Top-end Explorer models are at least $4,000 more expensive than previous versions.
When a new generation of a car comes along, you’d expect it to be more expensive. When the 2020 Ford Explorer was revealed in Detroit, we knew the base model would cost $400 more. Excluding destination fees, that works out to $32,765. That’s an increase most of us could live with. Not only that, but the 2020 Ford Explorer looks leaps and bounds ahead of the outgoing model in several respects. One thing we’re particularly happy about is Ford’s decision to switch back to a rear-wheel drive platform. Start moving up the trim ladder, though, and the increase is much more severe.
A company spokesperson sent out pricing information on the 2020 Ford Explorer, and Autoblog helpfully went through a breakdown on the pricing. Again, the $400 on the base model doesn’t sound too bad. On the XLT, though, the price jump goes up to $2,275 over the 2019 model. That lower end trim is still going to cost you at least $36,675.
Go up again to the Limited, and you’ll really feel the price difference. While the 2019 model set you back $42,765, this one costs at least $48,130. That $5,365 still includes the base 2.3-liter engine. You don’t get into the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 until you hit the Platinum trim. The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is a $3,555 premium on the regular Limited. That one will cost at least $51,685.
The biggest change: The ST
Moving up to the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum will get you into a less powerful version of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. Here you get 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, as opposed to the 2.3’s 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. The Platinum costs $58,250 and up — $4,085 more than the previous model.
But what about the daddy of the 2020 Ford Explorer range: the 400 horsepower ST? It does give a great deal better performance than the old Explorer Sport. But it will cost you — $8,115, to be exact. The 2020 Ford Explorer ST starts off at a whopping $54,740. With the ST and the Platinum, you’re flirting in Lincoln Aviator territory.
Look, there’s no denying some may experience some sticker shock here. I, for one, did a double take when I saw the difference on some of the higher trims. Again, the 2020 Ford Explorer does make a series of big changes from the outgoing model. The exterior’s been updated, as has the interior. It’s roomier than before. We hugely welcome the change back to a rear-drive platform. Then there’s the addition of the ST. We expect those sorts of changes to cost more, particularly when they have some more go, but is an $8,115 up charge worth the money?
We’ll have to wait and see when we’re able to test it in person. Of course, you can still add to the price of the ST with the available Track Pack.
Check out more on the 2020 Ford Explorer below:
