Archived model-year dossier
2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Ford Explorer is redesigned on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a 10-speed automatic, a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost, an 8.0-inch Sync 3 screen and a power liftgate. NHTSA lists 35 recalls and 1,222 complaints, 490 of them about the power train. Used ones run $14,600 to $24,900 per Kelley Blue Book; EPA rates it 19 to 28 mpg.
Configurations6
Model/option labels5
Combined efficiency19–28 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2020 Ford Explorer
Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) says Ford completely redesigned the Explorer for 2020 with a new rear-wheel-drive platform, safety features and a new dash. Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says all-wheel drive is optional, a 10-speed automatic is standard, a button-operated second-row seat mechanism eases third-row access, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard.
Ford's press release (opens in a new tab), reposted on a forum, lists a standard power liftgate and 2.3-liter EcoBoost, and the rear-drive architecture adds 600 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 18/24 to 21/28 mpg and used prices from $14,600 for the base to $24,900 for the ST at a dealer.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the 2020 Explorer, among the most for any year in this record. They include fuel line sleeve chafing (19V859000), a right motor mount fastener (20V788000), rear lower control arm bolts (21V154000), a driveshaft on all-wheel-drive models (20V693000), a fuel tank check valve weld (20V730000), loose side air bag attachments (20V497000), a wiring harness touching the A/C pulley (19V687000) and a transmission reset on 2.3-liter cars (23V069000).
Several cover the rearview camera, including 360-degree camera video failures (21V735000 and 23V022000) and 20V575000. Owners have filed 1,222 complaints, led by power train with 490, unknown or other with 208, electrical system with 183, engine with 115, back over prevention with 104 and service brakes with 82. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) scores its reliability 2.0 out of 10, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) lists transmission recalls.
2020 Explorer against the Highlander, Pilot, Traverse and Ascent
EPA rates the 2020 Explorer at 19 to 28 mpg combined and $2,250 to $3,300 a year in fuel. The Toyota Highlander lists 23 to 36 at $1,750 to $2,700, the Honda Pilot 21 to 23 at $2,700 to $2,950, the Chevrolet Traverse 20 to 21 at $2,950 to $3,100, and the Subaru Ascent 22 to 23 at $2,700 to $2,850. The Explorer's hybrid is competitive, and its gas versions sit at the low end.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Ford Explorer: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | RWD | 300 | 310 | 21 / 28 / 24 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| XLT | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 300 | 310 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| Limited | 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 300 | 310 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 6 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| Limited HEV | 3.3-liter V6 (Hybrid) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 318 | 23 / 26 / 25 mpg | 6 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | ||
| Platinum | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 365 | 380 | 18 / 24 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| ST | 3.0-liter V6 (EcoBoost, Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 400 | 415 | 143 mph | 18 / 24 / 20 mpg | 6 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 4,345 lb | 198.8 in | 69.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.9 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,300 lb | 1,510 lb | P255/65R18 |
| XLT | 4,437 lb | 198.8 in | 69.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.9 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,300 lb | 1,500 lb | P255/65R18 |
| Limited | 4,437 lb | 198.8 in | 69.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.9 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,300 lb | 1,500 lb | P255/55R20 |
| Limited HEV | 5,076 lb | 198.8 in | 69.9 in | 119.1 in | 7.9 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,000 lb | P255/55R20 | |
| Platinum | 4,701 lb | 198.8 in | 70.2 in | 119.1 in | 8.2 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 38.9 in | 43 in | 5,600 lb | P275/45R21 | |
| ST | 4,701 lb | 199.3 in | 70.2 in | 119.1 in | 8.3 in | 38.7 ft | 18.6 gal | 40.7 in | 43 in | 5,600 lb | P275/45R21 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Ford Explorer trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Sport | XLT | Limited | Limited HEV | Platinum | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Adaptive headlights | – | – | – | – | Std | – |
| Anti-theft alarm | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | – |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding third-row seat | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | – | – | – | – |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | – | – | – | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41487Explorer AWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 41511Explorer AWD | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 24 | 20 | N/A |
| 41512Explorer FFV AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; FFVFFV | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Gasoline or E85 | 16 | 23 | 19 | N/A |
| 41939Explorer HEV AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; HybridHybrid | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 23 | 26 | 25 | N/A |
| 41937Explorer HEV RWD | 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; HybridHybrid | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 27 | 29 | 28 | N/A |
| 41485Explorer RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Ford Explorer versus the 2019 Ford Explorer?
Model year
Against the 2019 Ford Explorer: Model/option labels added: Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer RWD. Model/option labels no longer listed: Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer AWD FFV, Explorer FWD. Engine descriptions added: 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; FFV, 3.3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, 3L 6-cyl SIDI. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl FFV, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI. Transmissions added: Automatic (S10). Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic (S6). Drive designations added: Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive. Drive designations no longer listed: All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive. Certification records went from 7 to 6. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 20.0 to 23.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 6 for the 2019 to 33 for the 2020.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2020 Ford Explorer do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2020 Ford Explorer earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 14.7% to 15.1% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03What is the 2020 Ford Explorer's top speed?
Performance
The 2020 Ford Explorer's top speed is 143 mph on the ST. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What size wheels does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Ford Explorer's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the Sport and XLT, 20 inches on the Limited and Limited HEV and 21 inches on the Platinum and ST. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2020 Ford Explorer trims differ from one another?
Trims
The XLT has 4WD instead of RWD and an anti-theft alarm, power front seats for driver and passenger, hill-descent control and 3 more as standard equipment over the Sport. The Limited has fog lights, a folding rear seat, heated front seats and 13 more as standard equipment over the XLT. The Limited HEV has 318 hp against 300 over the Limited. The Platinum has 365 hp against 318 and adaptive headlights and front and rear parking sensors as standard equipment over the Limited HEV. The ST has 400 hp against 365 over the Platinum.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What octane gasoline does the 2020 Ford Explorer call for?
Fuel
The 2020 Ford Explorer owner's manual gives 87 octane as the minimum gasoline rating. Source: 2020 Ford Explorer owner's manual. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 Ford Explorer.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Ford Explorer across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Body, water and noiseWater collects on the front passenger floorSoon →Body, water and noiseMusty smell when the climate system startsSoon →Seasonal and storageRoad-salt underbody washing and corrosion checksRoutine →Warning lightsBattery or charging-system warning while drivingSoon →Starting and chargingBattery keeps dying overnightSoon →Engine and coolingEngine stalls when stopping or returning to idleSoon →