We’ve already seen and heard Borla’s ATAK-Type cat-back exhaust system bolted to the twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine in the 2020 Ford Explorer ST. And now, Borla has released new footage of a 2020 Ford Explorer XLT – the one with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine – fitted with the Borla S-Type exhaust.
Borla is known for offering quality exhaust products that are typically pleasing to ear, and that contnues to be the case here – as the California-based exhaust specialist managed to get the Explorer’s four-cylinder – standard on the base, XLT and Limited trim levels – to sound somewhat exciting.
When compared to the nearly-silent exhaust of the 2020 Ford Explorer XLT in stock form, the three-row CUV with the Borla S-Type exhaust system sounds a bit more sprightly. Not only is the added sound pleasing to the ears, but it also provides the driver with a better idea of what the engine is doing.
Sure, it’s nowhere close to how Ford’s twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost engine sounds with Borla’s ATAK kit, and that makes us wonder how Borla’s more aggressive ATAK system would sound when paired with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine in the new Explorer.
| Trim Level | Engine | Aspiration | Recommended Fuel | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Turbo-charged | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 300 | 310 |
| XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Turbo-charged | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 300 | 310 |
| Limited | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | Turbo-charged | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 300 | 310 |
| Hybrid | 3.3L Hybrid V-6 | Hybrid-electric | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 318 | 322 |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 | Turbo-charged | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 400 | 415 |
| Platinum | 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 | Turbo-charged | Unleaded gasoline, regular grade | 365 | 380 |
Of course, what the boosted 2.3-liter may lack in aural pleasure, it makes up for with greater fuel efficiency, offering up to 21 miles in the city and 28 miles on the highway per gallon of fuel in the 2020 Explorer. By comparison, the boosted 3.0-liter gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway in the new Explorer.
It’s also worth noting that this system is also available with the unique tips for the Explorer Limited trim level.
So, what do you think of the more audible growl in the 2020 Ford Explorer Explorer XLT with the Borla S-Type pipes? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Might want to double check the Platinum Torque value, but I like it!
Was supposed to be 380. Fixed. Thanks for the tip.
One can get all the info under one website.
I hate to say it, but it kind of reminds me of the adolescent with a small budget looking to add “something” to their pedestrian ride…what’s the first thing they do? Right, modify the exhaust.
Try as they may, even with the 400 hp ST model, it still weighs at least two tons. Challenging to get moving even with that kind of power…
I’ll take it a step further, this reminds me of the little nerds growing up that put playing cards in their spokes to make their bikes sound like an engine. I never understood it.
This, I understand even less.
Frankie, any chance you can find out how much a factory cat-back exhaust system weights on the Explorer ST? I know the Borla S series runs approx. 54 lbs.
The factory system weighs 62 lbs and the Borla S-Type weighs 42 lbs
Thank you Jason!