America’s favorite SUV delivers more power, capability and adventure tech
Ford just introduced its all-new 2020 Explorer—a complete redesign of America’s all-time best-selling SUV—that now features the broadest model lineup ever, more power and space and smart new technologies to help tackle life’s adventures.
Explorer is now more capable, comfortable, sportier and roomier in all three rows thanks to Ford’s flexible new rear-wheel-drive architecture. The strengths of the all-new Ford Explorer were showcased at a special reveal event for employees, fans, dealers, suppliers, government officials and media today at Ford Field in Detroit, where Ford brought to life how it can help American families get the most out of their road trips. The all-new SUV arrives this summer.
“Explorer drivers told us what they want—more capability, more power, more space,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s head of product development and purchasing. “They want more technology, not just for the driver, but for the whole family. And they want all of it with a beautifully sporty exterior. This new Explorer gives them all of that, and more, helping make every journey more enjoyable.”
Improved off-road capability comes courtesy of intelligent four-wheel drive and an available new Terrain Management System that features seven easy-to-engage drive modes. Powertrain offerings include a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 projected to produce 365 horsepower and 380 pound of torque using 93-octane gas, making this the most powerful Explorer ever. The Explorer lineup now features standard, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum models.
The all-new Explorer comes packed with more than a dozen new standard features for $400 more than the previous model. Owners will find design and engineering updates that deliver comfort and SUV functionality.
“We obsessed about what Explorer customers need and want,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “We met with customer groups, pored through Internet forums and dissected social media posts to determine what they love about today’s Explorer and understand their pain points. Then we found ways to improve it across the board. Every enhancement was inspired by our customers.”
Technology designed to heighten the experience of traveling building upon Ford’s push to bring more driver-assist technology to market, the all-new Explorer introduces available Active Park Assist 2.0. The class-exclusive feature—standard on Explorer Platinum—allows the driver to park in a parallel or perpendicular spot with a touch of a button without having to work the steering wheel, gear shift, gas pedal or brake pedal. Available reverse brake assist, also standard on Platinum, uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to detect an object in Explorer’s path and can apply the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision when the vehicle is backing up at a low speed—such as when exiting a driveway.
Explorer is also available with Ford’s all-new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. In addition to automatically slowing when traffic ahead slows and helping keep the vehicle centered in its lane, the system uses cameras to read speed signs and, combined with the available navigation system, adjusts cruise control settings accordingly.
Other available Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies include Evasive Steering Assist, which provides steering support to help avoid a collision and Post-Impact Braking provides braking after a collision to lessen injury and damage caused by a secondary crash event.
“It’s not about filling the vehicle with technology for technology’s sake,” said Chris Billman, Ford Co-Pilot360 engineering manager. “It’s about improving the experience, making driving less stressful and helping the driver to feel more confident behind the wheel.”
A wireless charging pad, an available 980-watt, 14-speaker B&O premium audio system and access to SiriusXM satellite radio is standard and comes with new touch screen graphics and functionality. The touch screen shares information with the available 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, which displays information such as speedometer and gas gauge.
Ford’s recipe for Explorer has always relied on three main ingredients—capability, comfort and design. The new rear-wheel-drive architecture enables bumper-to-bumper improvements that include an even more athletic appearance, increased capability and the best passenger accommodations in an Explorer ever.
The powerful new engine lineup features a pair of EcoBoost entries, a 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 that comes standard on base, XLT and Limited models and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that powers Explorer Platinum.
A stylish, modern design that is pure Explorer, the design team strove to hold on to these important pieces of heritage. Longtime traits including Explorer’s blacked-out A-pillars and D-pillars and body-color C-pillars are retained while changes to the overall profile include a more sloping roofline and shorter front overhang, giving the vehicle a sportier appearance.
Explorer comes standard with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, but across the lineup drivers can opt for one of seven wheel designs, including 21-inch premium aluminum wheels available on Platinum models. Other Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum insert, liftgate appliqué, roof-rack side rails and a grille with satin aluminum finish.
Platinum models also feature a standard twin-panel moonroof, which allows light to flood the most comfortable Explorer cabin ever. Explorer Platinum includes special leather seats, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, door rollovers and door and front console armrests.
For more information on the new Ford Explorer, visit www.ford.com.
