What, a $60,000 Explorer?
After nearly three decades in production, this 2020 Ford Explorer is the sixth-generation model. And it marks another major change for the nameplate, as Ford moves back to a rear-wheel drive-based platform for this all-new version. In this overhaul, Ford also stretched the wheelbase, offered up some new powertrain options, and revamped the styling from the old fifth-generation. In this video, Andre goes through all the details you want to know about the 2020 Ford Explorer.
The exterior styling on the new Explorer is a bit polarizing, particularly at the front. The grille design is more or less an evolution of the old Explorer. However, it is larger than before, with part of the grille tucked underneath the headlights. It may not be your cup of tea, but let us know what you do think about it in the comments below. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, the 2020 Ford Explorer also has slightly more leg room and shorter overhangs to the old generation.
On the inside, we welcome the fresh new interior, including the sharp digital instrument cluster and suite of safety equipment. Most buyers will notice the new 10.1-inch infotainment system perched atop the Explorer’s center control stack. Ford’s reasoning is that the new screen looks and acts more like your phone, but some may consider the screen’s orientation a bit over the top. Again, it’s a matter of taste, and the system itself does offer a wide range of menus and settings.
Powertrains
The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with four possible powertrain options. On the base Explorer, XLT and Limited models, you get a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Platinum offers a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Spring for the performance-oriented ST model, like we have here, and you get 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. All these options come mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Lower trim levels come with rear-wheel drive as standard fare, while Ford’s intelligent all-wheel drive system is an option. The all-wheel drive system offers a front axle disconnect feature while you’re just cruising for better fuel economy.
The 2020 Ford Explorer also comes with a unique Hybrid trim. Unlike the other models, the hybrid system comes yoked to a 3.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6. The total system output is 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, it does not come with a CVT, but instead with what Ford calls a 10-speed modular hybrid automatic.
Pricing
Prices for the 2020 Ford Explorer have crept up over the old model. This XLT starts off at $36,675 — a full $2,275 more than the 2019 XLT. The $48,130 Limited increases that gap even further, as does the top-end $58,250 Platinum.
There will be a base Explorer, and that model only starts off about $400 more than the current entry-level version. That one will start around $33,000.
The hot Explorer, the new ST model, kicks off at $54,740, which may come as a shock for some of you looking at the current Sport model. Add on some options, and the model we’re testing costs nearly $60,000 before any destination charges and other fees.
It costs much more, but check out the video above to see just what you’re getting for the money. Come back to TFLcar.com soon for more 2020 Ford Explorer videos, including driving impressions!
