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- Highs Composed ride, plentiful cargo space, comfortable driving position.
- Lows Cramped third row, some subpar interior materials, desirable twin-turbo V-6 is pricey.
- Verdict A broad lineup of family-friendly SUVs that all excel at their jobs.
Overview
The Ford Explorer is partly responsible for the crescendo of SUV sales that began in the early 1990s, and the 2020 model is chock full of popular content and useful capability. With three rows of seats and loads of cargo space, the Ford is purpose-built for shuttling families. Its powertrain roster includes a capable turbocharged four-cylinder, an efficient hybrid option, and a powerful twin-turbo V-6. Along with a comfortable ride and a unique sport-tuned model, the Explorer's broad lineup provides something for everyone. It's also loaded with standard equipment such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Although the 2020 Explorer has an unimpressive interior and small third row, the SUV that helped start it all continues to dutifully serve the masses.
What's New for 2020?
Although it looks much like the model it replaces, the Explorer is all new for 2020 and boasts much-improved ride and handling, interior features, and modern powertrains.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the mid-level Limited model is the best Explorer for the money. It's also the only one available with the hybrid powertrain, which costs an extra $4150. While the hybrid makes sense for people who can take advantage of its lofty EPA-rated city mpg, we found the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine to be sufficiently potent and more efficient on the highway. Likewise, it can still tow a sizeable 5300 pounds when equipped with the towing package. We'd also add all-wheel drive for $2000. Apart from that, we'd stand pat with the Limited trim's desirable standard features. These include a 12-speaker B&O audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, power-folding third row, and upgraded drivers assists such as adaptive cruise control.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Base, XLT, and Limited trims come with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and it motivates the Explorer along with authority. The lead-foot drivers among us will prefer either the 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 in the Platinum model or the sporty Explorer ST, which uses a 400-hp version of the same engine. A hybrid is new to the Explorer lineup for 2020 and pairs a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5600 pounds. The Explorer rides on an all-new rear-wheel-drive platform, but all-wheel drive is still optional; a 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Ride and handling are both agreeable and composed but far from entertaining; the Explorer ST is far more athletic, and its extra power and stiffer suspension make it a real performance SUV.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Due to its myriad powertrain and drivetrain combinations, the 2020 Explorer has varying EPA fuel-economy ratings. The rear-drive hybrid model is rated as the thriftiest overall, with estimates of up to 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Adding all-wheel drive reduces the hybrid's ratings by 3 and 4 mpg, respectively. We tested the latter on our 200-mile real-world route where it only managed 24 mpg highway. Comparatively, the 400-hp Explorer ST earned 25 mpg on our highway test, which beat its EPA rating by 1. We also tested the four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive. The government estimates that version will earn 20 mpg city and 27 highway—we saw 28 mpg during our highway test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the interior design may border on uninspired, the Explorer's cabin is functional and comfortable—at least for those in the first two rows. Getting into the standard third row of seats is now easier thanks to a new mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button. Once back there, however, passengers will find that the seat is too close to the floor to be comfortable for older kids or adults. Rivals such as the Chevy Traverse and the Volkswagen Atlas provide more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford's third row, and we fit a total of 31 bags with both back rows folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment is standard and includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system is both attractive and responsive, but it doesn't have a rotary controller that could help make the interface more intuitive. To get the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen you'll need to upgrade to either the Platinum or the ST models. Still, every model is available with voice-activated navigation as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. Apart from the base Explorer, a 12-speaker B&O audio system is standard.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The 2020 Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to a merely Acceptable score in the small overlap front crash test. Every Explorer is also outfitted with a host of standard driver-assistance technology and available with upgrades such as self-parking assist. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides a wholly average limited and powertrain warranty that align with most competitors. However, the company doesn't provide the complimentary maintenance that Toyota and GM brands such as Chevy do.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
