2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer is one of the most recognizable nameplates in the SUV segment, and arguably one of the first models to establish the segment outright. These days, the Explorer is getting close to 30 years old, but it’s still one of the best-selling SUVs out there. Now Ford is offering a fresh sixth-generation for the 2020 model year, introducing a more diverse model lineup, additional muscle under the hood, a more capacious interior, and the very latest technology bits as well.

2020 Ford Explorer

2020 9 Little Known Facts About the 2020 Ford Explorer

Check out the rged new look of the 2016 Explorer, and don't forget about the new Platinum trim level.

Specifications

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Model: 2020 Ford Explorer
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Pros

Cons

2020 Ford Explorer Exterior Styling

- Familiar blacked-out pillars - 5.4 inches shorter front overhang - up to 21-inch wheels - Quad exhaust tips - Fresh but recognizable

True to form, the new model once again includes blacked-out A-pillars and D-pillars, while the C-pillars are body colored, giving it that traditional window line seen across the previous models.

However, there are sill a few differences to parse out, with a sportier appearance overall. The fascia gets slimmer headlight housings, and the grille is more geometric in its shape. The lower front bumper looks a bit more pinched as well, while the front overhang is 5.4 inches shorter (33.7 inches versus 39.1 inches).

Moving to the profile, the 2020 Explorer’s roofline looks to slope a bit more compared to the straighter line on the previous model. The window line looks sharper. In the corners, the 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with painted aluminum alloy wheels sized at 18 inches in diameter. Customers get seven wheel designs to choose from, while premium 21-inch aluminum wheels are offered on the range-topping Platinum model.

The rear end was spruced up as well, and now comes with a shorter chrome strip across the hatch. The lower fascia rocks round exhaust tips as well, with quad tips offered elsewhere in the line. However, the taillight housings look similar in shape to the older model as well.

2020 Ford Explorer Exterior Dimensions

	2020 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited	2020 Explorer Platinum
Wheelbase	119.1	119.1
Length	198.8	198.8
Width, excluding mirrors	78.9	78.9
Width, including mirrors	89.3	89.3
Width, mirrors folded	82.7	82.7
Height	69.9	70.2
Track, front curb	66.9	66.9
Track, rear curb	66.9	66.9
Front overhang	33.7	33.7
Rear overhang	46.0	46.0

2020 Ford Explorer Interior Design

- 8.0-inch infotainment Standard - Onboard Wi-Fi - 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster - Optional 14-speaker audio - 87.8 cubic-feet of space - Driver assist tech

The layout is all-new and looks dominated by a huge 10.1-inch touchscreen attached to the center console. Complementing the high-end feel is an Active Noise Cancellation system, while the front seats get five different massage settings.

That said, Ford definitely built this thing to accommodate families. For example, the cupholders can double as juice box holders, while the sliding second row seats make for easier access to the third row. In fact, the second-row seat can even be moved by a child thanks to its electric slider.

Standard spec includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 and FordPass Connect. It should be noted that the previous model offered an 8.0-inch screen as an available upgrade.

There’s also standard Wi-Fi that can connect up to ten devices. The onboard infotainment also provides remote access to the car with automatic lock/unlock, vehicle locator, vehicle remote start, and access to the vehicle diagnostics.

Further upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that changes its background appearance based on the selected drive mode, and it comes with 3D graphics. You also get Amazon Alexa support, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as Waze navigation. SiriusXM support is standard. Audiophiles will want to get the 980-watt B&O audio system 14 speakers.

In terms of stowage space, the 2020 Explorer offers upwards of 123 cubic liters inside the cabin. There’s a small ledge in the middle row for holding a tablet, and something called an “Apple Catcher” to keep the groceries in line. Fold all the seats down and you’ll get upwards of 87.8 cubic feet, while a standard power lift gate makes it easier to load in and out.

On the tech front, the Explorer gets a variety of driver assist features via the Ford Co-Pilot360 system. Chief among these is Active Park Assist 2.0, which does the steering, braking, and accelerating, self-parks with the touch of a button, and comes as standard on the range-topping Platinum trim. There’s also a Blind Spot Monitor that expands its field of view depending on whether or not you’re towing. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control is in the mix as well.

Meanwhile, Lane Keep Assist moves the car to one side of the lane if a large vehicle is detected nearby, and there’s Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Speed Sign Recognition also automatically adjusts its speeds with the cruise control.

The rest of the standard Co-Pilot360 features include Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support, a rearview camera with a built-in lens cleaner, automatic headlights with automatic high-beams, and a Reverse Brake Assist feature

Optional tech includes Evasive Steering Assist and Post-Impact Braking.

Finally, the Platinum model comes with a standard twin-panel moonroof, leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dash, and armrests.

2020 Ford Explorer Interior Specifications

	2020 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited	2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
Seating capacity	Seven	Seven
First-row headroom	40.7	40.7
First-row legroom	43.0	43.0
First-row shoulder room	61.8	61.8
First-row hip room	59.2	59.2
Second-row headroom	40.5	40.5
Second-row legroom	39.0	39.0
Second-row shoulder room	61.9	61.9
Second-row hip room	59.1	59.1
Third-row headroom	38.9	38.9
Third-row legroom	32.2	32.2
Third-row shoulder room	54.6	54.6
Third-row hip room	40.9	40.9
Total passenger volume	152.7 cu. ft.	146.8 cu. ft.
Cargo volume behind first row	87.8 cu. ft.	87.8 cu. ft.
Cargo volume behind second row	47.9 cu. ft.	47.9 cu. ft.
Cargo volume behind third row	18.2 cu. ft.	18.2 cu. ft.

2020 Ford Explorer Drivetrain And Performance

- Updated 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque - 20-horsepower increase - Optional 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 365 and 380 lb-ft of torque - New RWD platform - Optional 4WD - Tows up to 5,600 pounds, a 600-pound increase

Take a peek under the hood, and the 2020 Ford Explorer comes to the party rocking an updated 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine as the standard-spec engine on the base model, the XLT, and the Limited. This time around it produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 20 horsepower. Torque levels are static.

Higher in the range, there’s a turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, which comes as standard equipment on the Platinum model. Output for the ‘six comes to 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque on premium 93-octane fuel, making for the most-powerful Explorer ever built.

A new 10-speed transmission with rotary shifter comes standard as well. Per usual, the Explorer also comes with an optional 4WD drivetrain.

Ford also says it’s dropping an electrified model, which will carry over to all of Ford’s utility models in the future. We should get more info on the hybrid Explorer next week when it drops in Detroit.

Under the skin, the 2020 Explorer’s platform is part of Ford’s five new platforms, making to move to a RWD-centric architecture that helps with styling, off-road agility, towing capacity, and overall interior volume.

Meanwhile, the 2.3-liter with the Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow upwards of 5,300 pounds, which is a massive 2,300 pounds more than the 3,000-pound capacity of a similarly equipped model from today.

What’s more the Explorer offers improved departure and approach angles, and extra off-road chops thanks to a terrain management system with seven different modes (normal, sport, trail, slippery, tow/haul, and eco). Explorers with 4WD also get a deep snow and a sand mode.

Finally, the 2020 Ford Explorer has a base curb weight of 4,345 pounds and 3,727 for the Platinum Edition.

	2020 Ford Explorer Base, XLT, Limited	2020 Ford Explorer Platinum
Engine	2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4	3.0-liter EcoBoost V6
Configuration	Aluminum block and head 60-degree V6	Compacted graphite iron aluminum block, aluminum head
Intake manifold	Composite shell-welded with runner pack	Composite shell-welded with runner pack
Exhaust manifold	Three-port integrated into aluminum head	Integrated into aluminum head
Valvetrain	DOHC, four valves per cylinder, twin independent variable camshaft timing	DOHC, roller finger follower, four valves per cylinder,twin independent variable camshaft timing
Valve diameter/lift	Intake 32.5 millimeters/8.9638 millimeters Exhaust 30.0 millimeters/7.8 millimeters	Intake: 32.5 millimeters/10 millimeters Exhaust: 28.3 millimeters/9 millimeters
Pistons	Cast aluminum	Cast aluminum
Connecting rods	Powered metal	Forged steel
Ignition	Distributor-less with coil-on-plug	Distributor-less with coil-on-plug
Bore and stroke	87.55 millimeters x 94 millimeters	85.4 millimeters x 86.0 millimeters
Displacement	140 cu. in.	183.1 cu. in.
Compression ratio	10.0:1	9.5:1
Engine control system	PCM	PCM
Crankshaft	Forged steel	Forged steel
Horsepower	300	365
Torque	310 lb.-ft.	380 lb.-ft.
Recommended fuel	Unleaded gasoline, regular grade	Unleaded gasoline, premium grade
Fuel delivery	Direct injection	Direct injection
Oil capacity	5.2 quarts with oil filter	6 quarts without oil filter
Coolant capacity	12.8 liters to 13.8 liters	16.4 liters
Approach angle	20.1 degrees	21.0 degrees
Departure angle	22.0 degrees	22.3 degrees
Ramp breakover angle, curb	17.1 degrees	17.7 degrees
Minimum running ground clearance	7.9	8.2

2020 Ford Explorer Pricing

The 2020 Ford Explorer lineup includes the base model, followed by the XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST (offered as a replacement for the Sport), and the Platinum.

If you’re looking to step it up, the Platinum model includes unique door handles, satin aluminum insert, a unique liftgate applique, a lower cladding insert, roof rack side rails, unique grille, and satin aluminum finish. There’s also a twin-panel moonroof up top.

The base price went up $400 with this latest update, which makes for an MSRP of $32,765 for the entry-level model.

The 2020 Ford Explorer hit showrooms in Summer of 2019.

2020 Ford Explorer Competition

Mazda CX-9

If you’re in the mood for a little extra fun with your family hauler, then the CX-9 is a safe bet. It looks fantastic, rocking the latest kodo design language with slim headlights, a crest-shaped front intake, and a sporty silhouette. Inside, the CX-9 offers a premium cabin layout, which now offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone support. Motivation is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 227 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission routes the muscle. As icing on the cake, Mazda’s legendary suspension tuning makes the CX-9 a surprisingly agile SUV as well. Pricing starts at $32,280.

Read our full review of the Mazda CX-9 here.

Chevrolet Traverse

When it comes to GM’s offering in this space, you’ll be checking out the Traverse. First produced in 2008, the second-generation dropped in 2018, and now offers seating for up to eight passengers with a 2+3+3 configuration. There’s also a seven-seater configuration with dual captain’s chairs for the second row. With seats laid down, the Traverse can swallow upwards of 98.5 cubic feet of cargo. It definitely looks the part of a big, bold SUV as well. Under the hood, the Traverse arrives to the party with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6. Pricing starts at $29,930.

Read our full review of the Chevrolet Traverse here.

Final Thoughts

We’ll get more info on the 2020 Ford Explorer next week at the 2019 NAIAS, but for now, things are looking good.

And that’s important, because these days, a new, highly desirable 2020 Explorer is more important than ever for Ford, especially now that the domestic brand has pretty much ditched most of its sedan lineup.

That said, now is pretty much an ideal time for this model to arrive, as buyers are still scooping up SUVs and crossovers at an astonishing rate. With more luxury, a bold new looks, fresh underpinnings, and a new engine lineup, not to mention the latest tech that Ford can muster, odds are this one is gonna be a winner.