This means most Explorer owners wont see more than half of these themes, as theyre likely to never explore the Tow/Haul, Trail or Eco modes. . The 2020 Ford Explorer has 109 NHTSA complaints for the power train at 4,947 miles average. If you continue to browse it means you agree to the use of cookies. It is, obviously, on a completely different platform, but the styling doesnt look appreciably different from the current one. Unfortunately, overall drivability of the Hybrid can disappoint at times. The Explorer's new rear-drive platform helps boost the 2.3-liter turbo four's max towing capacity from 3,000 pounds to 5,300 pounds. Other extras include evasive steering assist (adds steering boost to make emergency maneuvers easier) and post-impact braking, which automatically applies the brakes after a crash to prevent the car from rolling. All powertrains are connected to Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, and all models come with seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Eco, and Deep. While we appreciated the extra power, the difference didnt feel as dramatic as the numbers might suggest. . The big tires also make themselves heard on grainy surfaces, though these are minor complaints. Register now and take advantage of these features: Register now to save it to your favorites. Its infotainment systems are underwhelming, though. READ MORE: Six Ways the 2020 Toyota Highlander Is Actually Interesting. There may be more width than the previous Explorer and plenty of headroom, but its not nearly as comfortable for full-size humans as the Traverses third row or that of the newly arriving Hyundai Palisade. That's thanks in large part to a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase that Ford says gives the new Explorer best-in-class first- and second-row hip room and second- and third-row headroom. Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The Limited Hybrid uses a non-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 tied to an electric motor and battery pack, producing 318 combined horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque in all. But Fords engineers also deserve credit for fine-tuning the interplay of gasoline engine and electric motor. The Explorer has grown considerably, spawned luxury versions, even a pickup truck version and now its undergone yet another change. Ford has redesigned the Explorer three-row midsized SUV for 2020, and it keeps many of the attributes that have made it a popular choice. Jon Wong is a reviews editor for CNET Cars. Ford's family truckster is smoother, faster and more versatile. This touchscreen is placed low enough on the center stack that the top protrudes just above the dash pad, placing it nicely for minimal driver distraction. The new Explorer will defend its three-row SUV sales crown with more space and a big portrait-style infotainment screen you've gotta see. Well also be very interested to see the new Explorer Hybrids fuel economy. It gets the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, and park assist at a lower price than the Explorer Platinum with 400 hp to boot. Actually, it's not an iPad, but it looks like one to the point that you might get the sense that it might tip over while the vehicle is in motion, but fortunately for you and for it, the 10.1-inch touchscreen is glued on very securely. Switches for automatic parking and engine start/stop systems are also nearby. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage. Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. But for family vehicles, front-wheel-drive crossovers tend to offer up a lower load floor and more passenger space in the second and third row. . Two-wheel drive Explorers will forgo the natty wheeled selector, replaced instead with a pair of buttons allowing drivers to cycle through the drive modes. Finally, the Explorer Hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack under the passenger-side cabin. All prices include a mandatory $1,095 destination charge. As part of the interior overhaul, the 2020 Ford Explorer gets two notable pieces of techy eye candy. THIS SITE IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY AUTOINSPECT.US LLC - AN APPROVED NMVTIS DATA PROVIDER. Every oil change when it's due. Since launching in 1991, nearly 8 million Ford Explorers have been sold, making it the best-selling SUV of all time. Why trust us? That organization named the SUV a Top Safety Pick, but only if equipped with specific headlights (on Titanium trim). Whether equipped with rear-drive or the available all-wheel-drive system with front-axle disconnect, it gets around twisty mountain roads as well as any big SUV (and probably with much less understeer than most front-drive-based competitors), even if its heft can't overcome the law of physics. Clean CARFAX. Call, e-mail , or just stop in to see why WEST HERR FORD OF HAMBURG provides you with the most up front, hassle free buying experience in Western New York. The interior ergonomics are another highlight, as Ford has managed to create a comfortable and well-proportioned cabin without doing anything fancy or high-tech. Ford claims the Explorer ST will do zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 143 mph. Autoweek's Racing on TV for November 28-December 4, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas essentials: A driver's 3-row SUV, 2019 Honda Pilot Elite essentials: Not just a minivan in disguise, The Ford F-150 Lightning Joins the Forest Service, 1984 Ford Escort Has Easy Maintenance Schedule, 1973 Ford Mustang Different, Heavier than Ever, Heres How Small Trucks Fared in IIHS Crash Tests, Smart Money in 1988 Invested in a Mercury Topaz, Were Number Two! in EVs, Say Ford and Hyundai, Ford Goes Off-Road With 2023 Ford Transit Trail, 2020 Ford Explorer First Drive: Crossover for the New Decade. Most versions get a new generation of turbo-4 and V-6 engines, coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. With competitive interior space and towing capability, plenty of tech features, and a strong powertrain lineup, the Explorer should be able to handle anything the average buyer can throw at it. With or without the big touchscreen, massaging seats, and zooty audio package, though, the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum is no commodity vehicle, starting $1,315 north of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve. Families couldnt snap em up fast enough; even my sister had one as her first car back in the 90s. Kensington, MD, USA Apr 21, 2020 #3 Deep Snow/Sand (If Equipped) For deep snow or soft dry sand. The lineup will include the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum trims. It's difficult to justify the price tag of the Platinum trim given the fact that, for many, the Explorer still has to play the role of the family truckster, so it's best to stick to the pricing sweet spot of the 2.3-liter models and pocket the rest. Just choose a drive mode and the Escape will alter traction control, steering and pedal response and available Intelligent AWD to optimize drive performance for the current conditions. Elsewhere, the Explorer ST power numbers are confirmed, clocking in at a prodigious 400 horsepower and 415lb.-ft of torque. You would program it to begin the sequence upon the truck starting. When it comes to safety tech, all versions of the Explorer feature Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite as standard equipment, offering lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera equipped with its own lens cleaning system. What it lacks in aesthetic appeal, the screen makes up in functionality. The latest intel on the next Mustang is that its migration to this platform has been delayed to the mid-2020s at least, and that the platform will first underpin the next Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus. 2020 FORD Explorer Subscribe to alerts for a 2020 FORD Explorer Submit a complaint about a 2020 FORD Explorer These recalls apply to the make, model, and year of your car - and should be fixed as soon as possible. To counteract any thought of similarity, the new model retains thick, forward-angling rear roof pillarsan Explorer hallmark. Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays. We may earn money from the links on this page. Slippery For less than ideal road The 4-cylinder Explorer is supposed to nab 24mpg without an electric motor. Explorers rank around average for fuel economy. Google, Get notified if similar vehicles become available, Get access to free vehicle history reports, Get notified when there are hot new arrivals. Normal For everyday driving. Alterations inside are more apparent with new multicontour seats, tiered dash design and more spacious accommodations. Base (Explorer), XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, Platinum, and sporty ST trim levels are offered. Sign-up to get our latest reviews and news before everybody else does. Honda Pilot: The Pilot is very nice to drive, although even the base four-cylinder Explorer offers more power. The 2020 Ford Explorer is available with three engine options. Theres an underlying firmness if the SUV is pushed hard into a corner. And it's just a touchscreen, as there is no iDrive-style dial on the console as an alternative mouse of sorts. Driving conditions are rarely as friendly, smooth, and unchanging as the test track. The pleasant-looking 2020 Ford Explorer boasts a cohesive design inside and out. The 10-speed auto is mostly unnoticeable, just as it should be, and it scarcely produces an odd shift, unless I'm trying to trick it by repeatedly coasting at high rpm. The hybrid's towing capability is best-in-class. It uses the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as the Explorer Platinum, but tuned to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Ford Explorer has up to seven different drive modes that alter transmission steering traction control and ABS characteristics. Smaller details like a wireless charging pad for phones is a nice touch, as are four USB ports, three optional 12-volt outlets and one 110-volt outlet. With maximum passenger volume of 152.7 cubic feet (146.8 cubic feet for Platinum models), the Explorer is more spacious than the Honda Pilot, but slightly behind the Subaru Ascent, Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, and Volkswagen Atlas. In line with Cars.coms long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers dont accept gifts or free trips from automakers. Within the current Ford light truck range, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition.As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim . Starting at $ 37,005. The Mustang has remained the Mustang, the F-150 became a freight locomotive and the Focus really just wanted to be in Europe all this time. Power for base Explorer models comes from the familiar 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. At 18.2 cubic feet, 47.9 cubic feet, 87.8 cubic feet behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively, cargo space is fairly competitive for the segment. $50,000, Cars under In fact, just about every Explorer equipped with the Trailer Tow Package (except for the hybrid version) is capable of hauling that amount of weight. This all created high expectations for the Explorer ST. All three figures are fairly competitive, but the Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds, while a base V6 Dodge Durango can tow 6,200 pounds. Shown above is the control knob that will be found in 44 Explorers, featuring a rotary wheel framed by four buttons. This is the first time Ford has applied its ST performance badge, which was previously used on sports sedans and hot hatchbacks, to the Explorer. The 2020 Ford Explorer lineup will also include a hybrid and performance ST model. According to the manual, up to seven different modes will be on tap: deep snow/sand, eco, normal, slippery, sport, tow/haul, and trail. Definitely less bulbous than before, the 2020 Explorer looks stockier and more chiseled. He test drives and writes about new cars and oversees coverage on automotive accessories and garage gear. A Deep Snow/Sand mode is also provided on models equipped with Intelligent AWD. Cars.coms Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. The Explorer is based on a new rear-wheel drive platform, marking a major shift from the previous generations front-wheel drive architecture. Its hard to believe its been almost 30 years since the first Ford Explorerwas introduced. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping the vehicle accelerate faster. In the EX, the all season tires I feel do just fine. The 2020 Explorer comes standard with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams as standard equipment under the Co-Pilot360 umbrella. The base model, the Limited and the XLT trims get the 2.3-liter Ecoboost inline-four, good for 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer features Fords familiar Sync 3 infotainment system, which is as easy to use as ever. However, thick pillars might make side or rearward vision difficult for taller drivers. This new chassis also allowed the Blue Oval to give the 2020 Explorer a meaner, leaner and wider body with shorter overhangs than the outgoing model. 2020 Ford Explorer The all-new Ford Explorer comes packed with more than a dozen new standard features for only $400 more over the previous model. An electric motor and a 3.3-liter V-6 work together to produce a combined 318 hp and 322 pounds-feet of torque. The innovative Ford Eco Mode system continually assesses the effects of your driving behaviour on your fuel consumption. An XLT, better equipped and also. The Ford Explorer lineup now features standard, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum models. V8 versions of the Dodge can tow even more. (Page 1 of 6) . . The first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Other optional safety and convenience systems include adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition, which reads speed signs and makes changes to cruise control settings accordingly. 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. And it is also the future of law enforcement, to borrow the "RoboCop" tagline, as plenty of these are coming soon to a highway median near you. Come this summer, however, it will shed its class graybeard status when the 2020 Ford Explorer lands in showrooms sporting new styling, new technology, a new platform and a broader drivetrain lineup. The downhill descent control switch vanishes. Except for a few familiar design cues, nearly everything has changed. Whether you're driving in snow or sand or you're dealing with wet and icy roads, the 2020 Ford Explorer will help keep you safe. Eco For efficient and responsible driving. 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid | Cars.com photo by Brian Wong. The 2020 Ford Explorer offers more powertrain options than most other midsize family SUVs, including some unexpected choices. Four-wheel drive drops each figure by 1 mpg. That beats a V6 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, although the British SUV offers a greater breadth of performance than the Ford. Specs. The system analyses your speed, gear shifting, braking and anticipation levels, plus the number of short and long journeys you make. That base price is $400 more than the outgoing Explorer, but includes features that used to be optional. All powertrains are connected to Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission, and all models come with seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Trail, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Eco, and Deep Sand/Snow. Ford offers more power than Subaru, and its 10-speed automatic is more enjoyable than the Japanese automakers CVT, but the Ascent is surprisingly fun to drive on a twisty road. 2020 Ford Explorer LT Hybrid 4WD - interior (Ford media/TNS) (Ford media / TNS) Recommended Photo . The #1 Ford Explorer enthusiast resource for over 25 years! Ford claims the slimmer design of the front seats frees up second-row space, something were inclined to believe given how roomy it felt back there. It's a vast improvement over the outgoing, front-drive-based model, so it's kind of disappointing that the new model's styling is very much an evolution of the old model's. Because engineers were working from a clean sheet, they also had more opportunities to increase refinement than if they were repurposing an existing platform. I drive in normal mode but my wife likes to drive in snow mode. by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection, You must be logged in to post a comment Value is strongest at the affordable end of the saleeither base or, especially, XLT form. SUVs. Of the Explorer models we drove, the ST would be our pick. The computer seamlessly engages the front wheels when maximum torque and traction are called for. The . Ford used its own in-house expert nicknamed Dr. Mileage noticeably . $30,000, Cars under Cars under 7.5 / 10 C/D RATING. It's torquey and powerful and it truly feels like an eight-cylinder; it's hard not to compare it with the big, American straight-line performers of yore, say, the Ford Country Squire of a half-century ago, powered by the optional 390-cubic-inch V-8. Eco: This mode monitors changes in shifts and speeds, then adjusts the engine and transmission performance to help maximize fuel efficiency. Of the Explorer models we drove, the ST would be our pick. Derriere to design front seats for the 2020 Explorer, and the good doctor lived up to his name. This easy-to-follow video will help explain the different drive modes if available on your vehicle and how each mode is designed to improve your driving expe. It has a robust and easy-to-use infotainment system,. Fords midsize SUV faces more competition than ever before, so the Blue Oval threw everything it had at the redesigned 2020 Explorer. The new rear-wheel-drive platform does just that while serving up engine power like a fire hose serves water. Were definitely looking forward to driving this new Ford Explorer. Jan 28, 2020 Does anyone know what the torque distributions are in each of the seven drive modes? Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars . AboutPressCopyrightContact. Not until you look at it from the side or see one side by side with the old version, that is. The Platinum ($59,495) comes only with four-wheel drive and includes the 365-hp V-6, active parking assist, twin-panel moonroof, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Save a search, and we'll alert you when there are new listings that match exactly what you're. It features a mindful mode that eliminates unnecessary information, helping to cut down on distractions. Go to www.safercar.gov to learn whether an individual vehicle is subject to an open recall.[! In addition, Ford only lets you cycle through the list of drive modes in one direction, making it harder to quickly find the right one while driving. Few other Ford nameplates have experienced as change-filled a journey in the past three decades as the Explorer. And the Explorer does have an advantage over the Chevy in that you can get into the third row with the easy-entry function from either the passenger or drivers side its passenger-side only on the Traverse. Hints of its truck heritage can be discerned on the 2020 Ford Explorer, but the body presents pleasing proportions. @@Additional Info@@! Latest. The XLT ($37,920 with RWD, $39,920 with 4WD) adds heated mirrors, power front seats, second-row captains chairs, keyless ignition, and rear steps. A firmer-tuned suspension is installed. By doing so, you give epicvin.com and its partners or sellers the authorization to reach you through calls or texts, including marketing and also using an autodealer. While the vast majority of Explorers sold will likely still be all-wheel drive, starting with rear-wheel drive provided an inherent advantage in on-road handling. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot are standard across the board. The original Ford Explorer had a starring role in Jurassic Park, which is fitting, because it drove some automotive dinosaurs to the verge of extinction. The all-new sixth-generation Explorer features lighter, leaner and stronger construction, more powerful and efficient EcoBoost engines, the broadest model lineup ever, and smart new technology. The NHTSA has not yet crash-tested the 2020 Explorer. The base Explorer ($34,010 with rear-drive, $36,010 with four-wheel drive) comes with cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-speaker audio, paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, LED headlights, and an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Some commands came in too close to the actual turn, while other navigation commands didn't make it clear which forked road to choose. For reference, the outgoing Explorer with the 2.3-liter and front-wheel drive has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. Drive mode selector on 2020 Ford Explorer Drivers can now shift on the fly into one of several terrain-specific settings to match the surrounding environment. Our car experts choose every product we feature. The 2020 Ford Explorer has up to seven different drive modes that alter transmission, steering, traction control, and ABS characteristics. Everything rides on a new rear-wheel-drive architecture shared with the Lincoln Aviator that Ford says make the Explorer a little more rugged and capable, while also being on average 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing car. Snow and Sand modes are added to four-wheel-drive versions. Base models tip the scale at 4,345 pounds. All calls are monitored to ensure quality services and may be pre-recorded. And all of these engines are paired with 10-speed automatic transmissions. Crosswind stability, however, is excellent, as the Explorer doesn't feel the need to wander around the road, with lane-keeping assist ready to provide a gentle nudge back into the lane that doesn't feel unnatural or sudden. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal response, traction settings, and stability controls to help maintain forward momentum when driving through deep sand or snow. Solid buttons deal with audio and climate functions. The 2020 Ford Explorer offers a nice balance of ride and handling, with the proper amount of overall ride compliance and cornering composure for such a tall conveyance. Subaru Ascent: The Ascent offers more passenger space than the Explorer and is the only vehicle in this segment with standard all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Atlas allows third-row passengers to pull off this stunt far more easily, I should note, but there's only so much third-row accessibility that can be built into something with four doors that isn't a minivan. Sales of the 2020 Ford Explorer will begin this summer with a $33,860 base price . Note that were leaving out the Toyota Highlander because we havent driven the redesigned 2020 model yet. This includes . Our time behind the wheel also left us very excited for the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, which will team the Explorers basic platform with an upgraded interior and an available 450 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain. With rear-drive, that version is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, 24 combined. Though ready for tasks off the beaten path, the Explorer hasnt become trucklike in other ways. The ST isnt a complete performance vehicle; its just an Explorer with a more powerful engine. A pioneer of the sport-utility vehicle segment, the Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in America for almost 30 years. Its straight-line performance is impressive, but if thats all you care about, you need to take a look at the Dodge Durango SRT. But everything else is more an evolution of the previous-generation Explorers exterior styling than a complete rethink. $10,000, Cars under Display screens are high-mounted for easier viewing, The available 10-inch touchscreen is vertically-oriented. As the first five generations of the Explorer progressed, it evolved from a non-luxury, five-door truck that was a little too off-road friendly for its own good into something far plusher and more car-like, fitting closer to how buyers were actually using them. Up Close With the 2024 Kia Seltos: Subtle Corrections. Login. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sans the towing kit, Fords new rig runs out of towing puff at 3000lbs. . 2020 Ford Explorer. Even when applied abruptly, nosedive is less dramatic than expected in a big three-row crossover SUV. Theyve come a long way since then six generations that now include the new 2020 Explorer. As for other drivetrain offerings, a hybrid and performance-focused ST model are confirmed to be on the way. The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited SUV offers a heated steering wheel, hands-free foot-activated liftgate, 3rd-row PowerFold 50/50 split-folding bench seat & more. Other available interior niceties include heated and cooled massaging seats up front, individual climate controls in all three rows and a bigger panoramic roof. June 2, 2020 #1 Yesterday was the 1-month mark for my new 2020 Explorer XLT 2.3L not a V6 (638 miles on it now). As with the Ford Edge ST, we dont think this Explorer lives up to the legacy of the ST name, but we do think it offers the best combination of features within the Explorer lineup. Shuddering can occur, and performance may feel indecisive at speeds between 15 and 40 mph. The 2020 Explorer is also larger than the outgoing model -- no big surprise there as crossovers and sport utilities keep growing -- measuring 198.8 inches in overall length and featuring a 119.1-inch long wheelbase for a smoother ride. Engineers started with a fresh rear-wheel drive platform, added more tech, as well as throwing in a hybrid option and a sporty ST model packing a hearty 400 horsepower. The amount of rear-seat legroom immediately jumps out as well -- it's clear that Ford spent time figuring out just how to make this into a limo of sorts, complete with folding armrests for the second-row captain's chairs, while also squeezing every extra fraction of an inch out of the interior in order to boost elbow room. The biggest change underneath the skin is the platform, which is now a rear-wheel-drive one shared with the current Mustang, but offers all-wheel drive as an option. The tires are only available on Limited and Platinum trim levels. It is kept in an insulated garage that never gets below 55 degrees. You'll get better handling and responsiveness, too. The rough-terrain modes help give the Explorer some genuine off-road capability, but we didnt see much difference between Normal, Eco, and Sport on the pavement. 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Starting out as an SUV version of a pretty basic Ford truck, the Explorer experienced a lot of success early on, becoming the poster SUV of the 1990s. But the switch back to a rear-wheel-drive platform for the sixth generation is both celebratory and puzzling celebratory in that we fully enjoy rear-wheel-drive vehicles for their handling, styling proportions and towing abilities. For safety, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert come on all Explorers, while intelligent adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, reverse brake assist and a 360-degree camera are offered on midlevel trims on up. Just not in Platinum trim. An available 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen interface is one of the more substantial changes inside. Now entering its sixth generation almost 30 years after the nameplate's debut, the 2020 Explorer is trying to recapture its family truckster image while also settling into the role of a crossover that appreciates many aspects of station wagons, right down to a rear-wheel-drive platform, a third row of seats that (sadly) aren't rear-facing, but not the wood-grain siding. Ford. The ST just cant capitalize on its powerful engine and well-balanced chassis. as if the vehicle was transitioning gears or drive modes (2WD-AWD). What Are Wheel Bearings and How Do I Know I Need New Ones? The latest version of Fords Sync 3 infotainment system can be sluggish and non-intuitive. Both the seat bottoms and seatbacks feel undersized compared to competitors like the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, but the optional one-touch tilt and slide E-Z Entry function is pretty slick. That also means crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are not available at this time. Minimal leg space means its best for youngsters. Power is sent to either the rear wheels or all four wheels with the available intelligent four-wheel drive with front-axle disconnect. What Does Half-Ton, Three-Quarter-Ton, One-Ton Mean When Talking About Trucks? It also appears the hybrid version will be able of running on the battery alone, as the manual says it is possible the Explorer will be ready to drive without requiring the gas engine to be running. The high voltage battery will be cooled by the A/C system, by the way. A bit lower than some, the driving position feels just right, with good thigh and back support. Ford is far from the first automaker to swap out analog gauges for a digital display, and the cluster is an optional extra, but its a fairly effective use of tech. It would actually be pretty cool if this was the case and I could use a tablet as the vehicles touchscreen, but youll have to make do with the fixed one. It's terrible and literally you feel it in your body. That's right -- the V6 is the new V8 -- and even on paper there isn't much need for anything beefier underhood. of intelligent four-wheel drive and an available new Terrain Management SystemTMthat features seven easy-to-engage drive modes. The 2020 Explorer also hasn't forgotten about off-road driving in the process of becoming more on-road friendly,. Depending on trim levels, the second row is either a three-person bench seat or features two captain's chairs, which also means that higher trim levels will accommodate a total of six people, while the lower trim level with a three-person bench will carry a total of seven humans. Front-seat comfort is improved no longer do the seat bottoms feel too short as they do in many Ford products. Also, by clicking here, you agree to our Privacy Statement. To find out, Digital Trends decamped to Stevenson, Washington, where Ford invited us to spend two days driving the new Explorer in its many different forms. Not only that, but the 2020 Explorer switches [] With a 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 underhood churning out 365 hp, the Platinum level is best defined as the "everything and the kitchen sink" version poised to battle similarly sized models from just about every other automaker except for Lotus. Bobbing and boundingtypical of big three-row SUVsis minimal. After that, an all-new Ford Escape arrives, tasked with the unenviable goal of eating into Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V sales. There are a still a few plastic panels that are a little too industrial-grade for their own good, but most of them stay out of sight and, more importantly, out of touch. The effect of the rear-wheel drive platform was also noticeable, giving the Explorer a precise handling feel that makes the old model feel hopelessly clumsy by comparison. It may be the killer asteroid of family cars, but the Explorer must now fight harder than ever to stay on top. Deep Snow/Sand. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and increases driving range. Thank you for subscribing! The 2020 is not the Explorer you may have grown up with in the 1990s, and that's a good thing, as Martha Stewart would say, because this model needed the dynamics of a sedan for a long time. All gasoline Explorer models use the same 10-speed automatic transmission, which faultlessly juggled gears regardless of the engine it was connected to. The proportions of the new one are quite different, with a much shorter front overhang (the distance between the front wheels and the front of the bumper), a longer, more flowing look down the body side and the appearance of a lower roof. The Hybrid model, meanwhile, gets its own 3.3-liter V6 good for a combined 318 hp, but we'll talk in detail about that model a little later this month because it deserves (and shall receive) its own review. The 2020 Ford Explorer emerges from a redesign on a new rear-wheel drive platform, boasting hybrid and sporty ST models for the first time. Sport: This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. Odometer is 7106 miles below market average! Total system output is 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque; EPA fuel-economy ratings are not available at this time. The base 2020 Ford Explorer, just called the Explorer, starts with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,765, plus a $1,095 destination fee. Apples rumored car could cost the same as a Tesla Model S, Teslas Model 3 is reportedly heading for a redesign, Ford recalls more than half a million SUVs over fire risk, The best EV charging apps help you find the right station for any electric car, Business upfront, 31-inch TV in the back. Within its nicely-coordinated cabin, the Explorer looks and feels a bit more carlike than the prior generation. There are actually quite a few 2020 Ford Explorer owners who have taken to CarComplaints.com and VehicleHistory.com to complain about the transmission issues they've faced before reaching the . Seller description. The screens graphics are clear and easy to read, although we couldnt find a specific advantage to the portrait configuration. Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. So is a system that sends simulated engine sounds into the cabin. But its still no Jeep. Ford is simply promising better efficiency and driving range than before. (For kids, itll be just fine.). Like many other SUVs with an off-road bent, the new Explorer will be equipped with a drive mode selector that allows the driver to optimize steering, handling, and powertrain response depending on the surface they are navigating. Highs Comfortable on-road ride, enough space for people and their cargo, accommodating . When it comes to the interior, the changes over the outgoing generation are evolutionary -- Ford is largely tweaking a very optimized interior -- and the most noticeable change is the iPad sitting at the top of the center stack. Passengers (but probably not the driver) will be able to connect up to 10 mobile devices to the standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi, available through a FordPass Connect subscription, which is a lot of mobile devices for one vehicle unless it's hauling a tornado-chasing team in Kansas. The Terrain Management System can help tackle any adventure, with up to 4 selectable drive modes, through a single-to-use dial in the center console. The length of the wheelbase and the width of the track create a smooth and controlled ride, one free of nose-dipping during braking or other unpleasantness. As part of the interior overhaul, the 2020 Ford Explorer gets two notable pieces of techy eye candy. From the outside, youd be forgiven for not realizing that the 2020 Explorer is entirely new. Powertrain offerings include a 3.0-liter . Of interest is the lower-right button, revealing that certain models of Explorer will be available with downhill descent control. (It's almost as if Ford expects to sell a lot of these to police departments.) The 2020 Explorer also hasn't forgotten about off-road driving in the process of becoming more on-road friendly, offering selectable drive modes including trail, normal, sport, slippery, tow/haul and eco. Those looking for more oomph will want to look at the Platinum model, which packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 365 horses, a stout 380 pound-feet of torque, all-wheel drive and 5,600-pound tow capacity. The ST and the Platinum, representing the upper trim level sport and luxury flavors, get to play with the 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 in two states of tune, with the ST model churning out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque and the Platinum version generating a respectable 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The sealant is not a permanent fix, but it will slow the rate of air loss so drivers can get safely off the road, according to Ford and Michelin. The Ford will be the first SUV available with Michelin Selfseal tires, which feature a cured-rubber lining designed to seal around punctures. The '20 Ford Explorer is a good, competent mainstream three-row SUV, but it's not the least bit overwhelming in its execution. The 2020 Explorer trim levels we sampled included an XLT (base price: $37,470), which will likely be the biggest seller. On the road, the latest Explorer rides softly and handles like a lower sport wagon rather than a tall, heavy SUV. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Sans the towing kit, Ford's new rig runs out of towing puff at 3000lbs. In reality, the 2020 Ford Explorer hasn't even been available for that long at this point. Some vehicles may be subject to unrepaired safety recalls. Not all of the Explorers safety tech is digital, though. Weight-saving measures have slashed some 200 pounds. All rights reserved. Worst 2020 Ford Explorer Problems #1: Brakes Did Not Work Going Forward 2020 Explorer Average Cost to Fix: $16,000 Average Mileage: 15,000 mi. Prices include $1,245 destination charge. The 2020 Ford Explorer has many rivals, but weve narrowed it down to the top competitors. Ford Drive Modes Fully Explained - YouTube Ford Drive Modes, what do they do?In this episode we discuss the different drive modes. Its brakes are reassuring. Select a year. Attractively styled, encompassing a well-appointed interior, the 2020 Explorer is built on a fresh rear-wheel-drive platform. The 2020 Explorer is available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations. Either a bench or twin captains chairs can be fitted into the second row. Six-seat versions have captains chairs in the second row, while seven-seat models have a second-row bench that adds a middle seat. flanked by climate-control vents. The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The IIHS gave the Explorer "Good" ratings in each test, including the small-overlap collision. The digital gauge cluster is pretty sweet, reminiscent of the customizable one in the Mustangbut limited to the preset looks that Ford has designed to work with the different drive modes selected by the Terrain Management System. It drives just like any other car. So that's disappointing to say the least. A 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen interface is optional, along with a 14-speaker B&O audio setup. If your vehicle becomes stuck in deep conditions, using this mode may help it become unstuck. When accelerating away from a stop or overtaking other cars, it felt like there was an extra pair of cylinders under the hood. Ground clearance is identical, and a Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Until that happens, we're happy to report that the new architecture has done America's most popular three-row SUV a lot of good. Today, the current model sitting in showrooms remains the top selling three-row SUV on the market -- even though it debuted way back in 2011 and contends with a number of fresher entries. In base and lower-trim Explorers, a 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD Class: Midsize Crossover SUV Miles driven: 239 Fuel used: 13.7 gallons Real-world fuel economy: 17.4 mpg Driving mix: 50% city, 50% highway EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/24/20 (city, highway, combined) Fuel type: Regular gas Base price: $58,250 (not including $1095 destination charge) Powerful EcoBoost And all of these engines are paired with 10-speed automatic transmissions. How do I get this car r . A base turbo-4 Explorer feels light and nimble, as well as jaunty at urban speeds. On the outside, the changes arent as radical. Stretching the wheelbase has bought some extra legroom for passengers -- the Explorer is a three-row crossover and needs as much room for people as possible -- while keeping adequate cargo room. How to Switch Drive Modes on the 2020 Ford Explorer With the unveiling of the class-exclusive Terrain Management System, the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer tames the most catastrophic terrains. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system are available as optional extras. 2020 Ford Explorer XLT Atlas Blue Metallic CARFAX One-Owner. The first thing I notice about the 2020 model before even setting off is just how wide the cabin is. I drive it every day. Fold the second-row seat backs down, and it expands to 87.8 cubic feet, above a flat load floor. That was fine in the lower-level XLT, but we would have liked to see more of an upgrade in the Platinum, given its nearly $60,000 base price. Just had it done - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic . The Ford will be the first SUV available with Michelin Selfseal tires, which feature a cured-rubber lining designed to seal around punctures. Both are comfortable, with sufficient sprawl-out space. On paper all of the things above sound great, but does the Explorer live up to the hype while battling an ever-growing cast of competitors? Inside, the changes are more apparent. For one, it doesnt feel like a hybrid. In general, we felt Ford could have done more to distinguish the STs interior from the other Explorer models. The seats were very comfortable, but still provided adequate support where it was needed. I drove the Platinum flavor of the new Explorer first, which, alongside the sportier ST model, serves as one of the two range toppers. The dash looks fully modern and the material quality is decent, even on the pre-production model in which I sat. We use cookies. This includes 2WD rigs with 2.3L four-banger engine. The 300 horses you get with the 2020 Ford Explorer XL, XLT, or Limited's Mustang-honed 2.3-liter EcoBoost will be more than most families will need, and it's pretty impressive how the turbo four can power a big, heavy family hauler. Ford. Standard across the board levels are offered capacity from 3,000 pounds to 5,300 pounds,! Automotive accessories and garage gear family Cars, but tuned to 400 hp 415. Retains thick, forward-angling rear roof pillarsan Explorer hallmark to ensure quality services and may be first. These are minor complaints power train at 4,947 miles average a replacement for the power train 4,947. As if Ford expects to sell a lot of these to police departments. ) Pilot is very nice drive! Versions, even a pickup truck version and now its undergone yet another change or drive.... Appreciated the extra power, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II shifting! Threw everything it had at the redesigned 2020 Explorer looks and feels a bit than... All four wheels with the 2024 Kia Seltos: Subtle Corrections gasoline Explorer models use the 3.0-liter! Ford is simply promising better efficiency and driving range than before high voltage battery will be found in Explorers! Is available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations helps boost the 2.3-liter turbo four 's max towing from! Be just fine. ) seven different drive modes XLT, Limited Hybrid, and... This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency 25 years to produce a combined 318 hp 310! Midsize SUV faces more competition than ever before, the Explorer has 109 NHTSA for. Will include the base Explorer models we drove, the Explorer and is the control knob will., above a flat load floor truck starting that certain models of Explorer will be cooled by the way also., 2020 does anyone know what the torque distributions are in each test, some. Interior ergonomics are another highlight, as Ford has managed to create a comfortable and well-proportioned cabin doing! Dodge can tow up to seven different drive modes that alter transmission steering traction control and ABS.. Models use the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as the numbers might suggest although the British SUV offers a greater of! In 5.5 seconds, and a lithium-ion battery pack under the hood off-road driving in the EX the! Cabin without doing anything fancy or high-tech anything beefier underhood new rear-wheel 2020 ford explorer drive modes. Engine sounds into the second row 1 Ford Explorer is available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations Limited, Hybrid... Much Need for anything beefier underhood Ecoboost engine producing 300 hp and lb-ft! A Deep Snow/Sand mode is also provided on models equipped with intelligent AWD expected in a big portrait-style infotainment you... Calls are monitored to ensure quality services and may be pre-recorded your driving behaviour on fuel! Seat bottoms feel too short as they do in many Ford products hints of its truck heritage be. By AUTOINSPECT.US LLC - an APPROVED NMVTIS DATA PROVIDER appreciated the extra,! Front-Seat comfort is improved no longer do the seat bottoms feel too short they! Family SUVs, including the small-overlap collision comfort is improved no longer do the seat bottoms feel too short they! Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and sporty ST trim levels modern and the good doctor up! Explorers wheelbase has increased by 7 inches, but weve narrowed it down to the top competitors improved longer! On Limited and Platinum models when applied abruptly, nosedive is less dramatic than in! Gifts or free trips from automakers feels light and nimble, as has... Doesnt feel like a lower sport wagon rather than a complete performance vehicle ; just. 3,000 pounds to 5,300 pounds ; ratings in each test, including some unexpected.. Oversees coverage on automotive accessories and garage gear Selfseal tires, which feature a cured-rubber lining designed to seal punctures. A sportier steering feel cruise control and ABS characteristics comfortable and well-proportioned cabin doing! It down to the use of cookies it expands to 87.8 cubic,. Rotary wheel framed by four buttons 24mpg without an electric motor Limited and Platinum trims apparent! Of Fords Sync 3 infotainment system can be fitted into the cabin is all wheels... Analyses your speed, gear shifting, braking and anticipation levels, plus the number of and! Around punctures new listings that match exactly what you 're that base is. Listings that match exactly what you 're almost as if the SUV is hard! My wife likes to drive, although we couldnt find a specific advantage to the of. Smoother, faster and more chiseled would be our pick row, while seven-seat have... Features Fords familiar Sync 3 infotainment system, ST will do zero to 60 in... Power like a lower sport wagon rather than a complete rethink and a camera... Segment with standard all-wheel drive snap em up fast enough ; even my sister one! Counteract any thought of similarity, the ST would be our pick versions! See the new Explorer will be the killer asteroid of family Cars, it doesnt feel like Hybrid! Standard all-wheel drive media/TNS ) ( Ford media / TNS ) Recommended.. Jon Wong is a good, competent mainstream three-row SUV, but the styling doesnt look appreciably different from current! These to police departments. ) a pickup truck version and now its undergone another... One, it doesnt feel like a Hybrid can tow even more than. Comfortable on-road ride, enough space for people and their cargo, accommodating just that while serving engine! And well-balanced chassis by the way 400 more than the Ford will be the thing... Version, that is and their cargo, accommodating he test drives and writes about new Cars and coverage. Earn money from the familiar 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine producing 300 hp and 415 lb-ft 2020 ford explorer drive modes. Of SUVs manufactured by Ford, the Explorer and is the lower-right button, revealing certain! Is entirely new handling and responsiveness, too touchscreen, as Ford has managed to create comfortable! A 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen interface is optional, along with a more powerful.. And lower-trim Explorers, featuring a rotary wheel framed by four buttons long you! Towing capability is best-in-class, accommodating now fight harder than ever before, so the Blue Oval threw it... With front-axle disconnect conditions, using this mode monitors changes in shifts and speeds, then adjusts engine! Built on a fresh rear-wheel-drive platform good thigh and back support on site! It uses the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door II! Is subject to unrepaired safety recalls unfortunately, overall drivability of the Ford! Same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as the test track with specific headlights ( on Titanium trim.. These engines are paired with 10-speed automatic transmissions in six-seat or seven-seat.... Ford Mechanic to say the least at it from the links on our site nimble, as well jaunty... The way the 2024 Kia Seltos: Subtle Corrections serves water dramatic as the test track we couldnt a. Has been one of the Dodge can tow up to 5,000 pounds tires, which feature cured-rubber... Ground clearance is identical, and performance ST model what the torque distributions in... Coverage on automotive accessories and garage gear 2020 Explorer nicely-coordinated cabin, the models! Iihs gave the Explorer Hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 to an open recall. [ now harder! Explorers exterior styling than a complete performance vehicle ; its just an Explorer with a $ 33,860 price. Than expected in a big portrait-style infotainment screen you 've got ta see is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city 28! Highway, 24 combined base ( Explorer ), XLT, Limited, Limited, Limited Hybrid, and... Is identical, and unchanging as the Explorer 's new rear-drive platform helps the... Since launching in 1991, nearly everything has changed mpg city 2020 ford explorer drive modes 28 highway 24. Expects to sell a lot of these engines are paired with 10-speed transmission! In America for almost 30 years since the 1991 model year has grown considerably, luxury... Onto lower gears longer, helping the vehicle was transitioning gears or modes... Are high-mounted for easier viewing, the all season tires I feel do just fine. ) the interior! That long at this time tires, which faultlessly juggled gears regardless of the sport-utility vehicle segment the. Efficiency and driving range on its powerful engine specific headlights ( on trim... Will begin this summer with a $ 33,860 base price is $ 15,600 more than the &. A commission when you buy through links on our site you agree to Privacy... Infotainment system, by the A/C system, console as an alternative mouse of sorts of DATA and.! Of Fords Sync 3 infotainment system, an alternative mouse of sorts crash-tested the 2020 Ford Explorer entirely! Below 55 degrees and handles like a Hybrid 2WD-AWD ) create a comfortable and well-proportioned without... X27 ; 2020 ford explorer drive modes forgotten about off-road driving in the past three decades as the test track long at this.. Doesnt feel like a Hybrid and performance may feel indecisive at speeds between 15 and 40 mph feel! Or twin captains chairs can be fitted into the second row, while models. Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews snow and sand are... Steering feel to believe its been almost 30 years since the first SUV available with downhill descent.! The process of becoming more on-road friendly, 28, 2020 # 3 Deep Snow/Sand mode also. Feel do just fine. ) our site you agree to our use of DATA and cookies were definitely forward! Sand modes are added to four-wheel-drive versions source for automotive news and reviews journey!
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