What to Expect From The 2020 Ford Explorer

If you’re planning to get a three-row SUV to transport your large family, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a great option. This midsize crossover has many characteristics that make it an ideal family hauler, including a broad cabin, large cargo area, and an impressive list of standard tech and safety features. It also offers a relatively exciting driving experience, thanks to its potent and refined engine lineup. This SUV comes in six trim levels: the base model, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and the range-topping Platinum. Find out if the 2020 Ford Explorer is the right vehicle for your family.

Image via Flickr by truckhardware used under CC BY 2.0

Exterior

The 2020 Ford Explorer may look like its predecessor at first glance, but you’ll realize it’s substantially different upon closer observation. It appears less bulbous than the previous model and many other three-row SUVs. Its high front end and massive grille make it look stocky, while its bold chiseled surfaces add a touch of muscularity and ruggedness. Overall, it’s an eye-pleasing vehicle because of its well-balanced proportions.

Some models in the Ford Explorer lineup have unique exterior features that make them more distinguishable. The ST trim looks sportier with its distinctive front and rear fascias, red brake calipers, blacked-out wheels, and quad-tip exhaust. Chrome wheels, grille, and rocker panels give the Platinum a classier appearance. The base model and XLT ride on 18-inch wheels, while the higher trim levels receive 20-inch wheels.

Power

The 2020 Ford Explorer offers four engine options. Most models are equipped with a base 2.3-liter turbo-four engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited Hybrid features a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V-6 that works with a modular-hybrid transmission for a combined output of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque.

If you want more power, you can opt for the Platinum, which uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine rated at 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. An enhanced version of this engine makes it way under the hood of the performance-oriented ST, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission.

Regardless of which engine you choose, the Explorer has plenty of power to perform almost any driving task. The V-6 models offer noticeably quicker acceleration, with the ST making 60 mph in less than six seconds.

When fitted with its base engine and rear-wheel drive, the Ford Explorer is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, managing 21/28 mpg (city/highway). If you opt for four-wheel drive, you’ll see the rating drop to 20/27 mpg. Models with V-6 engines get 18/24 mpg.

Handling

You won’t have much to complain about with the 2020 Ford Explorer’s handling. The SUV provides a composed and comfortable ride in most situations. It moves over uneven surfaces smoothly and feels well-planted around corners and along winding roads. Despite its size, it demonstrates impressive agility in tight spaces, making it a pleasure to drive in the city. The ST offers a more engaging driving experience with its more potent engine and firmer suspension tune.

Additionally, the Ford Explorer comes standard with a suite of drive modes for improved handling on different surfaces, including normal, sport, eco, slippery, trail, and tow/haul. Four-wheel-drive models add snow and sand modes. This mid-size crossover is also a comparatively good workhorse. Its maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds is one of the best in its class.

Interior

The new Ford Explorer can accommodate up to six people, though some models offer an available second-row bench that increases the seating capacity to seven. The inside of the SUV is airy and roomy, providing enough room for adults in all rows. It’s also well-designed and features a nice variety of soft-touch materials. Another plus point of the Explorer is its generous cargo space. It gives you 18.2 cubic feet of storage space with all seats upright, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 87.8 cubic feet behind the front seats.

Safety

The 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 package, which comprises a long list of driver-assistance features for improved safety on the road. These features include forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, automatic high-beam lights, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera.

To further lower your risk of accidents, you can opt for available safety features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, stop-and-go capability, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot monitoring when towing, reverse braking assistance, active parking assistance, and a surround-view camera.

Trim Levels and Prices

Learn about the different trim levels of the 2020 Ford Explorer to determine which one best fits your lifestyle.

• Base model: Starting at about $33,000, the base Ford Explorer offers cloth upholstery, tri-zone electronic climate control, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, and a power liftgate.
• XLT: With a base price of around $36,000, the XLT has all the features of the base model, plus power front seats, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, second-row captain’s chairs, and a larger instrument cluster.
• Limited: The Limited comes with a minimum price of around $48,000. It adds leather upholstery, a power front-passenger seat, ventilated and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, power-folding mirrors, a household-style power outlet, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
• Limited Hybrid: The Limited Hybrid has a base price of about $53,000 and includes active noise control.
• ST: Starting at around $55,000, the Ford Explorer ST gets perforated leather upholstery, sports seats, black exterior styling elements, and a tow package.
• Platinum: The top-of-the-line Platinum costs at least $58,250. It establishes itself as one of the top Ford luxury vehicles with features such as tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery and a twin-panel sunroof.

If you want to know if the 2020 Ford Explorer is a good option for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a test drive with Oxmoor Ford Lincoln.