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Detailed Photos of the Redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer

The Editors

January 9, 2019 at 7:25 PM

<p><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/explorer" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Ford Explorer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Ford Explorer</a> all but established the four-door mid-size-SUV segment when it replaced the Bronco II at the dawn of the 1990s. Derived from the Ranger pickup, the Explorer used rear-wheel-drive architecture-although most, of course, were equipped with four-wheel drive-through its first two generations. When the market eventually moved to embrace more carlike architecture, with unit-body construction and transverse-engine, front-drive-based powertrains, the Explorer followed suit with the third generation model that arrived for 2011.</p>

<p>Although that remains the layout for the overwhelming majority of entries in this class, the redesigned 2020 Explorer switches back to a longitudinal-engine, rear-drive-based configuration.</p>

The 2020 Ford Explorer Undergoes Its Biggest Changes in a Decade

<p>Its max tow rating increases to 5300 pounds, up from 3000 for the outgoing four-cylinder Explorer.</p>

<p>A new ST model will offer even more power, and-as in the Aviator-there's a hybrid powertrain on tap as well.</p>

<p>The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four returns as the base engine, but output increases from today's 280 horsepower to 300, with torque remaining at 310 lb-ft.</p>

<p>It mates to a new 10-speed automatic, and either rear- or all-wheel drive.</p>

The 2020 Ford Explorer Undergoes Its Biggest Changes in a Decade

2020: The Explorer Goes Back to Rear-Drive, Stays Unibody

<p>It, too, mates with a 10-speed automatic and sees an increase in towing capacity, to 5600 pounds, versus today's max of 5000 pounds.</p>

<p>Standard kit includes pre-collision warning, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic headlamps, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi with connections for up to 10 devices.</p>

The 2020 Ford Explorer Undergoes Its Biggest Changes in a Decade

<p>Other available tech features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless device charging.</p>

<p>The starting price for the base model rises by $400, to $33,860 (prices for other trim levels have yet to be released).</p>

<p>The 2020 Explorer will come in five trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum.</p>

<p>The company also boasts that, with all seats folded, the Explorer with the available second-row bench can fit four-foot-wide building materials flat on the floor for the first time ever.</p>

<p>Second-row captain's chairs also are offered.</p>

<p>The reversible load-floor surface has carpet on one side, vinyl on the other, while a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats again are available.</p>

<p>Moving the Explorer to a rear-drive architecture is not without risk for Ford, given that the Explorer is the bestselling model in its segment.</p>

<p>But it allows for better design proportions, and it makes the Explorer a more credible donor platform for its new Lincoln stablemate.</p>

The Ford Explorer all but established the four-door mid-size-SUV segment when it replaced the Bronco II at the dawn of the 1990s. Derived from the Ranger pickup, the Explorer used rear-wheel-drive architecture-although most, of course, were equipped with four-wheel drive-through its first two generations. When the market eventually moved to embrace more carlike architecture, with unit-body construction and transverse-engine, front-drive-based powertrains, the Explorer followed suit with the third generation model that arrived for 2011.

Ford

Ford's three-row family hauler reverts to a rear-drive architecture.

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