The new Explorer's new engine delivers eye-watering performance at an enormous price.
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For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money.
Armed with a terrific chassis, the ST's powertrain is also a sweet spot. It's a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on all trims. Aside from an occasional jerk while downshifting, the ST delivers smooth, uninterrupted power that's very addictive.
Where the previous Explorer felt tight in spots, the new one is airier, especially in the third row. Six-foot-tall adults can fit there for short journeys without feeling claustrophobic or having to duck. The bench is too flat for long-distance comfort, but with the wide rear-door openings and easy-exit second-row captain's chairs—press a button and they spring forward and fold—it's doable. To do this, Ford cut back on cargo space behind those seats (which can power-fold up and down). That area now measures 18 cubic feet instead of 21. But I'll take more human space any day. Behind the second row is 48 cubic feet. With all seats folded, it's 88.
An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi come standard. Factory navigation is standard on all models except the base XLT, where it's optional. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio also come standard. So does Ford's keyless entry keypad, which lets you input a five-digit code using hidden touch-sensitive buttons on the driver's door. Yes, I realize that's decades-old tech next to FordPass Connect, the automaker's smartphone app that can remotely unlock the vehicle from anywhere, but it's too good to ignore. Say you're exercising and don't want to bring your bulky wallet, phone, and keys. Lock them in the car, input the code, and you're off.
Ford sells a fleet-only Explorer, but for all intents and purposes, the 2020 Explorer starts at $36,675 for the XLT RWD trim. Option the XLT with AWD, a moonroof, front and rear heated seats, and more convenience features like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror for just over $46,000, and it still looks reasonably priced.
For more information on the 2020 Ford Explorer, read Cliff's full review on CarGurus: [ Ссылка ]
Presenter: Cliff Atiyeh
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media
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