Ford changed car buyers’ desires when it came out with its very first Ford Explorer back in 1991. Automakers across the globe caught on, and the SUV craze took hold. Now SUVs dictate car lineups for many in the auto industry.
Ford is again ready to tell the world to take note with its 6th generation, 2020 Explorer. The Explorer was a success almost 30 years ago and this new generation is sure to take the market by storm.
Ford used some different philosophies in the new and improved 2020 Explorer built at the Chicago Assembly plant.
Read on to learn all about the 2020 Explorer.
Ford 2020 Explorer, How Is It Different?
The 2020 Explorer got a complete makeover for Ford’s rollout of this 6th generation mid-sized SUV.
The exterior, while looking similar to recent models, got a complete redo. One thing that’s the same is how it’s made. Instead of switching to aluminum, like is used on many other models. Ford continued to use steel for exterior panels.
One important change made was that the new model goes back to the rear-wheel-drive layout. Yet, it retains its car-like uni-body construction. This switch is wise for a number of reasons:
- Handling and overall balance improve
- Towing stability and powertrain selection
Some of these changes also allowed Ford to increase the interior spacing, which is another bonus in the 2020 model.
Drivability
If you drove an older model Explorer you might remember it feeling a little unwieldy. With the changes to the rear-wheel layout, the balance of the new Explorer is greatly improved.
The new generation has better balance and weight distribution. This makes for a fluid and stable ride even on the twistiest of roads.
It’s steering improved with the changes too, making this new generation fun and agile to handle. Whether driving on the open road, or in the city, the balance makes this a winner against other SUVs for drivability.
2020 Performance
The Ford Explorer has always boasted a powerful engine and powertrain and the new models are no exception. Ford is presenting the Explorer with four different powertrain options. These include:
- A base turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Two twin-turbocharged V6 engines
- Hybrid variant
The entry-level four-cylinder engine boasts 300-horsepower making it more powerful than many other SUVs on the market.
The lineup options include:
- 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four
- 365-hp version of the ST’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6
- Hybrid drivetrain that uses a 3.3-liter V-6 with a single 44-hp electric motor
The ST trim model also boasts a 400 horsepower V-6.
The new models are about 200 pounds lighter, making even the 2.3-liter engine appropriate for this new generation.
Cargo and Hauling Capabilities
While visually the new generation appears smaller, the opposite is true inside. The old Explorer had plenty of space. But in some years, it felt awkwardly proportioned.
The new model with its three rows of seats has a more natural proportion inside. It can seat 6 people inside when all the seats are up. Yet, when the seats are down it has noteworthy space for a mid-sized SUV.
Cargo space is as follows:
- 2 cubic feet behind the 3rd-row seat
- 9 cubic feet behind the 2nd row
- 8 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded
For easy access to all this cargo space, there is the standard power liftgate. You can also add as an option a hands-free liftgate.
An Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds which is more than most of the other SUVs on the market.
Interior
As already mentioned, the three-row Explorer can comfortably seat 6 people. In addition to front row seating, the second row features a pair of captain’s seats. The third row features a split-folding bench with room for two.
The interior is roomy enough for 6 adults to feel comfortable even those in the third row. The second-row seats both fold down and slide for adjusting.
The interior comes with neutral soft-touch materials. In higher trim levels, the interiors come with perforated leather upholstery and massaging seats.
Controls from the front row are easy to reach and navigate.
Bluetooth, Navigation and Infotainment System
The 2020 Explorer offers Bluetooth capability to sync devices.
It features either an 8-inch touch screen or a vertically oriented 10.1-inch touch screen, many preferring the visual look of the standard 8-inch screen.
It features a Sync3 system. Drivers appreciate that this system:
- Boots up quickly after starting the car
- Features big buttons and large on-screen texts
- Has easy to master screens
There is one USB port in the front row. There is also a second USB port for second-row passengers.
It also features Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities.
Safety Features
There are a number of standard safety features on this vehicle that are worth noting. Ford offers the Co-Pilot 360 package standard. This features:
- Blindspot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera with a lens washer
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Post-collision braking
- Pre-collision system with forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
Ford Motors FordMyKey is also standard. It offers seat belt reminders and some other options that are particularly nice if you drive with teen drivers.
Other safety options include:
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
- Stop-and-go capability
- Speed sign recognition
- Evasive steering assist
- Active perpendicular and parallel park assist
- Reverse brake assist
- 360-degree parking camera
- Blindspot information system for when you are towing
- Rain-sensitive windshield wipers
It’s obvious Ford wants to showcase the safety and technology features available on this generation of Explorer to compete in the crowded SUV market.
Check Out Ford’s 2020 Explorer
The 2020 Explorer’s new 6th generation features make clear this SUV is ready to again lead the SUV market. The 2020 Explorer features 4 different trim levels to satisfy buyers with a variety of wish lists.
Are you ready to try out and drive the new 2020 Ford Explorer? Come on in and see us at Golden Circle Ford Lincoln today. Or contact us to get more information on the 2020 Explorers we have waiting for you on our lot.
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