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Ford Explorer redesigned from ground up -- can read speed signs

The 2020 Explorer ST includes upgrades like a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with Auto Start-Stop, sport-tuned suspension, special badging, 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster, sport bucket seats, Active Park Assist 2.0, Reverse Brake Assist, and 20-in. machined aluminum wheels.

 

 

 

 

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer has been redesigned from the ground up and features lighter, leaner, and stronger construction; the broadest model lineup ever; more powerful and efficient EcoBoost engines; and smart new technology to help tackle all of life's adventures. The Explorer is America's all-time best-selling SUV.

Thanks to Ford's flexible new rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Explorer is now more capable, comfortable, sportier, and roomier in all three rows. Changes to the overall profile include a more sloping roofline and shorter front overhang, giving the vehicle a sportier, more stylish appearance.

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 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque using 93-octane gas, making this the most powerful Explorer ever. And the Explorer lineup now features standard, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum models.

Feature-wise, it's packed with value. The all-new Explorer comes packed with more than a dozen new standard features for only $400 more over the previous model. Standard features include a power liftgate, 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with all-new 10-speed transmission, 8-in. digital touch screen with SYNC 3, FordPass Connect Wi-Fi service for up to 10 devices, and more. Owners will find design and engineering updates throughout that deliver comfort and SUV functionality. Explorer's stylish, sloped-roof silhouette protects rear-seat headroom, while its comfort-enhanced second-row seats slide to improve access to the third row.

Available PowerFold third-row seats and new E-Z entry second-row seats let drivers create a flat-floor cargo area that stretches out to offer 87.8 cubic ft of cargo space -- wide enough to fit standard 4-ft building materials, depending on seating configuration. Accommodating families of all sizes, second-row seats feature a new mechanism that allows for easy entrance and exit to the third row using just one hand. Redesigned ISOFIX anchor points allow child-seat installation anywhere in the second and third rows. Second-row windows are equipped with available retractable sunshades.

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 shifter, 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 also is 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.

Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies including:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Brake Support;
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert;
• Lane-Keeping System;
• Rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner; and
• Auto headlamps with auto high-beams.

Other available Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies include Evasive Steering Assist, which provides steering support to help avoid a collision, and Post-Impact Braking that provides braking after a collision to lessen injury and damage caused by a secondary crash event.

Passengers in all three rows will enjoy FordPass Connect, a standard feature that serves up 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 mobile devices with a compatible wireless subscription service. FordPass Connect gives drivers remote access to their Explorer, allowing them to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, locate, and start the vehicle, as well as monitor key vehicle diagnostics.

One in-your-face upgrade is an available 10.1-in. touch screen (standard is 8-in.) mounted in portrait configuration on the center stack. Navigation maps can fill the entire screen for easy viewing, or the space can be split with audio information. The screen uses capacitive glass comparable to what consumers are accustomed to on smartphones and tablets. Standard SYNC 3's more intuitive layout gives drivers compatibility with available features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze navigation.

A wireless charging pad is available that allows customers to recharge compatible mobile devices, and up to four USB ports (including new type-C outlets) charge next-gen mobile devices. Up to three 12-V outlets and a 110-V outlet are also available.

The touch screen shares information with the available 12.3-in. all-digital instrument cluster, which displays vehicle information such as speedometer and gas gauge. It uses 3D animated graphics to change information depending on which of the seven drive modes are selected using the available Terrain Management System.

Power and drive
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. The reinvigorated 2.3-liter engine is projected to produce 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, with improved performance over the outgoing Explorer equipped with the same engine.

Up to seven selectable drive modes are available for customers to tailor their drive experience to road, weather, and terrain conditions on demand. Rear-wheel-only Explorer drive modes include normal, sport, trail, slippery, tow/haul, and eco. Vehicles equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive add a deep snow and sand mode for improved performance off-road.

Rear-wheel drive also enables more towing capability when properly equipped, regardless of engine. Vehicles equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost can tow up to 5,600 lb, a 12 percent increase over outgoing models with 3.5-liter EcoBoost. New models outfitted with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost and Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 5,300 lb vs. the 3,000 lb today's similarly equipped Explorer is capable of handling.

2020 Ford Explorer Platinum.

 

 

Explorer comes standard with 18-in. painted aluminum wheels, but across the lineup drivers can opt for one of seven wheel designs, including 21-in. premium aluminum wheels available on Platinum models. Other Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum insert, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside cladding insert, roof-rack side rails, and a unique 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.

The all-new Explorer is manufactured at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. New vehicles are due in showrooms this summer.

Learn more on the Ford site here.

Ford did not release pricing, but Slash Gear says the following starting prices have been confirmed: 2020 Explorer base $32,765; 2020 Explorer XLT $36,675; 2020 Explorer Limited $48,130; 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid $51,685; 2020 Explorer Platinum $58,250.

Source: Ford Motor Co.

Published February 2019

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