2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its competent, outdoorsy side while devoid of any trucklike characteristics in other areas. In addition to being the first substantial redesign of this popular mid-size family SUV in nine model years, the 2020 Ford Explorer signals a significant departure from the Explorer’s family-meets-outdoors template. The 2020 Ford Explorer follows an entirely new game plan.
The Ford Explorer was a major contributor to the explosion in SUV sales that started in the early 1990s, and the 2020 model is jam-packed with popular features and practical functionality. With three rows of seating and a large storage capacity, the Ford is designed specifically for transporting families. Its available powertrains include a proficient turbocharged four-cylinder, an economical hybrid system, and a powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine.
Overview:
The 2020 Ford Explorer is available in four different trim levels:
- Platinum: tri-diamond perforated leather seats
- Limited: leather seating
- XLT: a four-cylinder engine
- ST: sport-tuned suspension
Performance and Fuel Economy
Because of the engine and drivetrain combinations available, the 2020 Explorer receives various fuel-economy ratings from the EPA. The rear-drive hybrid variant is ranked as the most fuel-efficient overall, with estimations of up to 27 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the interstate. The addition of all-wheel drive decreases the hybrid’s fuel economy figures by 3 and 4 miles per gallon, respectively. In comparison, the 400-horsepower Explorer ST achieved 25 miles per gallon on our highway test, exceeding its EPA rating by one. The Explorer with a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive through its paces.
Design, Comfort, and Quality
The 2020 Ford Explorer hints at its truck ancestry on the exterior, but on the interior, it looks and feels more like a car than a truck. The 2020 Explorer is a well-designed car on the inside and exterior, with a consistent design throughout. It seems to be a bit more carlike than previously on the interior, but on the exterior, it appears to be a little less like a plus-sized car. When it comes to the exterior, if Ford made a mistake here, the new Explorer seems to be a touch too similar to its predecessor at first sight. Perhaps because one of the Explorer’s distinguishing features, its strong side pillars that curve forward slightly below the second-row seats, has been carried over to the current version of the vehicle. Viewing the model for the first time tends to be the focus center of attention.
It takes a little more time to appreciate the Explorer’s dramatically altered proportions—much it’s less bulbous than the previous Explorer and many three-row competitors, while also seeming stockier and more chiseled—and its distinctive styling. Its side profile may resemble either a tall, boxy sport wagon or a lowered, scaled-down version of the Expedition, Ford’s even bigger SUV, depending on what you’re looking at from behind the Explorer.
Compared to previous models, the Explorer’s driving posture is now more in line with German luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE or BMW X5. As a passenger in the Explorer, you sit somewhat lower than in a typical car, but the dash and cowl are still low enough to provide a nice front vision. Thigh and back support are decent for the driver; however, we’ve noted that there isn’t the same degree of adjustment on the passenger side as on the driver’s side throughout the lineup.
Safety Features
All Explorer models come standard with a suite of active safety technologies Ford refers to as Co-Pilot360. These systems include blind-spot monitors with cross-traffic warnings, hill-start help, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
Specification
- Height: 70.2 in
- Length: 198.8 in
- Width: 78.9 in
- Curb weight: 4345 lbs
- Trunk volume: 87.8 ft3
Engine type: Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4, 2.3 L
Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size: 19.2
C/D TEST RESULTS:
- Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 s

2020 Ford Explorer Factory Service Manual
The Ford Explorer service manual is comprehensive and covers every aspect of the vehicle’s operation. Your 2020 Ford Explorer should be referenced by a mechanic during all repairs and includes information on:
- Introduction
- Safety Restraints
- Instrumentation
- Before Driving
- Starting and Operating
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Specifications
- Capacities
- Servicing
- Customer Assistance
- Index
This manual’s contents may be valuable to experts and dealerships that perform maintenance and repairs on the 2020 Explorer. The owner’s engine maintenance or repair work should accompany a service manual.
2020 Ford Explorer — Owner’s Manual
Customers who purchase a 2020 Ford Explorer get an owner’s manual that includes all the information needed for future maintenance and changes.
- Important Safety Instructions
- Introduction
- Overview
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Maintenance Record
Although this list is comprehensive, the 2020 Ford Explorer owner’s manual has additional operating recommendations to enhance the user experience.
2020 Ford Explorer Price
The 2020 Ford Explorer trim levels are priced as follows:
- Platinum: $58,250
- Limited: $50,380
- XLT: $36,925
- ST: 54,740
