2020 Ford Explorer Review: Reasonably Dependable SUV With Great Safety Tech

Alex Showalter
Mar 22, 2023

The 2020 Ford Explorer lasts around 200,000 miles with some transmission software and touchscreen problems reported. At $25,075 to $48,998, it’s a decent value for a large SUV with plenty of room for passengers.

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likeFilled The Good
The engines offer good power, there’s a lot of passenger room and interior materials are reasonably nice for its price.
dislikeFilled The Bad
There’s a lot of road noise at highway speeds, the touchscreen is slow to respond and the suspension is a bit firm.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a decent year for the Ford Explorer since it pairs efficiency with an upscale cabin. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, smooth engine, along with the strong engines.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a large SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, although cargo space isn’t as high as some rivals.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Explorer. Models from 20132017 have a lot of mechanical issues, while 20182022 are more reliable choices.
  • Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the base engines, while the ST is very quick for an SUV of its size.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Explorer is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, along with pedestrian detection. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 460 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $65 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
  • Value 7/10 – The 2020 Explorer is cheaper than a lot of other SUVs on the market, although it depreciates slightly faster than the competition.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Nicole A
Love the seating - captain seats.
My favorite part of my explorer is the captain seats. I have three kids and it makes it so easy for them to get in and out without much help from me or their dad. I also have leather seats and they make for super easy cleanup. The only issue with the leather seats is they are dark grey and they are so hot when the sun is beaming directly on them.
accountCircle Kate T
Great family car for any size family.
I love this car. The features are awesome. Driver memory is the best when it comes to being short and having a tall husband. The radio is amazing and the second row captains chairs makes it easy to get in and out of the third row. The power liftgate makes loading the trunk a breeze.
accountCircle Meghan D
Big, roomie, hauls a lot of people and thing. The ride is smooth.
I do not have any issues with my vehicle. The only thing that is annoy is when the volume freezes up and I have to restart the car but that is just a computer glitch. The SUV has lots of room and is nice when you have more than 2 grown adults in the car together because everyone has room. I also like that there is a separate zone for heating and cooling in the back area. And the stereo is awesome.
accountCircle Kelly S
Great family vehicle with a ton of comfort and safety features.
The ford explorer is an extremely comfortable ride. Great gas mileage. Sound system is spectacular and I love the navigation package. I am looking forward to the heated seats and steering wheel for the winter. Very roomy interior, fits my family of 5 comfortably. The ford co-pilot assist is fantastic. Lets you know if your drifting, active park assist is great for parallel parking.
accountCircle Nicole F
The ford explorer is a great SUV with many features.
I enjoy my ford explorer. It runs well and has many safety features such as lane assist. It is very good on gas with auto start. It has a beautiful interior with leather seats. I enjoy the seat heaters in winter. It has a large cargo area great for large shopping trips.
accountCircle Dan Cook
So far so good
1300 miles on a limited period
accountCircle Martin
Problem
You who have problems with explorer 2020 with collision warning and jerks etc. Do you know what they replace for parts to solve the problem? Greetings mechanic sweden
accountCircle Amber B
Comfort and safety are the key elements to the explorer.
This vehicle drives very smooth, gets great gas mileage, and looks good. It is roomy inside with plenty of room for the kids and the dogs. It is also a very smart car with technology that helps to keep everyone in the car and the people around you safe.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kendreth Smith Jr
The price, look, and comfortably of the truck
You know that old saying if I knew then what I know now. Well my 2020 explorer ST with 8,745 miles has been to the service dept. 3 times since I got it on March 12 of this year. The first was in September because the head rest on the automatic folding back seats would not stay lock in the up position, so they have to replace the whole unit. An while waiting for that part to ship, October my transmission would not go in reverse as I was attempting to make a u turn, and had to get out and push to complete the turn,embarrassing. Took the truck to the dealership which they took.to their service dept. On a Saturday afternoon after their service dept closed. So all day Monday I'm at the service dept. From 7:30- til almost 5:00 they said they had to reset computer. Car drove good that night. Went to work the next morning and almost got into an accident because for some reason when I went to merge on the highway it lost its gear, and the engine just reved had to slam on brakes and move over to keep from getting hit on the side. Now they telling me the transmission is shot, and I'm out the truck for two months til the parts come in. Ford what is it your company gonna to do to rectify this serious problem, because as for now.Fordhas last a bad taste in my mouth, and I will not ever trust your products again You lost more than a customer, your reputation is tied to this explorer you put out, and its not looking good Make this right
accountCircle Jen
Worse SUV ever
My 2020 xlt has about 3700 miles on it and has been sitting at the dealer for two weeks waiting for a new transmission to be placed. It started jerking and shifting hard about a month after I got it and got progressively worse to the point where I felt unsafe driving it. Save your self the hassle and buy something reliable.
accountCircle Arthur
Bad suv compared to...
I rented a ford explorer and coming from a Volvo XC90 . I can tell you that the explorer steering is terrible and the car feels like it has a life of its own.
accountCircle Phill H
Terrible Vehicle
My 2020 Ford Explorer has been a problem since day one. Has been in and out of the service department several times and I had a loaner vehicle for the first few weeks of having the car. Now the transmission jerks and is having problems with less that 5k miles on it. Bluetooth is terrible and sounds like I’m under water when trying to speak on the phone. Driver seat is not set properly after it was fixed the first week for not working. To any other issues to list them all. This vehicle looks good but is actually terrible after having it for 7 months I want to get out of it already. Waste of money!
accountCircle Shawn
None
Horrible transmission, engine is noisy, wind noise on a highway and not worth the price
accountCircle shawn s
Worst car ever
Worst car, horrible transmission, engine and wind noise and high price
accountCircle Gedion
Not Recommemnded
Ford explorer 2020 Limited is the worst vehicle I ever owned. My explorer started to have a problem right after 1000 miles. The battery is replaced twice so far and I keep hearing a nocking noise from the front wheels. Lost transmission at 3500 miles and vehicle is now at the dealership for almost four weeks with no repair to date. I am frustrated dealing with this issue and with ford lack of customer service. Once purchasing the vehicle, satisfaction is not guaranty. I am sure I would have gotten a descent truck from other dealership other than FORD for the money I spend.
accountCircle Irina Gelimson
Think twice and more
Sorry, no. I bought the vehicle on 27 August 2020. Saturday, October 10, 2020, during the ing back up the vehicle started to shake, multiple alerts have appeared as “Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power, Malfunction indicator lamp-Regulatory, Forward collision warning”. When I was driving to the dealership nearby where I bought the vehicle it didn’t allow to drive more than 16 km per hourl and always asked to check something. Today got the report: the throttle cable was broken and has been replaced. Ford really? Vehicle has 4000 km on it. People, please, read all reviews, google “ford explorer platinum 2020 issues” and than re-think and ask youself “Do I really want and need vehicle like that?”

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Explorer?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2020 Explorer offers agile handling and a comfortable interior, with average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Explorer at 3.2/5, praising the spacious cargo area, but doesn’t like that there’s a lot of wind noise.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Explorer a 3.6/5, enjoying the powerful engine choices, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the third row.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ford Explorer Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Ford Explorer include difficulty changing gears, the screen turning off randomly, along with a loose brake pedal feel. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other SUVs on the market, leading to some slightly higher repair costs.

Difficulty changing gears is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Explorer in the first 10,000 miles. There are software updates for the transmission control module which improve the reliability of gear changes. Some owners that tow often have also replaced the transmission oil cooler, which costs around $850.

The screen turning off randomly is another issue reported by Explorer in the first 1,000 miles. There are stereo system software updates available which most dealerships will install for free, while some charge around $50 which fixes the problem.

A loose brake pedal feel also shows up on some Explorer models at around 15,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by premature brake pad wear, which is more common if you tow with the Explorer. Replacing the brake pads costs around $450, depending on local labor rates.

There are 14 recalls on the 2020 Ford Explorer, which is worse than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recalls include wiring harness issues, fuel lines which may leak, along with a cracked driveshaft. All of these are serious mechanical issues, which Ford will fix for free on affected models.

How Long Will the 2020 Ford Explorer Last?

A well-maintained 2020 Ford Explorer can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $708 per year.

As a used 2020 Ford Explorer reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the alternator for $550, a fuel sending unit costing $1,150, along with the radiator fan which costs $485.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is very good for an SUV offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional technology upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen along with premium Bang & Olufsen stereo systems.

Safety technology is excellent as well with standard features including:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Ford’s MyKey
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rearview camera
  • Forward automatic emergency braking
  • Post-collision braking
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rear cross traffic alert

Optional driver assistance features include:

  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
  • Evasive steering assist
  • Reverse brake assist
  • Parallel and perpendicular park assist
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Road sign recognition
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Reverse automatic emergency braking

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a Good Value?

Yes, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a good value since it’s a very practical choice with plenty of passenger room. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,075 to $48,998, making it cheaper than a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $32,765 to $58,250. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Explorer?

There are five models of the 2020 Ford Explorer offered from the entry-level Base, the sporty Explorer ST, all the way through to the luxurious Platinum. The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is optional.

Base is the entry-level model with:

  • 18-Inch Wheels
  • LED Headlights
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear Privacy Glass
  • Power Liftgate
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat
  • 40/20/40-Split Fold Second Row Seats
  • 50/50 Split-Fold Third Row Seat
  • 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen
  • Co-Pilot 360 Safety Suite

XLT is a step up, adding:

  • Roof Rails
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Keyless Entry and Ignition
  • Sound-Reducing Front Side Windows
  • Power Adjustable Steering Wheel
  • Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
  • Power Passenger Seat
  • Second Row USB Ports
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Power Lumbar Adjustment

Limited is next in the lineup with:

  • 20-Inch Wheels
  • Leather Upholstery
  • Power Folding Second Row Seats
  • Heated Second Row
  • Larger Rear Brakes
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Automatic Wipers
  • Hands-Free Liftgate
  • Ambient Interior Lighting
  • Optional 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Audio System

ST is a sport-focused model which has:

  • More Powerful Engine
  • Unique 20-Inch Wheels
  • Sport Tuned Suspension
  • Auto Dimming Mirrors
  • Digital Instrument Panel
  • Sport Front Seats

Platinum is the flagship model adding:

  • Adaptive Headlights
  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Leather-Wrapped Interior Trim
  • 1-Inch Touchscreen
  • 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Stereo
  • Optional Massaging Front Seats
car
Base
285-300 HP 19-23 MPG
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Limited
300-318 HP 23-25 MPG
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What Engines Come In the Ford Explorer?

  • The base engine is a 3L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder which makes 300 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. All models come standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
  • The engine found on the Platinum model is a stronger 3.0L EcoBoost V6 which produces 365 horsepower at up to 20 MPG.
  • The most powerful engine is found in the ST model, which is a 3.0L twin-turbo which generates 400 horsepower while getting 19 MPG. Performance is great, taking 5.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Ford Explorer Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Explorer?

The 2020 Ford Explorer is an SUV that prioritizes comfort and convenience for its passengers. The vehicle’s spacious cabin can comfortably seat up to seven people, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The seats themselves are plush and supportive, with available features like heating, ventilation, and power adjustments for added comfort.

In terms of ride quality, the Explorer offers a smooth and comfortable experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and noise-canceling technology. The vehicle also offers various driving modes, including a Comfort mode, which adjusts the suspension and steering for a smoother ride.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Explorer Have?

The 2020 Ford Explorer is an SUV which offers ample storage space. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats. If you need more room, you can fold down the third-row seats to expand the cargo area to 47.9 cubic feet. And if you need even more space, you can fold down the rear seat as well, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet.

In addition to the cargo space, the Explorer also offers plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. There are multiple cup holders and storage compartments throughout the vehicle, including a large center console bin, door pockets, and a glovebox.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The sixth generation of the Ford Explorer was launched for the 2020 model year.

2015: New exterior styling package on the XLT model.

2016: 4-cylinder engine offered, minor styling changes, updated safety technology.

2017: SYNC 3 infotainment system offered, replacing MyFord Touch system.

2018: Minor exterior styling changes, 4G LTE hotspot available across the lineup.

2019: Small changes to available options packages for the final year of the fifth generation.

2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.

2021: New sport package available on XLT model, more affordable ST model launched.

How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Ford Explorer offers a lot of passenger room and a nice interior for the money, although reliability ratings are lower than some of the other SUVs on the market.

The Toyota Highlander is a slightly smaller SUV which costs around $3,500 more. Predicted reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Ford Explorer offers more passenger room, especially in the third row. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they are more affordable to own long-term.

The Chevy Traverse is another large SUV available in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Ford Explorer offers a more responsive driving experience with stronger engines. We recommend the Chevy Traverse, although both offer similar reliability and are worth taking for a test drive.

Ranks #7 Full Size SUV by Owners

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Do Owners Recommend the Ford Explorer?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bg5875 on September 18, 2023
Avoid the 2020 Explorer
Nice car but it has numerous electrical issues. Transmission went out at 25,000. Fixed at dealer. Last several months, numerous dash warnings pop up. Dealer flashed the computer, charged me $500 and it failed before it got home. I believe the problem is related to the electronic parking brake. Sometimes it just turns off the brakes and you can push the pedal to the floor, it doesn’t stop. Dealer can’t find an issue. Say no error codes show up so they don’t have a clue. I am hoping someone out here figures it out, not counting on Ford.
accountCircle Bill on February 8, 2022
Has quirks but fun to drive
I bought this car as a certified pre-owned and have to say having some issues with the computer like other people. I have been to the dealer several times and problem not fixed yet but ford has been trying their best to figure things out. Currently awaiting the APIM to fix the problem which plagued many of the 2020 explorers and aviators. I'm a little disappointed in the cheap feel of some of the buttons IE window buttons and door arm rest. That aside this car does ride nicely and fun to drive. Very impressed by the power of the 4 cyl ecoboost. I I was so happy with my ford flex and wish they still made them. However, love the aggressive look of the 2020 explorer model year and up.
accountCircle K Law on August 30, 2021
Love it!!!
I’ve had my 2020 explorer a little over a year now and I love everything about it!!! No mechanical issues, no performance issues !!
accountCircle Michael P on June 25, 2021
A terrific all-round performer.
The new model explorers have terrific acceleration and maneuverability, are spacious and comfortable and have expanded cargo sections. As well as being roomy and a fantastic drive, the vehicle also seems to have ironed out earlier onboard computer problems and, so far, I do not think I have had a single complaint, mechanical or otherwise.
accountCircle Dale K on June 25, 2021
2020 rapid red St that's fun to drive.
Great horsepower, great looks, a lot of high tech features. A lot of safety features. Great seat. Good mileage. Fun to drive. I like the sport mode a lot. Four wheel drive is nice. Rear wheel drive so handling is good. Love the heated seats and steering wheel with the colder weather.
accountCircle Miranda G on June 24, 2021
2020 ford explorer is amazing.
It is had issues with shifting and the back up camera, but they’re fixing those issues. It is super comfortable and has all of the best features. It has heated front and second row seats. Heated steering wheel. Sun/moonroof. Easy access to the third row.
accountCircle Tommy O on June 21, 2021
Air conditioned seats need to be mandatory.
Love everything about my car. Adaptive cruise control is awesome. Heated steering wheel and remote start will be great for the winter in the early mornings. Lane departure and sensors to make sure I stay awake and drive in my lane while keeping my hands on the wheel. Great mileage and drivability. Great deals out there, have the maintenance packages as well as 0% Apr. Only complaint is no air conditioned seats.
accountCircle Stephen B on June 14, 2021
Clunky transmission gets worse Carry jumper cables
Avoid this mistake. Transmission failed at 6700 miles. Dead battery - deep sleep mode once a month. 2017 explorer was great so sad we traded it in on this 2020 piece of junk
accountCircle Kim L on June 10, 2021
Perfect vehicle for a family to own.
I would have to say that I am 100% satisfied with my ford explore.r I am extremely happy with all of the technology features that it contains and I am also very happy with its performance on the road. The vehicle is also luxurious and very comfortable to ride in I have no complaints whatsoever.
accountCircle Rita H on June 9, 2021
Vehicle collision warning system.
My ford explorer is very reliable. The one complaint I have about the vehicle is that it will sometimes indicate a potential collision when there are no other vehicles nor objects around. This particular warning has occurred several times. Also software updates require a remote start to take effect.
accountCircle Mama. on June 6, 2021
THIS IS EXPENSIVE TRASH.
Where to start with this piece of trash. I ended up with the 2020 XLT Ford Explorer, because in Nov 2020 my truck was totaled out due to someone driving up underneath it. Anyways, I got this vehicle because I needed to be able to put 3 car seats in it. It has the third row seating and I hadn’t (at the time) seen any bad reviews. Well, since getting the car I’ve had transmission issues like crazy. At first my husband didn’t believe me until he drove it further than a block. We got the vehicle Nov 30, 2020. Didn’t drive it much because I’m a SAHM, I was pregnant, and had a toddler and infant. So I didn’t leave much and my husband has his own vehicle. Well, once I got to my weekly appointments my husband noticed the hard shifting, the lunging, the not wanting to shift, and my rpms getting stuck. In February 2021 we put the vehicle in reverse, backed up came to a complete stop, put the vehicle in drive and let off the brake. Next thing we know there was a sound like someone hit us and the car lunged forward so hard it felt like we had be rear ended. I finally nagged my husband enough about taking it in because now we have a 1yr old, 3yr old, and newborn. Transmission slips when going up/down an incline, shifts hard in general, doesn’t want to shift, RPMS jump and stick, and about all the other issues everyone is having. (Eye roll) we took it in March 8, 2021 and got it back March 11, 2020. While they had it trying to see what the issue was we had them change the oil as well. Come to find out it was 2 quarts low on TF (4K miles on the vehicle.) apparently some of the explorers had bad seals and this is a common issue on several Explorers. Yesterday (03/26/2021) my husband calls me to tell me all of my antifreeze shot out of the exhaust pipe. (Huge eye roll) he asked me if it had been running hot earlier that morning (I had to take newborn to a dr apt.) I said no, it had not according to the sensor and the dash... He said when he went to take the exit off the highway the car lurched forward, shifted hard, made a god awful noise, and the gauged for the thermostat jumped all the way to hot, then the antifreeze shot out of the exhaust. F**king amazing right?... Not. My two toddlers were with him too. Luckily they weren’t far from a Ford house. Now, I am without a vehicle for God only knows how long and don’t know how long before I get an answer on who, what, when, where, why, and how. I’m pretty d**n upset because the vehicle is only 4 months with 5,027 miles on it. My husbands truck does not have AC and it’s getting too hot to have the babies in his truck. Even if it’s 70° here it feels 90° and humid. So, I do NOT recommend this vehicle to anyone ever. Oh and the screen on for the stereo blacks out randomly, the ac doesn’t seem to work in the back seats, goes into deep sleep mode a lot, and several other minor annoyances. Now I’m stuck paying for $35K trash. After reading A variety of reviews, it seems this vehicle was a HUGE mistake. (Sorry for any spelling or grammatical errors. Also, that this is so long.)
accountCircle Vanna V on June 4, 2021
Good for families, great entertainment, spacious.
Only 12k miles and I need to replace a part - cannot remember what it is. Issue is causing loss of power. Like the entertainment system and the organizer in the second row. Wish there were more USB ports in very back seats. Overall vehicle has been reliable - I like the assisted driving features. Sometime the back gate will freak out and open whenever we just get close to it.
accountCircle Madison G on June 3, 2021
This car makes comfort a priority, in the best way!
We have captain seats and absolutely love them! They are so comfortable and really convenient for car rides with our family. The interior is super comfortable and the heated seats are to die for. The car drives amazing and we have yet to have any issues. Gas mileage is great for how large the vehicle is.
accountCircle Brianna C on June 1, 2021
This is a really great car!
It is a great SUV. We have 2 small children in rear facing car seats and we all fit comfortably. It drives really nicely and was easy to adjust to. My only issue is a glitching back up camera which seems to be an issue with the 2020 as I know other people with the same problem.
accountCircle Gregory M on June 1, 2021
Ford explorer 2020 XLT compared to the 2019 model.
The 2020 explorer shape is not as aesthetically pleasing as the 2019 explorer model. It is more rounded from the back. The 2020 model also has less boot space. One cannot set the economy fuel consumption to the default mode. Every time the car turns off it resets.
accountCircle Kelly S on June 1, 2021
Great family vehicle with a ton of comfort and safety features.
The ford explorer is an extremely comfortable ride. Great gas mileage. Sound system is spectacular and I love the navigation package. I am looking forward to the heated seats and steering wheel for the winter. Very roomy interior, fits my family of 5 comfortably. The ford co-pilot assist is fantastic. Lets you know if your drifting, active park assist is great for parallel parking.
accountCircle Kelsey W on May 31, 2021
Love the ford explorers!!
I absolutely love my ford explorer! It is so roomy and comfortable. The gas mileage is great for an SUV and it rides very smoothly! I only have dogs right now, but I am confident that my explorer will be perfect for when I do have kids. The explorers are the perfect in-between vehicles!
accountCircle james C on May 27, 2021
The ford explorer. Master of the road,
My ford explorer has tons of room in the car. I love the fact I can fit all four of my family members, plus anything to go along in the trunk! It drives so smooth you feel like you own the road. I cannot thank ford enough for their amazing craftsmanship.
accountCircle Ashley O on May 27, 2021
2020 St explorer - awesome upgrades and great ride.
Vehicle has a lot of power, love the look and feel of the SUV. Sometimes the radio has a delay when switching between channels when you first turn your car on. Electronics are slow and the dash in front of the steering wheel sometimes displays the wrong information from the radio (such as the song and radio station).
accountCircle Arlene S on May 27, 2021
New 2020 white ford explorer.
No problems on my vehicle. It is a brand new 2020 explorer and it has the features you would want in today’s vehicles. Heated seats, automatic headlights, heated steering wheel, separate controls in rear seating, lane assistance and many other. It is roomy with captain’s chairs. Very reliable and dependable car.
accountCircle Jen on May 26, 2021
Worse SUV ever
My 2020 xlt has about 3700 miles on it and has been sitting at the dealer for two weeks waiting for a new transmission to be placed. It started jerking and shifting hard about a month after I got it and got progressively worse to the point where I felt unsafe driving it. Save your self the hassle and buy something reliable.
accountCircle Kathy T on May 22, 2021
Great all in one vehicle to have.
I wish the captains chairs cup holders were not on the floor. And some programming issues with sync system. Performance is great, no hesitation! Overall a good vehicle to have for trips and day to day. Love the window shade feature in the second row, great for small children and long trips!
accountCircle Charles S on May 20, 2021
Nice, comfortable car, but check the brake pedal which is very small.
Lots of new safety innovations. Ride is smooth and pickup is excellent. Nice computer display. Brake pedal is too small! Roomy interior and I like that they installed the car mats. Gas mileage is excellent although the automatic start when stopped at intersections alloys my wife.
accountCircle Netty C on May 14, 2021
Ford explorer, awesome for the family road trips.
Love this vehicle! It is fast and safe. It has plenty of room for all the family. The trunk is great, with extra storage for groceries. I love the features it has, especially the large monitor. It looks good too, not boring. The heated seats are awesome during winter. The massage seats are a hit with the entire family. Plenty of USB ports which are essential for our family.
accountCircle Danielle G on May 8, 2021
2020 ford explorer XLT review.
I love the vehicle! Although there were some electrical issues, like the rear camera and display issues. I love how spacious it is and the design update. Ford really stepped up on this overhaul. Wish other trim levels were more affordable. Overall very happy and would buy another explorer.
accountCircle Lindsey M on May 3, 2021
Ford 2020 explorer XLT review.
Spacious vehicle that is great for transporting outdoor sports gear and a family. We had some transmission problems right when we received the car and uncovered there was a faulty part that ford knew of for this model. Ford repaired at no cost. Overall pleased with the vehicle comfort. Great for long road trips and gets a reasonable mpg for the size of the vehicle.
accountCircle Kendall B on April 24, 2021
Ford explorer platinum vehicle.
The ford explorer platinum is very comfortable. It is a great family vehicle. It is extremely reliable. It has all the features you could want in a vehicle. The performance of this vehicle is amazing. Uas many different modes to drive in from eco to sport.
accountCircle Jennifer M on April 22, 2021
The best thing about my vehicle is the car play.
The engine does not zoom as much as I would like it to, but the internal features are great. The reliability is great I can auto start it in the mornings and it be on when I walk out. The air condition is fast at responding. There are also various driving modes.
accountCircle Maria H on April 19, 2021
The explorer offers many amenities and is a great vehicle.
My favorite feature is the heated steering wheel. It is amazing especially on super cold days. The vehicle drives well and is very comfortable to ride in for long periods of time. My only dislike is not having a blindspot mirror. My old vehicle had this and I feel it was much more useful than the light that pops on now because I could actually see everything around my vehicle and I wasn't relying on technology.
accountCircle Jennifer W on April 18, 2021
We love our ford explorer and would recommend to everyone.
We drove cross country with our explorer and it was great. Lots of legroom, comfortable seats, and lots of cargo room. Smooth driving and great sound. The warning for fuel is just right and far enough to get to a gas station. All the extra compartments were a pleasant surprise.
accountCircle Veronika O on April 18, 2021
Fast SUV! Top performance of any SUV I have seen plus a ton of luxury features!
I love this vehicle! There are absolutely no problems with it that I have found yet... It has some super cool features already! I love the interior. I love the panoramic sunroof. I also love all of the space that it has, which is initially why we bought the vehicle. This thing is super quick too, especially for an SUV! I absolutely adore the performance of this vehicle hands down!
accountCircle Cidrick on April 8, 2021
Faulty cheap unreliable vehicles and sloppy,neglecting,ill mannerd company customeer service
Well well now,i see why people are discrediting ford literly. Personally if ford wants to sell s**t for worse then sewer c**p then they deserve all the bad karma comjng at em. Also might advise,i will be spreading wild fire on ford tobe boycotted,repos burned not returned. Ford just needs togo out of buiseness all together;besides, fords founder an starter of the company was a copy cat trained by a dodge pro as lagite history does show.
accountCircle Taylor F on April 6, 2021
Ford explorer metallic gray with tan interior.
There is a lot of space in trunk area with the 3rd row seating. Very comfortable, especially for long trips. Only issue so far is connectivity with the touch screen. The screen sometimes will black out and has a hard time connecting to apple play.
accountCircle Andy P on April 5, 2021
I am really in love with the automatic parking feature.
The car is the perfect size for my family, which is small in numbers but very tall. The safety features also make me feel much safer on the road, as I am not very confident on the road as a new driver. Back up cameras and blind spot sensors, as well as automatic parking, make getting errands done and getting my family around town extremely easy and low stress.
accountCircle Brian M on April 4, 2021
Car seems to be safe. We enjoy the 4wd.
Car is nice looking. Has good power. The 2nd row is tight with two car seats. We wish the seats slide back more. It is good on gas. We like the dual panel sunroof. Enjoy the leather seats along with the heated seats. There is minimal legroom in third row. With third row there is ample storage.
accountCircle Tonya L on April 2, 2021
Be relaxed and safe while enjoying the scenery.
I feel safe when I am driving my explorer, with all the sensors and cameras, it very much makes sure you are safe! The massaging, heating and cooling seats and the ability to adjust the temperature in the back by the dash is very convenient and helpful!
accountCircle Jessica W on April 2, 2021
1 month with the ford explorer St, wow!
The 2020 ford explorer St is a 9 out of 10. The explorer St for the 2020 model year is powered by the new 3.0l twin turbo ecoboost, rated hp and torque of 400/410 respectively. All that power is transferred to the 10 speed transmission to the intelligent four wheel drive. The vehicle is equipped with several performance modes, normal, eco, sport, tow/haul, slippery, and trail. Each if these mode can change the character of the St from driving and shifting like a trailer towing truck with its electric downshift, or your grandmother's SUV or the performance vehicle it really is. The areas where ford fell short, the speed of the digital display especially the center dashboard mounted flat screen. The auto emergency braking in reverse the vehicle will stop with full force without audible notice from the proximity sensor system, this has happened three times, just backing into my driveway due to my trash can begin 2 to 3 ft away laterally. The recovery is garbage and has twice as much as clearance as necessary to accept a standard 2 inch hitch. The pros greatly outweigh the cons and I would buy another knowing all of this.
accountCircle Janet C on March 30, 2021
My ford explorer is an affordable luxury.
My vehicle is reliable it has enough room for my family needs. We are able to take long trips comfortably. The sunroof are big enough that everyone can enjoy the view when it is open. It is very easy to clean the interior is durable. I love the overall performance of my vehicle and have no complaints.
accountCircle Kristen A on March 28, 2021
Affordable, tech savvy, comfortable, sporty explorer!
Have had a few issues with tailgate not opening, USB went out, chrome coming off. Recall on speed sensor on excel. Comfort us great! Love the features and feel it provides a lot of room. Easy to connect phone, the moon roof is lovely. Captain's chairs in second row are awesome. We fit two large dogs in the trunk.
accountCircle Courtney T on March 17, 2021
Comfortable, stylish, and affordable.
Extremely comfortable! Plenty of space in the 3rd row, but when the 3rd row is in use, there is virtually no trunk space. I have not had any major issues thus far; I do have a leaky seal in my windshield that is allowing condensation inside in the afternoons. But this issue only happens about 1x week to every other week. I do like the captain chairs are now standard in the 2020.
accountCircle Amy on March 15, 2021
Do not buy!
Save the money and the headaches. Do not buy a 2020 for explorer. There is nothing good about a car that is constantly in the shop. The transmission is horrible. The car vibrates at high speed. The interior is extremely loud. Dealerships as well as corporate do not care if you are satisfied. Months old numerous times in the shop for various repairs. They will reset it and within a few hundred miles your right back where you started! Paint repairs do not match. My back hatch is crooked after repairs and they say it's good. Still waiting on the paint repair for that. Overall worst car I have ever owned. Massively overpriced for a horrible vehicle
accountCircle Martin on March 15, 2021
Problem
You who have problems with explorer 2020 with collision warning and jerks etc. Do you know what they replace for parts to solve the problem? Greetings mechanic sweden
accountCircle Neil Morrison on March 9, 2021
Terrible electronics
I purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer ST in August 2019 and almost immediatly started seeing issues with the elecronic system ranging from terrible audio issues trying to use the USB port to lumbar memory issues, to inactive screen issues to voice recognition and others. I have documented these issues begining in October 2019 to date and although my dealership has worked closely with me in trying to solve them Ford has turned a blind eye to my problems. Bottom line, I love the cars performance, comfort, handling etc. But would not recommend it to friends or relatives.
accountCircle Wendy Wessel on March 9, 2021
Noisy fuel injectors
I waited so long --- 20 years! To get a new vehicle just for me. I had friends who have had Explorers for the last 5-6 years, and they loved them and I thought it would be a great vehicle.... For the most part it is.. The noisy fuel injectors threw me off.. Was driving as 2006 Ford Escape- great little vehicle- and it's quieter than the new Ford!. Little upset that the interior dings up so easy... It's just my husband and I but first time putting a small suitcase in and it slid against interior? Left marks... For the most part I enjoy the Explorer, just little disappointed in some areas...
accountCircle Phill H on March 9, 2021
Terrible Vehicle
My 2020 Ford Explorer has been a problem since day one. Has been in and out of the service department several times and I had a loaner vehicle for the first few weeks of having the car. Now the transmission jerks and is having problems with less that 5k miles on it. Bluetooth is terrible and sounds like I’m under water when trying to speak on the phone. Driver seat is not set properly after it was fixed the first week for not working. To any other issues to list them all. This vehicle looks good but is actually terrible after having it for 7 months I want to get out of it already. Waste of money!
accountCircle Alycia B on March 9, 2021
Safe, reliable and comfortable ride.
I love my explorer! It is bigger than my 2017 explorer. I like the full bench in the second row. The leather interior, heated first and second row seats. The safety features are unbelievable! There is the keep your lane warning and front end collision. Also can warn you of oncoming traffic while backing up into a road or parking space. The ride is very smooth and quiet. I like the touch screen for entertainment and navigation. It is larger, more touch sensitive and higher up to a more comfortable eye level without taking your eyes off the road for to long.
accountCircle Brittany H on March 5, 2021
Great for a mom on the go!
I love my explorer! I have two children, and the third row is roomy enough when up for any other adults to sit comfortably, and when folded down gives plenty of space for my double stroller, as well as other kid necessities. It is a smooth ride and I feel safe on the road at all times with a reliable car.
accountCircle Alisha M on March 5, 2021
This is my favorite car this far.
Car handles well and gets reasonable gas mileage for its size. A new 2020 explorer that has some electrical issues as well as sensor issues. All in all even with the issues this is my favorite car that I have had to date. The new explorer is extra spacious and I enjoy having the third row seating to accommodate a group on longer drives.
accountCircle Peter G on March 3, 2021
Cruise control, sport to weather, slick roads, snow, ice, and eco.
Vehicle is very comfortable and drives amazing but the one thing that I do not like is the trunk space. I have kids in the 3rd row pretty much looks like one foot away from the trunk. Nothing fits unless I put the back seats down. Mine has captain seats so it makes it easy for the kids to go to the back seats. Tones of features from blind spot sensors, accident awareness, but no heating cooling seats.
accountCircle neftali F on March 2, 2021
Good on gas, excellent ride alloy rims and quality tires, excellent leather seats.
Love the style, roomy SUV.Good on gas, love my leather seats, high technology, four cylinders, room for seven people,trunk is spacious, alloy rims are beautiful nice tires and excellent maintenance at the ford dealers where I purchase the vehicle, the dealers staff were very good to me.
accountCircle Saul G on March 2, 2021
It is amazing and I want to buy newer one.
It is amazing car, it is strong and lovely to drive. I love it is shape and how comfortable it is. It 's performance very good and I could drive it in any place I want. There is only one problem that it is just for two or three person therefore I want to replace it.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.