Ford Explorer

Name: 2020 Ford Explorer
Brand: Ford

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 32 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 32 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 32 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 32 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

It may not look markedly different from the outgoing model, but the Explorer has been completely redesigned for 2020. We enjoy its agile handling and spacious, quiet cabin, but the clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride leave it with a middling rank among three-row midsized SUVs. Further, some comparably equipped rivals, such as the Hyundai Palisade and Subaru Ascent, cost about $6,000 less.

2020 SUVs Reliability

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Ford Explorer

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2020 Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

2020 Ford Explorer

$13,475 - $25,075

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Chevrolet Traverse

$14,950 - $25,950

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Dodge Durango

$16,425 - $35,500

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Dodge Journey

$11,750 - $12,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Honda Pilot

$16,975 - $24,800

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Hyundai Palisade

$15,225 - $21,150

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Kia Sorento

$12,875 - $19,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Kia Telluride

$16,150 - $20,375

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Mazda CX-9

$13,575 - $19,675

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Nissan Pathfinder

$12,550 - $17,325

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Subaru Ascent

$15,675 - $19,325

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Toyota Highlander

$19,975 - $30,275

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$19,975 - $30,275

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2020 Volkswagen Atlas

$14,975 - $20,800

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear, 2 third

AWD, Rear

2.3-liter 4 turbo (300 hp)
3-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
3-liter V6 turbo (400 hp)
3.3-liter V6 hybrid (318 hp)

10-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Explorer has newfound handling agility and a spacious, quiet cabin, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but raspy sounding. The transmission has rough shifts, particularly at low speeds. In our tests this combination returned an unimpressive 21 mpg overall. A hybrid was offered through the 2023 model year, but it focused more on power and towing capabilities than fuel economy. The Sync 3 infotainment system is very easy to use. 2025 models are now equipped with Ford's Digital Experience infotainment system, which runs on Android Automotive powered by Google automotive services. The driving position is much improved, but the third-row seat is less roomy now. A power liftgate is standard. Standard through 2024, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety systems included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. For 2025, ACC and LCA are added as standard features on all trims (included with Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite), and BlueCruise is optional on all but the base Active trim. 2026 adds a new Tremor off-road-focused trim.

2011-2019

2011 Redesign Year

For 2011, the Explorer adopted a car-based platform, resulting in a quiet, steady and absorbent ride, as well as a versatile and well-finished interior. The model also offers a usable third-row seat and generous cargo capacity. Handling is secure but not agile. The optional MyFord Touch control interface is distracting to use. We preferred Ford's SYNC voice-controlled system for Bluetooth hands-free telephony and control over music players like iPods. With a paired phone, SYNC can also call 911 in case of an accident. Adaptive cruise control, collision warning and blind-spot detection are optional.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Explorer was redesigned for 2006, bringing revised interior and exterior styling, as well as some minor control design frustrations. While the ride and handling are improved over previous Explorer models, agility is still somewhat lacking and the ride is stiff. Further, noise suppression, and interior fit and finish also leave something to be desired. However, on the plus side, the interior is roomy and flexible, adjustable pedals can be had, towing capability is strong, and side-curtain airbags are standard. If you're looking for quiet, the V8-powered Eddie Bauer model is decidedly quieter and more sonorously pleasing than the boisterous V6-powered Explorer XLT.

2002-2005

2002 Redesign Year

Lauded for its steady ride and versatile, well-designed interior, the 2002 Ford Explorer is a well-rounded package. Its main drawbacks are an unrefined V6 engine and unimpressive performance on our off-road course. However, this version of the Explorer features a highly versatile interior package and stability control is a standard feature. Storage is more than ample, ingress and egress are easy and the rear seat is comfortable for three adults. The third row is best left to children though, as legroom is cramped and the seat is difficult to access.

1995-2001

1995 Redesign Year

The midsized Explorer was introduced in 1991. In our early tests, the 4.0-liter V6 provided leisurely acceleration. Handling was sluggish, and the ride was bumpy on all but the smoothest roads. A 1995 redesign brought a better ride, along with improved handling, braking, and controls. A 5.0-liter V8 was added in 1996, and a more refined SOHC 4.0-liter V6/five-speed automatic combo was introduced for 1997. Front side air bags and a reverse sensing system were added to the options list in 1999..