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2020 Ford Explorer Features Easter Eggs In Drive Mode Interface

We’re currently out in Oregon state to drive the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, Explorer Hybrid, and Explorer ST. While we can’t share with you our driving impressions until next week due to an embargo set by Ford, we can talk to you about some neat Easter eggs we discovered within its available drive modes.

The 2020 Ford Explorer has up to seven different drive modes that alter transmission, steering, traction control, and ABS characteristics. However, the three primary modes – Sport, Eco, and Dirt – have a rather cool secret display that can only be observed when adaptive cruise control (ACC) is enabled.

Drive mode selector on 2020 Ford Explorer

When the 2020 Ford Explorer is following a car, the system indicates an image of a tiny car in the instrument panel as a warning. The image also helps the driver adjust the following distance by using the vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted controls. And the Easter egg is that the tiny car in the instrument cluster actually changes according to the selected drive mode.

For instance, when the 2020 Ford Explorer is in Eco mode, a Ford Fusion Energi is displayed. The icon is fitting given the Fusion Energi is an efficient vehicle.

When Sport mode is selected, a Ford Mustang is displayed.

And when Dirt mode is selected, a Ford F-150 Raptor is displayed.

It’s a minor detail, but one that makes us smile. We appreciate when carmakers integrate details like these into their vehicles, as it shows that the engineers and designers developing the vehicle paid attention to the details, while having some fun along the way.

The 2020 Ford Explorer is powered by a choice of engines:

  • The Explorer ST comes with the turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
  • The Explorer Titanium gets a detuned version of the same 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 making 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet.
  • Base Explorers are powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 churning out 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
  • The Explorer Hybrid utilizes a 3.3-liter V6 coupled with an electric motor for a combined 318 horsepower.

We’ll get a chance to have a closer look at these engines shortly, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to Ford Authority for more Explorer news and ongoing Ford news coverage.

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Automotive journalist from Canada.

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Comments

  1. I personally find this new Explorer to be quite appealing, despite a few design misteps. Although the exterior has grown on me, especially in person, I’m still not the biggest fan of the tacked on looking infotainment screen! But I can get used to it! Overall, I’m just glad to finally get another RWD-based option in this segment of SUVs! Should be highly successful!

    Reply
  2. What will happen if a new Explorer driver sees the Fusion Energi icon, and asks the dealer “What car is that?” if the Fusion is discontinued?

    Come on, Ford! Keep the Fusion (all versions) in production! The only plug-in hybrid that was better than the Fusion Energi was the Chevy Volt and that is gone. The Fusion Hybrid beats sales numbers against the Toyota Prius (a compact) every year. So why discontinue one of the best Ford money-making products??

    There are many buyers who want a great midsized sedan, The imports prove that by selling many models everywhere. Don’t abandon that market to the imports. They will knock Ford out of ALL the markets, and then what will the Ford family do? Sell out to FCA? No more Fords?

    Reply

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