Pros
- Completely redesigned for 2020
- First-ever Explorer Hybrid and high-performance ST models
- Seats up to seven passengers
- Available with turbocharged 4-cylinder, two turbo V6s, and V6 Hybrid powertrains
- Impressive new rear-drive platform with available all-wheel drive
Cons
- Can be costly with prices ranging from $32,765 to more than $60,000
- Third row can be tight, even for just two passengers
- Seats seven maximum
What’s New For 2020 Ford Explorer
New ST performance version delivers 400 horsepower
- All-new for 2020
- New ST performance version delivers 400 horsepower
- New hybrid model with a range of up to 500-miles
New Ford Explorer is going to be more famous as it shines brighter in many respects. It is more spacious, more fuel-efficient, and it has many more standard safety characteristics. Although it feels more like a high-riding car than before, the Ford Explorer 2020 rear and all-wheel drive has intrinsic robustness that we can all enjoy, along with a multitude of powertrains to assist this SUV to satisfy different requirements. And let’s not forget the seriously sporty fresh Explorer ST, replacing the Explorer Sport of last year.
Nor should we overlook the all-new Ford Explorer Hybrid 2020, which is already proving popular with police organizations across the nation because operating is considerably less costly. While the decreased fuel charge is essential, the regenerative braking of the Hybrid Explorer is also much simpler on the brakes than a conventional Explorer, so it will have to change its pads much less commonly.
The 2020 Ford Explorer has a lot to give, whether your 3-row mid-size SUV needs are rooted in soccer matches, sporty driving or stakeouts.
Expert Review
While the Ford Explorer is not as essential to the bottom line of the automaker as the all-powerful F-150 pickup truck, it is nevertheless an important player. Look around; everywhere are explorers. Consider this: The Ford Explorer is the most popular SUV ever sold in the U.S., with all-time sales rapidly approaching the 8 million. And sales of this perennially popular three-row midsize SUV undoubtedly will be helped by the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, which is arriving at dealerships right now.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is, like the outgoing model, a unibody design featuring a chassis made of sheet metal stampings welded together to form the vehicle’s primary framework. While the ancient model was based on the Taurus sedan’s front-drive unibody chassis, the fresh chassis of the 2020 Ford Explorer has a longitudinal motor and transmission rear-wheel drive (RWD) design. As such, this fresh 2020 Explorer is a return to the rear-drive origins of this model, but without the body-on-frame building like a truck.
2020 Ford Explorer Favorite Features
10.1-INCH VERTICALLY ORIENTED TOUCH SCREEN The 2020 Explorer optional touch screen is the biggest model ever available and can show various features at once, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
12.3-INCH DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER The normal tool cluster on Explorer ST and Platinum is substituted by a digital display of 12.3 inches. The display can be tailored, including a minimalist Calm Screen that only displays vital information and should decrease driver distraction.
ECOBOOST V6 The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 of the latest Explorer ST model generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft torque, numbers above most non-luxury rivals. The ST can also be fitted with a Track Pack or a Street Pack, options that add more robust red calipers and 21-inch wheels brakes, the largest that an Explorer has ever provided.
2020 Ford Explorer Interior
The Ford Explorer 2020 comes standard with a third row of seats for two passengers. The second row of the base Explorer is a 3-person bench, resulting in a complete seat capability of seven. In the second row, higher trim levels have a couple of captain’s chairs, meaning they are seated up to six. Ford argues that the new Explorer has a little more hiproom and headroom than before and that the 2nd-row seats can now slide forward and backward— a prevalent function that helps to provide room depending on needs.
The quantity of cargo shrinks slightly in the 2020 Explorer, although the load floor now measures 48.1 inches in width between the wheelwells— its narrowest point— meaning that construction materials of 4’x 8′ can lay flat (although sticking out the back by about one foot). With a carpet on one hand and vinyl on the other, the cargo ground is reversible. The energy liftgate can be opened on some trim levels by kicking a foot under the back tire and the 3rd-row seats can be power-folded.
2020 Ford Explorer Exterior
While this fresh 2020 model still obviously looks like an Explorer, the rear-drive architecture has made it possible for Ford to maintain the general length about the same while expanding the wheelbase by 6.3 inches. By moving forward the front wheels, Ford decreased the front overhang and enhanced in all three rows of seats on every significant interior dimension. The suspension features front-facing MacPherson struts along with an autonomous rear multilink. Base 2020 Ford Explorer is a7-seater with a 2nd-row bench for three, while nearly all upmarket models are 6-seater equipped with captain’s 2nd-row chairs.
2020 Ford Explorer Features
Even the Ford Explorer entrance level is well equipped. In addition to satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, Sync connectivity, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 security suite, it has an energy liftgate standard. The XLT upgrades the ante with a leather-covered steering wheel and all-wheel drive available, while the Limited and Hybrid add leather-cut seats, a 360-degree camera, a foot-operated hands-free energy liftgate, and power front seats.
In addition to its 400-horsepower engine, paddle shifters, sport suspension and distinctive look, the Explorer ST feature leather-covered sport bucket seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, Active Park Assist, and a heated steering wheel in the sport-style. The Platinum model asserts its place with Tri-Diamond leather seat trim, a twin-panel moonroof and a wood interior trim at the top of the 2020 Ford Explorer lineup.
2020 Ford Explorer Options
You can find extras such as leather, heated / ventilated front seats, a 10-way passenger seat, a Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, a Qi wireless charging pad and as many as four USB ports (including type-C) with three 12-volt outlets and a 110-volt outlet depending on the model / trim level that you achieve in your fresh Explorer. These are all discovered on the designs of the Limited.
The bounty begins with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster instead of traditional gauges at the top of the Explorer lineup— beyond the Explorer ST performance mods and the luxury touches on Platinum models. Also, both models come with Active Park Assist, which can park the Explorer in a parallel or perpendicular spot by pressing a button — operating the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel — and pull it out again. This is an upgrade to the Enhanced Active Park Assist of the outgoing model, which handles the steering but needs the driver to operate the pedals.
The earlier, naturally aspired 3.5-liter V6 base motor is gone from the Explorer lineup, as the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost4-cylinder, earlier the step-up engine offering, will take over as the 2020 normal power plant.
At the same moment, it brings 20 more ponies together with 310 lb-ft of torque for a total of 300 horsepower, which is more than the V6s of most rivals. The Platinum is exclusive to a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft torque. Powering the sporty new Explorer ST is the same engine’s 400-hp version with a torque of 415 lb-ft.
In the 3-row mid-size SUV section, these numbers out-muscle everything saves for the Dodge Durango SRT with its 6.4-liter V8.
Finally, an Explorer Hybrid joins the family for the first time, and pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor. All engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission, up from the previous 6-speed.
Base, XLT, Limited, and Hybrid models with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are accessible. The ST and Platinum Explorer come with all-wheel drive as standard. Ford’s Terrain Management System comprises of a sequence of drive modes that can be selected via a center console button, changing dynamics including accelerator awareness, transmission shift, steering effort, suspension firmness, traction control programming, and all-wheel drive torque management. Modes available include:
Normal, which seeks to balance comfortable motoring with some driving excitement, is intended for everyday driving.
Sport, aptly named, sharpens the throttle response and steering while providing quicker shifts. The 10-speed automatic, also used in the Mustang and Ranger, holds gears longer for faster acceleration.
Eco, via throttle and gearbox adjustments, maximizes the fuel range of the 2020 Ford Explorer. This does come with a small sacrifice in performance.
Tow / Haul enhances the transmission action while towing with your Explorer. Upshifts happen at greater motor speeds to decrease shift frequency, and more engine braking is permitted to make life simpler for the Explorer’s brakes during the downhill. The quantity of downshifting braking is directly linked to how much brake stress the rider is applying.
Slippery makes continuous changes to the Explorer’s throttle response, gear changing timetable and traction control to assist this Ford SUV to stay on the moist grass, slushy highways or any surface that might be covered in, say, a thin sand or gravel layer.
Deep Snow / Sand is what you’ll need if you ‘re trying to reach the office before the snowplows have cleared the roads. This mode keeps the 2020 Explorer going, even in deep sand, through steady adjustments to the throttle, shift points, and traction control.
Trail is designed to be used on muddy, rutted, soft or uneven ground. As with the Deep Snow / Sand model, the forward mobility of the Explorer is significantly enhanced through a shift schedule and specifically tailored to the condition.
Note: Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 2020 Ford Explorers are also equipped with the Terrain Management System, but the Deep Snow / Sand mode is not included. We hope that a limited-slip rear differential will become available, which will help make the RWD Explorer more capable in the dirt.
2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Base, XLT, Limited)
300 horsepower
310 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (RWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)
3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (Platinum)
365 horsepower
380 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (AWD)
3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (ST)
400 horsepower
415 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (AWD)
3.3-liter V6/electric motor (Hybrid)
318 horsepower
322 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/29 mpg (RWD), 23/26 mpg (AWD)
Estimated range: 500 miles
2020 Ford Explorer Price
The Ford Explorer Base 2020, just called the Explorer, begins with a $32,765 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) plus a $1,095 destination fee. Better equipped and equipped with the 2.3, an XLT begins at $36,675. At $48,130 begins the priciest 2.3-liter Explorer, the opulent Limited model.
It’s the V6 Explorers ‘ big jump. The sporty ST starts at $54,740 and the Platinum flagship model starts at $58,250. The new Explorer Hybrid, based on the Limited trim, begins at $53,375 and tops out at about $61,000 when fully optioned.
A 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, one of the Explorer Hybrid’s main competitors, starts at $37,320, a price that can climb to about $50,000 when you order a Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum model. Interestingly, Toyota’s destination fee is also $1,095.
The lower-end 2020 Explorers are priced in line with other 3-row mid-size SUVs, but the models Limited and V6 are entering the luxury brand territory. Check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price, as usual, to see what other people in your area are paying for their new Ford Explorer 2020. As far as the resale value is concerned, the calculation is still early. Historically, though, while Ford Explorers can not hang with the leaders of resale-value, they do have a strong 2nd-tier status.
2020 Ford Explorer Models
2020 Ford Explorer
2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine
10-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive (optional 4WD)
Dual-zone climate control
Power liftgate
Satellite radio
40/20/40 2nd-row seat
18-inch painted alloy wheels
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
Sync3 connectivity
8-inch touch screen
Ford Co-Pilot 360 safety
2020 Ford Explorer XLT
2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder
18-inch painted alloy wheels
Roof-rack side rails
LED signature lighting
6.5-inch color LCD cluster screen
Dual 2nd-row USB ports
Push-button start
Keyless-entry keypad
Available all-wheel drive
4-way front passenger seat
Locking lighted glovebox
Rear bumper step pad
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
2020 Ford Explorer Limited
2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder or V6 hybrid
Leather seating surfaces
10-way power passenger seat
360-degree camera
Hands-free foot-operated liftgate
Heavy-duty rear brake calipers
12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
Wireless charging pad
2nd-row heated seats
Power-fold 3rd-row seats
2nd-row sun blinds
20-inch alloy wheels
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
2020 Ford Explorer ST
3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower
Sport-tuned suspension
Black grille mesh, lower bodyside cladding
Active Park Assist 2.0
Reverse Brake Assist
Optional Street, Tech and Track packs
4-wheel drive
20-inch alloy wheels (Optional 21s)
Heated sport-style steering wheel
20-inch machined aluminum wheels (optional 21s)
Leather-covered sport bucket seats
Class III Towing Package
12.3-inch digital instrument screen
2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower
Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Tri-diamond leather seat trim
Twin-panel moonroof
Leather-wrapped front console and door armrests
Adaptive headlights
20-inch alloy wheels
Satin-aluminum grille and lower bodyside cladding
Chromed quad exhaust outlets
Power-folding sideview mirrors
Leather-wrapped instrument panel and door rollovers
Wood interior trim
LED taillights with amber trim
The fuel economy and the 2020 Ford Explorer
The EPA rated a rear-wheel-drive 2020 Ford Explorer fitted with a 2.3-liter motor at 24 mpg city/highway. The same all-wheel-drive Explorer is rated at 23 mpg in combination. Equipped with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower, an all-wheel-drive Explorer Platinum is rated at 18 City/24 Highway/20 Combined.
One of the greatest problems clients had with the outgoing Explorer, according to Ford, was that it had to be replenished too often with petrol. As a consequence, each new 2020 Explorer has a driving range of over 400 miles, with the Hybrid being able to drive over 500 miles on a single tank. The Explorer Hybrid has an 18.0-gallon fuel tank, making it impressive for a 4,970-pound car with 318 combined horsepower, which amounts to about 28 mpg highway.
