In addition to the Explorer Enthusiast ST, Ford is expanding the Platinum trim to include a rear-wheel drive model and a hybrid powertrain. Ford

Ford is expanding the Explorer lineup with three additional trim variants for the 2021 model year. The move should solidify Explorer’s status as the best-selling mid- or full-size SUV in the U.S.

First up is the Enthusiast ST, a lower-cost alternative to the existing Explorer ST. Essentially a rear-wheel drive version of the performance-focused Explorer ST, it shares the same 400-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, 10-speed automatic transmission, tuned sport suspension and electronically limited 143 mph top speed. Priced at $49,995 including $1,245 destination, it is $4,080 less expensive than the regular Explorer ST.

Ford says the ST is responsible for nearly 20% of Explorer sales, and the Enthusiast ST’s reduced MSRP should bring more fans of sporting driving dynamics into the ST fold. Thankfully, Ford resisted the urge to cheap out on the details. The Enthusiast ST packs the same leather seating, heated sport steering wheel, paddle shifters and 12.3-inch digital cluster as the original Explorer ST. Likewise, the exterior gets the same 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips and side-view mirrors with ST projection lamps.

The standard Class III Trailer Tow Package provides towing capability of up to 5,600 pounds. However, it does not include the ST’s standard 401 Equipment package, meaning no 12-speaker B&O audio system or heated second-row seats. Still, if you can live without all-wheel drive, it’s a heck of a deal.

Rear-drive-only Explorer Platinum Saves $2,000

The top-tier Explorer Platinum also adds a rear-wheel drive variant. Following a similar tact as the ST, it retains the Platinum’s standard turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and ten-speed automatic transmission but knocks $2,000 off the base MSRP for giving up all-wheel drive. Starting at $53,725 including freight, you still get the Platinum’s trademark lower bodyside cladding, roof-rack side rails, unique grille and twin-panel sunroof. Thanks to the leather-clad seats, steering wheel, dashboard and armrests on the inside, your passengers will never know you took a thrifty detour at the dealer.

Finally, the hybrid powertrain has expanded to the Platinum trim. Priced starting at $54,330, it’s $1,395 less dear than the standard Explorer Platinum. Although we don’t have EPA fuel efficiency numbers for the new Explorer Platinum hybrid yet, the 2021 Explorer Limited hybrid all-wheel drive offers a negligible 2 mpg improvement over the 23 mpg rating of the regular Explorer Limited. At the very least, it lets buyers mix a little environmental consciousness with their hedonism.

Order books for the Explorer Enthusiast ST, rear-wheel-drive Platinum and Platinum hybrid are open now, and vehicles should begin arriving in showrooms this summer.

Explorer is the No. 11 seller overall among about 300 models in the U.S. and the best-selling medium- or full-size SUV in the first quarter of 2021, with sales of 65,244 vehicles, up 16% over 2020, according to Motor Intelligence. Three compact SUVs sell better: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. But they don’t have the profit margins of Explorer or the industry’s best-selling Ford F-Series pickup.