Returning to its roots in 2020, the totally redesigned Ford Explorer once again employs rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive giving it an advantage over its front-wheel-drive competitors and making it a top choice for drivers in Maryland and Deleware. With three trims and a variety of features to add on, this full-size SUV can go from totally utilitarian, to super sporty, to one of the most plus rides in its class.
Base, XLT, and Limited models get a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine EPA-rated 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving with rear-wheel drive, and 23 mpg with all-wheel drive. High-performance ST or fully-optioned Platinum come with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engine with 400 horsepower in the ST and 365 horsepower in the Platinum, and a combined EPA rating of 20 mpg. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard. For the first time, you can also have a Hybrid, that generates 318 horsepower while returning an estimated 25 mpg with all-wheel drive, and 28 mpg with rear-wheel drive. All engines are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Base, XLT, Limited and Hybrid Explorer gives you a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; ST and Platinum get standard all-wheel drive.
Ford's Terrain Management System is standard, and allows you to switch from normal to sport, trail, slippery, tow/haul and eco drive modes. Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive also have deep snow and sand modes; STs get a Sport mode for a more zealous response.
The base EcoBoost engine provides satisfactory acceleration off the line. It revs higher than the other engines to extract its power, emitting a noticeable - but sweet sounding - engine note. At the other extreme is the ST and Platinum, which both provide the easy acceleration expected of a formidable V-6. Yet these two models have very different personalities. The ST being the athletic, if raucous, frat boy while the Platinum is nearly as powerful as the ST, but possessing a bit more élan. Finally, the Hybrid, while only slightly more powerful than base engine, provides spirited acceleration off the line and at speed, just like the more powerful engines, but has a greater driving range on a single tank of fuel.
* Indicates a required field
And the Explorer hauls more than your lifestyle debris, it also hauls your family and friends while providing up-to-date technology to keep them content. Like a center-mounted eight-inch or optional 10.1-inch touch screen with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Waze navigation, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi that accommodates 10 mobile devices is standard. The new Explorer has three rows of seats, Lower trim levels get a second-row bench seat, while upper trim levels get second-row captain's chairs. But once seated in the second or front row, and you'll find it to be roomy and comfortable, with the third row best for occasional quick hops across town.
Folding the second and third rows expands to a sprawling 87.8 cubic feet of cargo room, enough to comfortably carry 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood. Better yet, you can flip over the cargo floor from carpeting to vinyl, for when you're carrying messy loads. There's even an "apple catcher," a lip molded into the edge of the cargo floor that prevents items from rolling out of the car and onto the ground when the rear cargo door is opened.
Keeping everyone safe is Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of standard driver-assist features that includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner, and automatic headlamps. Two other features, Evasive Steering Assist, and Post-Impact Braking are optional and included with the Ford Co-Pilot 360™ Assist+ package that also adds adaptive cruise control and a navigation system.
The 2020 model year marked a return to form for the Ford Explorer, offering remarkably handsome styling, good handling, and the latest in technology.
If you're looking for a new Ford Explorer SUV visit us here at Hertrich Ford in Elkton today. We are just a short drive from Newark, DE, Middletown and Red Lion
