The 2020 Ford Explorer received a complete overhaul, consisting of a redesign and re-engineering, representing the first model year of the sixth-generation Explorer.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is all-new from the ground up. Here’s what we expect from Ford’s full-size three-row SUV.
The 2020 Ford Explorer continues to be offered as a three-row full-size crossover SUV. Total number of doors is five (including the hatch). The 2020 Ford Explorer only comes in one body style no matter which trim level is selected.
However, unique styling cues are applied to Explorer ST and Explorer Platinum to distinguish them from the rest of the lineup.
The 2020 Ford Explorer had a total of four distinct powertrains, with one of them being carried over from the last-generation model. Let’s take a closer look at the Explorer’s powertrain options.
| Engine | Aspiration | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | Turbo | 300 | 310 | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.3L Hybrid V6 | Atmospheric | 318 | N/A | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 365 | 380 | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 400 | 415 | Ten-speed automatic |
The 2020 Ford Explorer sees several changes to the model lineup. The new model lineup is as follows:
| Drive Wheels | Trim Levels | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| RWD | XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| AWD | XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| RWD | Limited | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| AWD | Limited | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 |
| RWD | Limited | 3.3L Hybrid V6 |
| AWD | Limited | 3.3L Hybrid V6 |
| AWD | ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
| AWD | Platinum | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 |
All variations of the sixth-generation Ford Explorer ride on the Ford CD6 platform shared with the following vehicles:
The 2020 Explorer is assembled at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Illinois, USA. A plant in China will assemble the vehicle for the Chinese domestic market.
The 2020 Ford Explorer follows the regular Ford model year rollover sequence. Vehicles have arrived in U.S. dealerships as we write this.
We expect the current, sixth-generation Ford Explorer to remain into production for at least the next four-years. There are no plans to update the vehicle since this is an all-new Ford Explorer launched for the 2020 model year.
Discuss the 2020 Ford Explorer in our Ford forum.
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| Model | 2020 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|
| Body style | Full-size three-row SUV |
| Driveline | Longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive |
| Construction | Unitized welded steel body |
| Manufacturing location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Key competitors | Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Volkswagen Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Dodge Durango, Subaru Ascent |
| Engine | Aspiration | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | Turbo | 300 | 310 | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.3L Hybrid V6 | Atmospheric | 318 | N/A | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 365 | 380 | Ten-speed automatic |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 400 | 415 | Ten-speed automatic |
| Gear | Ratio (all engines) |
|---|---|
| First | 4.714 |
| Second | 2.997 |
| Third | 2.149 |
| Fourth | 1.769 |
| Fifth | 1.521 |
| Sixth | 1.275 |
| Seventh | 1 |
| Eighth | 0.853 |
| Ninth | 0.689 |
| 10th | 0.636 |
| Reverse | -4.885 |
| Trim Level | Standard Wheel Size & Type | Standard Tire Size & Type | Optional Wheel Size & Type | Optional Tire Size & Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 18-inch painted aluminum | 225/65R/18 | N/A | N/A |
| XLT | 18-inch five-spoke sparkle silver-painted aluminum | 255/65R/18 | 20-inch polished aluminum | 255/55R/20 |
| Limited | 20-inch polished aluminum | 255/55R/20 | 20-inch hand-polished aluminum | 255/55R/20 |
| ST | 20-inch machined aluminum | 255/55R/20 | 21-inch aluminum | 275/45R/21 |
| Platinum | 20-inch bright machined-face aluminum | 255*55R/20 | 21-inch premium aluminum | 275/45R/21 |
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Front | Disc brakes with ABS (high performance on ST) |
| Rear | Disc brakes with ABS (high performance on ST) |
| Exterior Dimensions | Value (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 119.1 |
| Total vehicle length | 199.3 |
| Total vehicle height | 69.8 |
| Width (including mirrors) | 89.9 |
| Front track | 66.9 |
| Rear track | 66.9 |
| Interior Dimensions | Value (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Head room (first row) | 38.9 |
| Head room (second row) | 38.2 |
| Head room (third row) | 38.9 |
| Leg room (first row) | 43 |
| Leg room (second row) | 39 |
| Leg room (third row) | 32.2 |
| Capacities | Value |
|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 7 |
| Passenger volume | 152.7 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 18.2 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 47.9 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 87.8 cu-ft |
| Base curb weight (2.3L EcoBoost I4) | 4,345 lb |
| Base curb weight (3.3L hybrid V6) | 4,969 lb |
| Base curb weight (3.0L EcoBoost V6 - ST) | 4,701 lb |
| Base curb weight (3.0L EcoBoost V6 - Platinum) | 4,727 |
| Engine | Drive Wheels | Towing Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3L Hybrid V6* | RWD | 5,000 lb |
| 3.3L Hybrid V6* | AWD | 5,000 lb |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4* | RWD | 5,300 lb |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4* | AWD | 5,300 lb |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST) | AWD | 5,600 lb |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Platinum) | AWD | 5,600 lb |
| *Requires Class III Trailer Tow Package |
| Trim | Engine | Drive Wheels | Entry Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | RWD | $36,675 |
| XLT | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | AWD | $38,665 |
| Limited | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | RWD | $48,120 |
| Limited | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | AWD | $50,120 |
| Limited | 3.3L Hybrid V6 | RWD | $52,270 |
| Limited | 3.3L Hybrid V6 | AWD | $54,465 |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | AWD | $54,730 |
| Platinum | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | AWD | $58,250 |
