“The Ford Explorer Limited is the only vehicle I have acquired twice. It is a fun, luxurious, dependable car that I very much enjoy now as a mother of two, and enjoyed then as a teen.”
2020 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2020 Ford Explorer is an all-new sixth-generation model built on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform. The redesign also brings a standard 10-speed automatic, more standard safety and tech features, and new ST and Limited Hybrid models.
About the 2020 Ford Explorer
6th generation, first year of the redesign; all-new for 2020 on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform.
The Explorer is Ford’s three-row family SUV for shoppers who want more towing ability and a more rear-drive feel than many front-drive rivals. Ford positions it as an adventure-ready daily driver: roomy enough for family duty, capable enough for road trips and trailers, and broad enough to cover simple fleet use, comfort-focused trims, a hybrid, and a performance model. That mix of space, capability, familiar tech, and trim variety is the Explorer’s core identity.
The 2020 lineup ranges from the family-focused XLT to the comfort-oriented Limited and more upscale Platinum. The new Limited Hybrid pairs Limited equipment with a 3.3-liter hybrid system, while the new ST adds a 3.0-liter turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, and standard towing hardware.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Explorer moves to an all-new rear-wheel-drive-based platform for the start of its sixth generation.
Powertrain
A 10-speed automatic becomes standard across the lineup. The new Limited Hybrid adds a 3.3-liter hybrid system, the new ST brings a performance-focused 3.0-liter turbo V6, and Platinum also gains a 3.0-liter turbo V6. The previous Sport trim is dropped.
Safety
More driver-assist features become standard. Every trim gets rear parking sensors and post-collision braking, while the XLT gains standard blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Limited adds standard adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Ford’s SYNC 3 touchscreen system and a power liftgate become standard on every trim. The XLT also gains standard smartphone integration, a touchscreen, and USB ports.
2020 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / RWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 23–28 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 300 hp | 290–300 hp | 300 hp | 365 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 260–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft | |
| Max Towing | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5600 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a full redesign?
Yes. The 2020 Explorer starts the sixth generation with an all-new rear-wheel-drive-based platform, a standard 10-speed automatic, and broader standard safety and technology equipment.
Was the Explorer ST new for 2020?
Yes. The ST joins the Explorer lineup for 2020 as its performance-focused model, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, standard towing hardware, and three-row seating.
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have a hybrid model?
Yes. The Limited Hybrid is new for 2020 and combines a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain with the Limited trim’s comfort, safety, and technology features.
What safety features became standard on the 2020 Explorer?
The 2020 Explorer makes rear parking sensors and post-collision braking standard across the lineup. The XLT also gains standard blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams, while Limited adds standard adaptive cruise control and other driver-assist features.
Is the 2020 Explorer a major step over the 2019 model?
Yes. The 2020 Explorer is a complete generation change rather than a light update, with a new platform, a standard 10-speed automatic, more standard safety and touchscreen equipment, and the addition of ST and Limited Hybrid models.
2020 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Ford Explorer.
4.1
2020 Ford Explorer
(333 reviews)
“I am currently disabled and the roominess allows me to pull in my walker and pull out with ease.”
“Love the style, performance and reliability. I've done a lot of research and this car checks all of the boxes.”