What's New
The 2020 Ford Explorer returns completely overhauled. Now sitting on a rear-wheel-drive platform with available all-wheel drive, the Explorer supplies four engine choices and a roster of comfort and safety upgrades like standard second-row captain's chairs. The lineup expands with the first-ever hybrid variant, while the ST model replaces the previous Sport trim. Buyers should prepare for sticker shock too, as even a base XLT trim with four-wheel drive costs about $40,000.
Choosing Your Ford Explorer
Ford offers the Explorer in four trims: XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. There is a base model that's fleet only that we aren't going to include it in our overview, while the hybrid powertrain is only available on the Limited trim. Pricing starts at $37,770 including destination for the XLT model and tops out at $59,345 for the Limited.
Engine Choices
There are four engines for the Ford Explorer. The base turbocharged four-cylinder offers horsepower to equal or better many naturally aspirated V6 engines. The available twin-turbo V6 is very strong, even exceptional in the ST model where it benefits from special tweaking.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.3L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 300 hp | 310 lb-ft | 5,600 lbs | 24 mpg |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 365 hp | 380 lb-ft | 5,600 lbs | 20 mpg |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 400 hp | 415 lb-ft | 5,600 lbs | 20 mpg |
3.3L V6 Hybrid | 318 hp | 322 lb-ft | 5,600 lbs | Not yet rated |
Every Explorer engine sends power to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard on the ST and Platinum, but optional elsewhere for $2,000.
Passenger & Cargo Capacity
All four trims offer standard seating for six, and space is plentiful outside of the tight third row. A second-row bench seat that ups capacity to seven passengers is optional on the XLT and Platinum trims for $495. Cargo capacity checks in at 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 behind the second, and 87.8 cubic feet with both back seats folded.
Safety Features
The 2020 Explorer comes standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and automatic headlights and high beams.
The available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane-centering, speed limit recognition, and voice-activated navigation. It's optional on the XLT and standard on the Limited and up.
The ST and Platinum trims get Ford's new park assist technology called Active Park Assist 2.0. It allows the vehicle to park itself, even in parallel parking situations, with the touch of a button.
We’re still waiting on the Explorer’s crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA, but we expect a noticeable improvement over the previous scores, which were average.
Connectivity
Ford supplies the Explorer with an 8-inch color touchscreen with the latest version of their SYNC 3 infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze. Also standard is a 6.5-inch driver information display and FordPass Connect, which provides wi-fi for up to 10 devices and remote services that allow owners to lock, unlock, locate, start, and monitor diagnostics from their smartphones.
Moving up to the Limited trim brings even more technology, including a voice-activated navigation system, HD radio, and a surround-view camera. The ST and Platinum get a 12.3-inch digital driver information display as standard, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen is optional on these trims. The bigger touchscreen looks strange thanks to a vertical layout that makes it seem as if an iPad is sticking out of the dashboard.
The Explorer XLT comes well equipped and is much cheaper than the other Explorer models, so many shoppers may begin and end their search here. Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry, and push-button start.
Ford also bundles a roster of interior, exterior, and safety upgrades under a $5,140 202A Equipment Group. This package is highlighted by a remote start system and an upgraded seating material, and it also unlocks the ability to add Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Plus for another $795.
If buyers plan on towing, upgrade to the Class III Trailer Tow Package ($710), which unlocks this model’s top towing capabilities.
It’s a big $11,550 leap from the XLT to the Limited, but the level of standard equipment reflects this. Limited buyers get navigation, adaptive cruise control, leather seating, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power-folding third row seat, and a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, among other upgrades.
Equipping the Limited with the hybrid powertrain brings a starting price of $53,375, making it $4,150 more expensive than a gas-powered variant. The hybrid doesn't have the fuel-saving benefits to make the upgrade worth it, as Ford estimates it'll only get 24 miles per gallon combined.
The Explorer ST is the performance leader of the pack with its enhanced V6 banging out an outstanding 400 horsepower. This model also comes with standard four-wheel drive and a stiffer sport suspension system.
It's easy to distinguish the ST from the rest of the lineup with its blacked-out grille, 20-inch dark aluminum wheels, quad chrome exhaust tips, and ST logos.
Buyers can take these changes further by unlocking 21-inch dark aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and performance brakes with the $995 ST Street Pack. A $1,595 High Performance Package adds the same, except the brakes are now high-performance.
Ford pulls out all the stops with the Explorer Platinum, a model that rivals some premium SUVs with its many luxurious features. These include a twin-panel moonroof, perforated leather seats, and satin aluminum exterior touches.
The available 10.1-inch touchscreen requires the $995 Premium Technology Package that also includes multicontour front seats and a 14-speaker audio system.
Compare Explorer Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Ford Explorer doesn't come cheap, but the standard amenities are plentiful. The Limited requires a hefty jump in price, but the equipment upgrades over the XLT are well worth it.