2020 Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Powerful engine options
- Rear-wheel-drive platform handles well
- Spacious cargo area
Cons
- Lots of wind noise on the highway
- The ride feels a little bumpy compared to rivals
- Interior materials feel lackluster
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 23 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $24,998 - $26,998*
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Your next adventure awaits.
The Ford Explorer offers an attractive mix of timeless style, roominess, comfort, and capable performance. It has been a companion on driveways and in highways since 1991 when it first launched. For the 2020 model year, Ford redesigned the Explorer, breathing new life into this iconic SUV with more passenger and cargo room, a long list of advanced technology features, as well as a hybrid variant. While we currently do not have many 2020 Ford Explorers on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2020 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Ford Explorer with similar features.
All Ford Explorer years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Explorer generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2020 Ford Explorer?
- The Explorer is available in a new trim called the ST.
- The Sport trim has been discontinued for 2020.
- Explorer trims have been upgraded with Rear Sunshade, Quad Seats, and Bang & Olufsen Audio as standard equipment this year.
- The XLT trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Remote Start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row, Lane Departure Warning, and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
- The Base trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment.
- The Platinum trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row as standard equipment.
2020 Ford Explorer trims
Curious how Ford Explorer trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase
Available for fleet only. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a rearview camera, an eight-way power driver seat, an eight-inch touchscreen, USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Co-Pilot360, and more.
XLT
The XLT adds roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver lumbar, power passenger seat, and two USB ports for the second row.
Limited and Hybrid
Features 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, power folding seats, a 110-volt power outlet, a 12-speaker audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
ST
Standard equipment includes a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine making 400 hp, a sport-tuned suspension, sport styling cues, sport front seats, and automated parallel parking.
Platinum
Standard equipment includes adaptive headlights, two-piece sunroof, upgraded leather upholstery, and more.
Ford Explorer photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Ford Explorer
1. Plentiful passenger and cargo room
The 2020 Ford Explorer offers an accommodating cabin that seats up to seven passengers. There's also plenty of cargo room: a total of 87.8 cubic feet, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. This means you've got plenty of space to transport golf clubs, DIY supplies, and luggage for vacation.
2. Return to RWD
Changes to the 2020 Ford Explorer include a return to a rear-wheel-drive layout, improving the driving and handling experience, as well as the Explorer's ability to tow. For the 2020 model, towing capacity is an estimated 5,300 lbs. with the 2.3L engine—this rises to an estimated 5,600 lbs. with the 3.0L engine, both when properly equipped.
Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
3. Abundance of practical technology
The cabin of the 2020 Ford Explorer is not only spacious, but it's also fitted with some of the most advanced and practical features available. Standard features include an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect 10 devices, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information.
4. Hybrid and high-performance ST versions
Ford has expanded its Explorer lineup to include a limited hybrid model and a more powerful performance variant. The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid with RWD, 3.3L V6 engine, and 10-speed automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
5. Plentiful driver-assistance features on all trims
Ford includes a long list of driver-assistance technology for all 2020 Ford Explorers. As part of the Co-Pilot360 suite, all Explorers offer features such as a rear camera with a lens cleaner, automatic high beams, and a blind-spot monitor. Also included are lane-departure warning and mitigation, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Ford Explorer, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that was redesigned for the 2018 model year. It comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 375-hp V6 engine; a 400-hp V6 engine is an available option. The 2018-2021 Expedition comes standard with seating for eight and offers seating for seven with available second-row captain's chairs. In 2021, a two-row Expedition that seats five became available. The 2018-2021 Expedition has 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
You'll find these features on the 2018-2021 Ford Expedition:
Touchscreen with SYNC® infotainment system
Ford MyKey® for speed and volume control
Four USB ports
Full of personality and 34 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2017-2019 Ford Escape is ready for adventure. You have a choice of three engines, with the base-model 2.5L four-cylinder engine making 168 hp with a six-speed automatic transmission. With the optional 179-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine and FWD, the 2017-2019 Ford Escape gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
The 2017-2019 Ford Escape S includes these features:
Rearview camera
Six-speaker sound system
4.2-inch touchscreen with USB charge port
Power windows and doors
The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV with a high cargo capacity and plenty of standard tech features. It handles smoothly and offers a quiet and pleasant ride. Models from 2017–2021 have 23 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, which opens up to 57.8 cu-ft with the third row folded for a total of 98.2 cu-ft of total interior volume.
Standard features on the Chevrolet Traverse model years 2017–2021 include:
Chevrolet MyLink interface
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Seven-inch touchscreen
60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford ExplorerFord Explorer features and specs
Curious how Ford Explorer trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Folding Third Row
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Quad Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.3L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
310
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19.2
Wheelbase
119.1"
Overall length
198.8"
Width
78.9"
Height
69.9"
Leg room
F 43"/M 39"/R 32.2"
Head room
F 40.7"/M 40.5"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P255/65HR18
Rear tires
P255/65HR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
530/5300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Ford Explorer FAQ
The 2020 Ford Explorer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- XLT: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Limited: 21 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- ST: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Ford Explorer received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Explorer as 22 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2020 Ford Explorer has received an average 3.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Ford Explorer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Ford Explorer Reviews.
The 2020 Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of between 5300 and 5600 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Ford Explorer:
- ST
- Rear Sunshade
- Quad Seats
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Lane Departure Warning
More about the 2020 Ford Explorer
Color options
Exterior colors
Agate Black Metallic
Atlas Blue Metallic
Blue Metallic
Iconic Silver Metallic
Magnetic Metallic
Oxford White
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver Spruce Metallic
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Interior details
Cargo room behind the third row is 18.2 cubic feet; that grows to 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row when the second and third rows are folded down.
The 2020 Ford Explorer seats seven passengers in three rows, six with optional second-row captain's chairs.
Advanced interior technology features include an available wireless charging pad (standard on Limited and Hybrid), FordPass Connect™ Wi-Fi service for up to 10 devices, and SYNC® 3 system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze navigation.
Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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