Used 2020 Ford Explorer Base for sale 

Following the refresh, Ford offers the 2020 Explorer in four trims paired with two powerful engine options. The most enticing fact about the 2020 Explorer is that it is the best of both worlds. The lower half of Explorer lineup rivals with the entry-level mid-size crossovers while the upper-half shares the luxury of more plush rivals. The standard rear-wheel-drive delivers the driving dynamics of more premium rivals, hard to find at such low price. However, Ford offers intelligent 4WD across the Explorer lineup, giving an additional advantage in wet or snowy weather. The starting price of the 2020 Ford Explorer is $32,765 for the base, which gets you base spec 2.3 L inline-4, fabric seats, and old school SYNC infotainment.

The top of the line Explorer Platinum has a hefty $58,250 price tag and has Lincoln rivaling luxury, thanks to interior draped in real wood and leather. It seems the Explorer has borrowed a lot of premium qualities from the Lincoln Aviator, built under same roof at Ford's factory in Chicago. 

Trim	Base	XLT	Limited	Platinum
MSRP (RWD)	$32,765	$36,675	$48,130	-
MSRP (AWD)	$34,765	$38,765	$50,130	$58,250
Key Features	Tri-zone electronic temperature control	Includes Base model’s features and adds -	Includes XLT’s features and adds -	Includes Limited's features and adds
	Air filtration system	10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar	Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	Active Park Assist 2.0
	Configurable daytime running lights	LED Signature Lighting	Forward Sensing System	Illuminated front scuff plates
	Lane-Keeping System	Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start	Steering wheel, Heated, leather-wrapped with paddle shifters	Twin-panel moonroof
	Rearview camera with washer	Second-row captain seats with Power-Assist Fold	Ambient Lighting	Sony Premium Brand Stereo System with 12 speakers
	Remote Start	Roof rack side rails, black with black end caps	Universal Garage Door Opener	Heated Steering Wheel
	FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot		B&O Sound system by Bang & Olufsen	Body-color door handles with satin aluminum insert
	Cloth seating surfaces		Voice-Activated Navigation System	Satin Chrome lower bodyside cladding insert
	LED Headlamps and Taillamps		Leather seating surfaces	Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces
	Privacy Glass, Second and Third Rows		Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips	Quad Chrome Exhaust Tips

Which do we recommend?

Ford brings Christmas early this year with the all-new bespoke Explorer equipped with an overwhelming list of features and refined powertrains. Based on the value for money, we recommend the Ford Explorer Limited model which gives the most bang for the buck. It has an efficient and powerful 2.3 L EcoBoost engine under the hood while the interiors up the ante with a luxurious and highly-equipped cabin.

Replacing the naturally-aspirated V6, the turbocharged inline-four-cylinder which was optional until last year is now standard with the 2020 Explorer Base, XLT and Limited trim. Derived from the Mustang and Focus RS, the Ecoboost turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the Explorer’s hood steps-up the power game, and now packs 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

That is 10 extra ponies and a mountainous 55 lb-ft more torque. All of the powertrains come mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Ford offers a more powerful mill under the hood of Explorer Platinum, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 churns out 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The beefed-up Platinum delivers the extra bit of excitement while being cossetted in luxurious comfort.

Ford's longitudinally-mounted rear-biased engine provides more than enough punch to merge into freeways and keep up at highway speed. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission offers a low first-gear ratio that does a decent job mimicking a traditional 4WD when the off-road mode is engaged or trailer is attached. Gear eight, nine, and ten are all overdrive ratio's and they only come into play after you get on the highway. For all-weather capability, Ford rationally provides an intelligent 4WD is optional. 

Models	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
MSRP	$32,765	$31,995	$31,450	$34,600
Engine	2.3-L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.4L Turbocharged Subaru Boxer	3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6	3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
Drivetrain	RWD	AWD	FWD`	FWD
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic	CVT	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	300hp@6,500rpm	260hp@5,600rpm	280hp@6,000rpm	295hp@6,600rpm
Torque	310lb-ft@4,000rpm	277lb-ft@ 2,000rpm	262lb-ft@4,700rpm	263lb-ft@4,700rpm

Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer beat the Subaru Ascent at the horsepower game. Toyota Highlander is outclassed by its competition. But when we talk about torque, Subaru takes an obvious lead with its turbocharged boxer engine’s 277 lb.-ft. torque output. The mid-size SUVs hardly have any room for newcomers but it seems the all-new Explorer has the right mix of ingredients to please your platter.

How fast is the Ford Explorer?

Owing to new light-weight construction, the new Ford Explorer is about 200 pounds lighter than its outgoing model  Citing the fact, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is pretty good with solid power delivery. The Ford and GM co-developed 10-speed automatic transmission is well-calibrated to route the power and hits the 60 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds. The bigger V6 packs even more punch, substantially equipping you with a neck-snapping acceleration.

What do these numbers translate to? Well, the numbers reflect on the fact that the Explorer is no slouch. You have enough pulling power at all times and you won't be left wanting for more. Moreover, the 4WD driving dynamics further complement the acceleration figures.

Models	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec	6.9 sec	6.2 sec	7.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.3 sec	15.5 sec	14.8 sec	15.2 sec
Top Speed	143 MPH	N/A	N/A	N/A
Engine	2.3L Inline-6	2.4L Turbocharged Subaru Boxer	3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6	3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6

The 2020 Explorer base is not the fastest of the lot. The 2020 Honda pilot leads the explorer by 0.6 seconds. The Toyota counterpart is last to cross the 60 mph line. However, if its the speed that you demand, Explorer Platinum has your covered. Still not satisfied, we knew it, Ford expands its ST Performance now to Explorer as well.

How good are the Ford Explorer's ride and handling?

The Ford Explorer has its priorities set right - comfort over everything else. The suspension has been tuned to offer a supple ride quality. Even on longer journeys, your family would be cocooned in comfort. Explorer can soak up the undulations from bad road surfaces without any drama. High-speed ride quality is composed and there is no nervous body movement at such speeds.

Engaging handling and fun to drive characteristics are low on the Ford Explorer`s priority list. Effortless, safe, and family-friendly characteristics are high on the list – a good thing for a family crossover. Owing to its large exterior dimensions, the Ford Explorer can be cumbersome to maneuver in the tight spots while driving in town.

Engaging handling and fun to drive characteristics are down on the explorer`s list of priorities. The SUV can handle the sudden change in direction with aplomb so you can rely on it to save you from hairy situations. However, it’s lacking in one area where it really shouldn’t. Most people are expected to drive it in town and this Ford SUV is cumbersome in tight situations being heaviest and lengthiest among the rivals.

What about the Ford Explorer's braking performance?

The Ford Explorer comes with decent sets of brakes which is backed by impressive stopping power. The pedal has a nice linear action around town, and it's easy to stop smoothly. The wider dimensions of the Explorer shows some nose-dive under heavy braking conditions, but its until you get used to it.

The Ford Explorer will take around 121 foot to stop from 60 mph with the optional summer tires which remarkable for such a heavy SUV. There is a considerable gain in the stopping power, all because of the new chassis and smaller block under the hood of Explorer.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Brake Rotors Front	12.8"	13.1"	12.6"	13.3"
Brake Rotors Rear	12.8"	13"	13"	13.3"
Curb Weight	4458 lbs	4430 lbs	4036 lbs	4145 lbs
60-0 MPH	121 ft	119 ft	117 ft	126 ft

The Ford Explorer manages to score an impressive stopping distance. Honda Pilot’s estimated braking distance is 117 ft, yet again Honda steals the podium. However, the Toyota Highlander with its estimated stopping distance of 126 ft, bites the dust.

How much is the Ford Explorer's towing capacity?

The Ford Explorer tow capacity will depend on the powertrain option that you choose. With the 300-hp Explorer can tow 5,300 while the V6 powered Explorer can tow around 5,600 pounds when equipped with an optional towing package (Trailer Tow Class 3 package).

Thereby, opting for the Platinum model gives more towing capacity than the rest of the lineup. Ford's blind-spot monitoring system sees the blind-spot behind the trailer to further ease the driving.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Towing Capacity	3000 lbs	5000 lbs	3500 lbs	5000 lbs

All SUVs other than the Highlander can tow 5,000lbs. The poor-run of Toyota Highlander continues with below-average performance. The 2020 Explorer beats its outgoing model's maximum towing capacity of 5000 lbs.  

Also, Read

How fast is the Ford Explorer ST?

What is the best year for the Ford Explorer?

Does the Ford Explorer come in a hybrid?

Last year most of the customers complained that the Explorer's fuel tank is not big enough and most of the time is wasted refueling at the gas stations. To your respite, the 2020 Ford Explorer can travel in excess of 400 miles and the Hybrid variant extends the range up to 500 miles on a single refill. A rear-wheel-drive Explorer equipped with the 2.3-liter engine is rated by the EPA at 21/28 mpg city/highway. The mpg further drops by one with the 4WD setup. However, the six-cylinder Platinum trims hets EPA ratings of 18/24 mpg. Whatsoever is the trim level, the Explorer can not be considered as frugal.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
MPG (City)	21	21	19	20
MPG (Highway)	28	27	27	24
MPG (Combined)	24	23	22	22
Fuel Capacity	19.2 gallons	19.3 gallons	19.5 gallons	17.9 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	403/537/460.8 miles	405/521/443 miles	370/526/429 miles	375/519/393 miles
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.2	7.6	8.5	7.5

Looking at the competition, Explorer has an average score. The newly introduced Subaru Ascent delivers a segment-best of 23 mpg which is followed by Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. To please fuel-conscious enthusiasts, Ford offers a Hybridized version of Explorer SUV.

Also Read

How efficient is the Ford Explorer Hybrid?

Is Ford Explorer costly to maintain?

The new platform of Ford Explorer gives far more benefits underneath, certainly more than one can imagine. The new platform grants a well-proportionate interior to the Ford Explorer. Now, the Explorer's cabin is much more soothing and ergonomic than the predecessor. A seven-seater layout comes standard but you can replace the second-row bench with captain's chair, standard on XLT and above models.

The trade-off is reasonable as the extra comfort takes away seating of one. The base and the XLT trim come with standard cloth upholstery and soft-touch material around. If you want something more premium than the Limited trim comes with leatherette upholstery. One thing that would be appreciated is Explorer’s capacity to filter out road noise. The cabin is a quiet place to be and is well equipped to take on longer journeys. As per Ford, the interior is designed in such a way that the passenger will feel complete comfort and luxury.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Seating Capacity	7	8	8	8
First Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)	41.4/61.5/42.9 i	41.3/61.1/42.2	40.1/ 62/40.9	40.7/59.3/44.2
Second Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)	40.6/61/39.5	40/ 60.3/ 38.6	40.2/62/38.4	39.9/59.6/38.4
Third Row (head/shoulder/leg) (in)	37.8/50.8/32	36.3/57.2/31.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	35.9/55.0/27.7

The cabin features three rows of seating enabled with sliding second-row seats controlled at a touch of a button So, accessing the third row won't be an uphill task. The first and second rows of Explorer are spacious enough to stretch but its the cramped third-row is a letdown. The third-row bench lacks proper cushioning and thigh-support.

To further reduce its utility, the seating position at the rear is irking as the knees touch the chest. The Explorer gets a twin-panel moonroof that ensures a good amount of light inside the cabin. The Platinum trim features premium upholstery and patterns.

What comfort features will keep you hooked in the Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer comes with a decent list of interior features after seeing an upgrade for the 2020 model. Some of these features are listed below:

• Tilting and telescopic steering column
• Heated steering wheel
• Memory driver’s seat
• Power driver’s seat
• Heated Front Seats
• Cooled Front seats
• Rear-Seat Entertainment

What's there to entertain you in Ford Explorer?

The base and XLT trims are equipped with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system which comes with a standard 6-speaker audio system and a 8.0" touchscreen display. Moving up the trim ladder enhances the touchscreen display to a 10.1" vertically mounted screen. Ford’s SYNC3 system which is a standard feature on the Limited and above trim is available as an option on the XLT trim. SYNC 3 is a user-friendly system and enjoys popularity in the market for its user experience.

This interface is intuitive and offers a decent response time. Without the 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, the infotainment feels incomplete and Ford does not skimp it. The smartphone integration is quick, thanks to standard Apple Carplay, Android Auto and even Amazon Alexa. It comes loaded with the following tech

• AM/FM Stereo HD Radio
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• Auxiliary Audio Input and USB With External Media Control
• Satellite Radio Service
• USB Connection
• 6 Total Sony Premium Brand Speakers including a Subwoofer
• Smart Device Integration
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Navigation System
• Onboard Hands-Free Communication System

How practical is the new Ford Explorer?

The cargo capacity behind the third row is the best in class for the Ford Explorer. But with folded seats, the cargo volume isn’t at par with the competition. With the rear seats folded the Explorer frees up 43.9 cu-ft. of space while with both the rows folded, the cargo area increases to 81.7 cu-ft.

The higher trims come with hands-free liftgate which can be a boon when you are carrying luggage in both your hands. The 2020 Explorer features a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row and a 50/50 split-folding third-row as standard. However, the pricier Explorer features a power-folding third row, that adds to the convenience.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Cargo Capacity	21 cu.ft.	17.8 cu.ft.	16.5 cu.ft.	13.8 cu.ft.

Getting Captain's chair makes the second row far more comfortable while also allowing easy third-row access. In case you opt for the optional trailer package, your Explorer will benefit from the cargo management system that adds extra pockets in the rear cargo area and sub-floor storage option. Overall, the 2020 Ford Explorer offers a reduced cargo space than its 2019 model, owing to a slightly shorter wheelbase of the new model.

Also Read

How well does the Ford Explorer hold their value?

Though the Ford Explorer looks very similar to the 2019 iteration, there has been a lot of changes. First of all, the ladder frame is now replaced with a unibody structure that is rear-biased. Explorer went from being a body-on-frame, truck-based SUV for its first four generations to be a genuine crossover for its fifth.

The front and rear overhangs are now shorter and there is a steep increase in departure angles. Slimmer headlights are enclosed between a more geometrical grille, and both the upward sweep of the character lines and tapered roof give the new Explorer an athletic stance.

The front grille on the high-spec trims looks very similar to the police interceptor vehicle, so you scare someone off by getting in their rearview mirror. Ford's change to a base rear-drive format, let designers push the wheels out, improving approach and departure angles. The exhaust is hidden below well and the reflectors are covered in chrome.

Model	Ford Explorer	Subaru Ascent	Honda Pilot	Toyota Highlander
Curb Weight	4458 lbs	4430 lbs	4036 lbs	4134 lbs
Length	198.3"	196.8"	196.5"	192.5"
Width	78.9"	76"	78.6"	75.8"
Height	70"	71.6"	70.6"	68.1"
Ground Clearance	7.8"	8.7"	7.3"	8.0"
Wheelbase	112.8"	113.8"	111"	109.8"

Newly updated rivals pose a challenge to the aging Ford Explorer. The all-new Subaru Ascent is surely a prime contender in the three-row crossover segment. It has the best in a class ground clearance of 8.7-inches and sits on a wheelbase of 113.8-inches. 

What are the most notable exterior features on the Ford Explorer?

The 2020 Ford Explorer runs atop 18-inch wheels as standard while moving up the trim ladder can get you a bigger 20-inch version. The V6 powered Platinum uses the 20-inch wheels as standard, why not? It has more power under its hood. Moving from the Limited model to the Platinum replaces the dual-tip chrome exhaust with quad-tip counterparts. More standard exterior features with the 2020 Ford Explorer are listed below:

• LED taillights   
• LED headlights  
• Twin Exhaust  
• Quad Exhaust  
• Heated Rear View Mirror  
• Auto-Dimming rearview mirror  
• Moon Roof  

Also Read

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer bigger inside?

Which is the best Ford Explorer trim? 

A new life of the Explorer gains heavily from its new platform and so does the safety. Ford further enhanced the standard safety equipment list to keep you and your family safe. The 2020 Explorer comes with state of the art safety equipment that allows it to score well on the safety tests conducted by the agencies.

However, the NHTSA is yet to reveal the safety ratings of the Explorer, we have IIHS crash ratings to quantify it for you. The 2020 Explorer gets a "Good" rating for most of its test except the small front overlap and headlights being acceptable.

What are standard safety features in the 2020 Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer gets a good safety score from the federal safety rating agencies. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• Front, Rear, and Third Row Head Airbags
• 4-Wheel ABS
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Traction Control
• Stability Control
• Front and Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• LED Headlamp
• Tire Pressure Monitoring

Also Read

What is the price of Ford Explorer SUV?

See the detailed NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings for Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent

Newly introduced Ascent is powered by a horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine. Transmission duties are taken care of by a CVT automatic transmission. Ascent is one of the better performing three-row SUVs available in the market. Being the costliest Subaru, Ascent brings a plethora of standard features.

Unlike its competitors, it comes equipped with standard AWD and Subaru’s Eyesight safety system. The Subaru offers only one engine choice, a punchy turbocharged 4-cylinder, whereas the Explorer offers two robust engine choices, including a V6 even in the top model. While the Explorer is an excellent highway cruiser, the Ascent maintains Subaru’s tradition of off-road valor and is also surely a sharper handler when the road turns twisty.

Ford Explorer vs Honda Pilot

Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft. of torque. Pricing for the Honda Pilot starts at $31,450. Honda Pilot has been one of the best vehicles in this segment. The third generation of the Pilot was introduced in 2016.

The pilot is a terrific choice and you can't go wrong decision in the three-row CUV market. With the updates received, the 2020 Honda Pilot comes off as more contemporary in design but Honda has addressed many of the shortcomings. The exterior gets some subtle change along with a reworked 9-speed automatic transmission from ZF to improve efficiency. Both the Pilot and the Explorer use a V6 engine but the Honda engine returns a better fuel economy.

Ford Explorer vs Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has an upper hand in this fight. The base trim comes with V6 engines and much more standard features. The Explorer, on the other hand, comes with 2.3L turbocharged inline 4 that is tuned to its limits. The engine does have a good amount of oomph but it takes a hit in the fuel economy because of this.

 

Ford has its upsides but compared to the Highlander, the Highlander is a well-rounded SUV with its reasonable price, good performance, and excellent safety and reliability.

The Ford Explorer is the most popular model sold after the behemoth F series trucks of the brand. Getting close to being in existence for 30 years, the Explorer is one of the most recognizable nameplates in the SUV segment. Shortcomings are now addressed by using a new platform and a slew of powertrains options makes it more appealing to families all around the world.

The Explorer is set in the hearts of many Americans and it can do whatever you ask it to do almost as good as or better than the rivals. The hefty body is the very reason some love the Explorer, but now you have more to enjoy. At times, the Ford Explorer is being plagued by pricing issues as most of its rivals undercut it. All in all, if you like the explorer and are ready to pay more than you will pay for a similarly equipped competitor, get it.