2020 Explorer ST Specs and Price at a Glance
- MSRP: Starting at $54,740 (not including destination fee, taxes or title)
- Six-passenger Sport Utility Vehicle
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive with Intelligent 4WD
Overview
Unless you've been living in the wilderness for the past 20 years or so, you know that America's highways and backstreets are dominated by SUVs. More refined than your standard pick-up truck, way cooler than a minivan, but still boasting more functional passenger and cargo space than a typical sedan, SUVs have become the "just right" vehicle for a population of Goldilocks drivers.
Recently we've begun to see car manufacturers add some street performance features to these utilitarian grocery-getters. Offerings from just about every major brand have raised the bar on trying to add more "sports car" characteristics to their SUVs and crossovers. The Explorer ST is Ford's take on the sporty SUV, and there's plenty to like.
Exterior
A quick walk around the Ford Explorer ST shows off a sleek profile for what has historically been a box on wheels, just like the majority of SUVs. Combine that new low-profile silhouette with Explorer's 21-inch premium aluminum wheels (it comes standard with 20-inch machined aluminum rims), and you've got one aggressive looking ride. The optional Street and Performance Packs each add the aforementioned 21-inch wheels, plus big performance brakes with red calipers.
You can choose one of nine color options for your Explorer ST, including three premium paints that cost extra: Agate Black, Blue, Magnetic, Star White (add $595), Atlas Blue, Rich Copper (add $395), Silver Spruce, Iconic Silver and Rapid Red (add $395).
Power & Performance
Ford markets the 2020 Explorer ST as "heavy on performance." The heavy part is certainly accurate, as the sporty SUV weighs over 4,700 pounds. But what about the performance? The Explorer ST specs include a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 that generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford says the Explorer ST will claw from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. We likey.
You know us. We can't help but dream about dropping in a high-performance intercooler or adding a new cat-back exhaust to boost the Explorer ST's performance even more.
RWD, Like God Intended
A major change for 2020 is that all Explorer models are rear-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive standard on the ST. Ford calls it Intelligent 4WD, meaning the rear wheels drive the vehicle the majority of the time, and the front wheels are engaged when necessary due to loss of traction. A sport-tuned suspension ensures sure-footed runs across town for the Explorer ST, no matter how twisty those suburban streets get.
Transmission
The Explorer ST transmission is a 10-speed automatic with Ford's SelectShift capability that allows the driver to manually select gears.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity for the Explorer ST is 5,600 pounds.
Cool Stuff That Keeps You Safe
Explorer ST comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ which includes the following:
- Cruise control with advances features such as lane centering and speed sign recognition
- Assisted steering that helps avoid collisions
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System)
- Rear-view camera
- Automatic braking in case of emergency
- Automatic high-beam Headlights
Interior
Inside, the Ford Explorer ST has three rows of seats with second-row captain seats and a handy console that's low enough to allow for easy passthrough to the back row. Second- and third-row seats fold down to maximize cargo space to 87.8 cubic feet.
Up front, the ebony leather seats get a special ST logo and silver stitching that continues throughout the interior. A heated steering wheel comes standard, a nice touch for your morning commute in January.
An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the Explorer ST, with the option to upgrade to a 10-inch screen. Both versions operate Ford's Sync 3 Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System, which includes 911 Assist as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can go HAM with your Class of 2010 (or 1984; we're not judging) playlist. And speaking of rocking out: Explorer ST drivers get the upgraded Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system. Woot!
An optional dual headrest entertainment system is available for second-row passengers for just under $2,000.
Explorer ST Price
This ride comes pretty decked out with all of the features you'd want in a modern car, but all of that cool stuff means the Explorer ST price comes at a premium. Starting price for the well-equipped standard Explorer ST is $54,740, which doesn't include Ford's destination fee, taxes or title. If you want all the bells and whistles, you're looking at just under 60 Grand.
Give Explorer ST a Performance Boost
We're intrigued by the idea of a hot rod SUV, and the Ford Explorer ST is a solid platform for performance upgrades — even if you're just driving it to PTA meetings. Shop Lethal Performance for 2020 Explorer ST parts and accessories to get everything you can from this Blue Oval beast!
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