Ford today introduces its all-new 2020 Explorer: a complete redesign of America’s all-time best-selling SUV that now features more power and space, and smart new technologies to help tackle life’s adventures.

Explorer is now more capable, comfortable, sportier and roomier in all three rows thanks to Ford’s flexible new rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Improved off-road capability comes courtesy of intelligent four-wheel drive and an available new Terrain Management System that features 7 easy-to-engage drive modes. Powertrain offerings include a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 projected to produce 365 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque making this the most powerful Explorer ever.

Standard features include a power liftgate, an all-new 10-speed transmission, 8-inch digital touch screen with SYNC 3, and FordPass Connect Wi-Fi service for up to 10 devices and more.



Owners will find design and engineering updates throughout that deliver comfort and SUV functionality. Explorer’s stylish, sloped-roof silhouette protects rear-seat headroom, while its comfort-enhanced second-row seats slide to improve access to the third row.

Building upon Ford’s push to bring more driver-assist technology to market, the all-new Explorer introduces available Active Park Assist 2.0. The class-exclusive feature – standard on Explorer Platinum – allows the driver to park in a parallel or perpendicular spot with a touch of a button without having to work the steering wheel, gear shifter, gas pedal or brake pedal. Available reverse brake assist, also standard on Platinum, uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to detect an object in Explorer’s path, and can apply the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision when the vehicle is backing up at a low speed – such as when exiting a driveway.

Explorer also is available with Ford’s all-new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. In addition to automatically slowing when traffic ahead slows and helping keep the vehicle centered in its lane, the system uses cameras to read speed signs and, combined with the available navigation system, adjusts cruise control settings accordingly.

Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, a suite of driver-assist technologies including:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which includes Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping System
• Rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner
• Auto headlamps with auto high-beams.

Other available Ford Co-Pilot 360 technologies include Evasive Steering Assist, which provides steering support to help avoid a collision; and Post-Impact Braking provides braking after a collision to lessen injury and damage caused by a secondary crash event.

Explorer features an available 10.1-inch touch screen mounted in portrait configuration on the center stack. Navigation maps can fill the entire screen for easy viewing, or split the space with audio information. The screen uses capacitive glass comparable to what consumers are accustomed to on smartphones and tablets, providing a quicker, more responsive interaction with the updated SYNC 3 system. Standard SYNC 3’s more intuitive layout gives drivers compatibility with available features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze navigation.

A wireless charging pad is available that allows customers to recharge compatible mobile devices, and up to four USB ports, including new type-C outlets, charge next-generation mobile devices. Up to three 12-volt outlets and a 110-volt outlet are also available.

For music lovers, Explorer offers an available 980-watt, 14-speaker B&O premium audio system.



The touch screen shares information with the available 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, which displays important vehicle information such as speedometer and gas gauge. It uses 3D animated graphics to change information depending on which of the seven drive modes are selected using the available Terrain Management System.

Ford’s recipe for Explorer has always relied on three main ingredients – capability, comfort and design. The new rear-wheel-drive architecture enables bumper-to-bumper improvements that include an even more athletic appearance, increased capability and the best passenger accommodations in an Explorer ever.

The powerful new engine lineup features a pair of EcoBoost entries: a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that comes standard on base, XLT and Limited models, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that powers Explorer Platinum. The reinvigorated 2.3-liter engine is projected to produce 300 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, with improved performance over the outgoing Explorer equipped with the same engine.

Up to 7 selectable drive modes are available for customers to tailor their drive experience to road, weather and terrain conditions on demand. Rear-wheel-only Explorer drive modes include normal, sport, trail, slippery, tow/haul, and eco. Vehicles equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive add a deep snow and sand mode for improved performance off-road.

Rear-wheel drive also enables more towing capability when properly equipped, regardless of engine. Vehicles equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost can tow up to 5,600 pounds (2,540 kilograms), a 12 percent increase over outgoing models with 3.5-liter EcoBoost. New models outfitted with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost and Class III Trailer Tow Package can tow up to 5,300 (2,404 kilograms) pounds, versus the 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms) today’s similarly equipped Explorer is capable of.



Hauling boats and trailers was certainly a priority for the Explorer team, but so was accommodating smaller items such as everyday drink bottles and cellphones. With every detail scrutinized, the new Explorer can boast 123 cubic liters of stowage space throughout the cabin, giving passengers in all three rows no shortage of places to stow personal items.

Available PowerFold third-row seats and new E-Z entry second-row seats let drivers create a flat-floor cargo area that is wide enough to fit standard 4-foot building materials, depending on seating configuration. Accommodating families of all sizes, second-row seats feature a new mechanism that allows for easy entrance and exit to the third row using just one hand. Redesigned ISOFIX anchor points allow child seat installation anywhere in the second and third rows. Second-row windows are equipped with available retractable sunshades.

A number of consistent design qualities have helped define Explorer over the past 29 years, and the design team strived to hold on to these important pieces of heritage. Longtime traits – including Explorer’s blacked-out A-pillars and D-pillars and body-color C-pillars – are retained. Changes to the overall profile include a more sloping roofline and shorter front overhang, giving the vehicle a sportier, more stylish appearance.



Explorer comes standard with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, but across the lineup drivers can opt for one of seven wheel designs, including 21-inch premium aluminum wheels available on Platinum models. Other Platinum differentiators include door handles with satin aluminum insert, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside cladding insert, roof-rack side rails and a unique grille with satin aluminum finish.

Platinum models also feature a standard twin-panel moonroof, which allows light to flood the most comfortable Explorer cabin ever. Explorer Platinum includes special leather seats, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard, door rollovers, and door and front console armrests.

The all-new Explorer is manufactured at Chicago Assembly Plant and will be on sale in the US by the middle of this year. Expect it to arrive in the Philippines by early 2020 at the earliest.