate appliqué, body side inserts, skid plates and the Explorer hood badge are all finished in the color. Ford also throws in a set of chrome exhaust tips to round out the exterior changes. Inside the SUV you’ll find two-tone Slate seats with Medium Slate contrast stitching, stretch diamond instrument panel appliqués, unique door trim panel inserts with contrast stitching, and Explorer branded front floor mats.
Pricing information hasn’t been released for the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package, but expect that to become available as the configurator goes live. Whether or not the return of a fan-favorite option will be enough to salvage customers’ early reaction to the SUV will have to be seen.
