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There’s no question that the new platform underpinning the 2020 Ford Explorer greatly improves the models ride, cabin noise, and drivability. The sportiest trim level the redesigned model comes in, the Explorer ST, ups the performance but doesn’t quite take it to the level other SUVs achieve.
Under the hood of the ST is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, the same engine that is in the top-tier Explorer Platinum. It’s robust enough to do the job in the ST model, which weights 26 pounds less than the Platinum trim, and more proficient, getting 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The higher trim level hits 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both models have their engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Despite the SUV’s power increase, at no time do the driver or passengers have the satisfaction of feeling the torque pull the way a true sporty vehicle does. The Explorer ST’s smooth and steady rise from zero to 60 mph and beyond is attractively fast but ultimately unfulfilling.
Both models come equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive and remain planted on the road around curves. Steering is sharp for a midsize SUV, which was tuned specifically for a higher degree of performance, but the Explorer ST doesn’t deliver precision like what you’d find in the driver-focused Porsche Cayenne.
The ST’s braking is strong without being grabby. The model comes standard with heavy-duty rear brake calipers while performance and high-performance brakes are available. It rides on standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels and Ford offers 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) designers have given the ST its own exterior look, most visibly changing out the traditional grilled for a black mesh grille insert. There are also black lower bodyside details, roof-rack side rails, skid plate elements, liftgate appliqué, and hood badging.
Ford has given the ST nearly the same interior and exterior dimensions as the rest of the Explorer lineup. Unique ST trim interior elements include a flat-bottomed, heated steering wheel embossed with an ST logo, and unique floor mats. There are also leather sport bucket seats with micro-perforation, City Silver accent stitching, and the ST logo.
A 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster is standard, as are Ford’s Class III Trailer Tow Package with Cargo Management System and Active Park Assist 2.0.
Additional upgrades, including larger vented rotors, red-painted brake calipers with stainless steel pistons, and larger brake pads are included as part of the available ST Street ($995) and High-Performance ($1,595) packages.
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST starts at $54,740, putting it in the price range of the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Land Rover Discovery. The ST model less costly than its more performance-focused counterparts like the Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. However, despite being cheaper, a near-$60,000 Explorer is a tough bill to swallow when there are more finely appointed luxury midsize SUVs available.
There’s no question that the new platform underpinning the 2020 Ford Explorer greatly improves the models ride, cabin noise, and drivability. The sportiest trim level the redesigned model comes in, the Explorer ST, ups the performance but doesn’t quite take it to the level other SUVs achieve.
Under the hood of the ST is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, the same engine that is in the top-tier Explorer Platinum. It’s robust enough to do the job in the ST model, which weights 26 pounds less than the Platinum trim, and more proficient, getting 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The higher trim level hits 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both models have their engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Despite the SUV’s power increase, at no time do the driver or passengers have the satisfaction of feeling the torque pull the way a true sporty vehicle does. The Explorer ST’s smooth and steady rise from zero to 60 mph and beyond is attractively fast but ultimately unfulfilling.
Both models come equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive and remain planted on the road around curves. Steering is sharp for a midsize SUV, which was tuned specifically for a higher degree of performance, but the Explorer ST doesn’t deliver precision like what you’d find in the driver-focused Porsche Cayenne.
The ST’s braking is strong without being grabby. The model comes standard with heavy-duty rear brake calipers while performance and high-performance brakes are available. It rides on standard 20-inch machined aluminum wheels and Ford offers 21-inch aluminum wheels as an option.
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) designers have given the ST its own exterior look, most visibly changing out the traditional grilled for a black mesh grille insert. There are also black lower bodyside details, roof-rack side rails, skid plate elements, liftgate appliqué, and hood badging.
Ford has given the ST nearly the same interior and exterior dimensions as the rest of the Explorer lineup. Unique ST trim interior elements include a flat-bottomed, heated steering wheel embossed with an ST logo, and unique floor mats. There are also leather sport bucket seats with micro-perforation, City Silver accent stitching, and the ST logo.
A 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster is standard, as are Ford’s Class III Trailer Tow Package with Cargo Management System and Active Park Assist 2.0.
Additional upgrades, including larger vented rotors, red-painted brake calipers with stainless steel pistons, and larger brake pads are included as part of the available ST Street ($995) and High-Performance ($1,595) packages.
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST starts at $54,740, putting it in the price range of the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Land Rover Discovery. The ST model less costly than its more performance-focused counterparts like the Dodge Durango SRT and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. However, despite being cheaper, a near-$60,000 Explorer is a tough bill to swallow when there are more finely appointed luxury midsize SUVs available.
