2020 Ford Explorer ST Review | The Mustang Of CUVs 

ive had my ST for about 5 months now. Definitely my favorite after owning 3 previous explorers. Packed with response and power for sure. Sport mode in conjunction with the manual paddle shifters make this model a speed demon for sure. GREAT JOB FORD !!

So we just picked up our 2020 explorer ST last week and let me tell you, this car is unbelievable. I was actually going to buy out our lease end 2017 explorer but decided to lease again and wow, really happy we did. The power and drive is almost 10x better, I love the 4 pipe exhaust and just the aggressiveness of the car. The engine, the look, the sound and the performance are all top notch. It’s our family SUV so the increased room for passengers was a big plus. The ST street pack and technology package were a great choice. I really can’t get enough of driving this car, it’s really the mustang of SUVs. Only downsides compared to our 2017 is less trunk as noted in the video and i noticed getting into the driver seat I have less headroom in getting through the door, not a big deal but I have to crouch a little more to get in. If you are on the fence on getting the ST, I highly recommend.

I bet no one in any dealer can provide you this much detail information! very professional and knowledgeable.

Not going to lie. I’m digging this SUV hard. I really like it.

Finally, RWD layout is coming back to the mainstream. Very smart from Ford.

Alex does a super job and clearly knows his stuff. Very well done.

You did it once again thank u Alex for uploading such a detailed review, I love all your videos ...

I bought the 2020 Ford Explorer ST and I love it! One mode practically steers it self.

Great review! The ST looks way better than the Platinum.

Always excellent and informative video, as usual! Just a small suggestion, your vehicle and wheelbase length comparison scale should have numerical inch indicators. That would allow for quick specific info comparisons. Cheers!

Just a short note of appreciation to you my man, your reviews are definitely worth seeing, you don't treat your viewers like they're dolts or hooligans on the road. You're informative and specific in regards to the vehicles you're reviewing. Mucho appreciated especially are your comparisons with other models in the segment. Glad to be a subscriber.

I actually like the smaller infortainment screen than the bigger one.

I totally agree about the tow hitch receiver being uncovered....some of the vehicles with cheap plastic covers (Escalade, Tahoe, etc.) look awful. A tow hitch is a beautiful thing! Be proud of it.

Possibly the best video I’ve ever watched on RU-vid, the details and knowledge of the brand will definitely help me make the most informed decision. Thank you 🎉

As always, and as expected, an outstanding review by Alex on Autos

Nice job you show this vehicle perfect I'll watch any of your videos. And I'm hard to impress. You sold me I've spent 120k with Ford in the last 3 years looks like it's going to be 180k in the last 5 years. Just ordered my new 2020 st explorer last week... should have it in 6 to 8 weeks I'll post a vid when I get it mama gunna love her new ride when it gets done being built.

hmmmm the Ford Explorer ST with a tune sounds like a true sleeper

Just test drove one. Extremely impressed. Great ride and steering, nice materials and controls, the large Navi screen looks absolutely fine in real life and is no concern and the power is ridiculous!! Like Alex says, it’s kind of a discount BMW. That’s now nicely it drives. It is now at the top of my list.

Got mine today in Magnetic grey with tech pack, street pack and dual panel moon roof. It’s absolutely gorgeous in the flesh, it drives fantastic and that tablet? I’m used to it in 10 mins. Looks great in real life. The ride is perfect.

Thanks Alex! Great review!! Finally someone who got it right and compared this to the Durango RT, as well as making those comparisons to the Germans. Sounds like a suitable replacement for my 2011 Durango Hemi Crewlux. Note that by the time you option out a Durango RT (tech package, tow package) to equal the Explorer ST, the prices are very close. The Explorer also brings a surround view camera and pedestrian monitoring that the Durango lacks. I also was happy to learn that you can get 4-way lumbar, although it looks like you need the optional tech package (with the portrait screen) for that. Given that the ST is estimated to be 20% of the mix (according to the order guide), I think that markups will be relatively short-lived. At least I hope so. :)

Excellent job by Ford. Amazing engine under the hood, 400 HP 🤟😋!! and the interiors with very nice gadgets i Thanks Alex for your excellent job. Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱

Such praise, especially from a Durango owner! The 760 hp, 5.2L supercharged V8 from the Mustang GT500 would make this even tastier.

If one can afford a ST, it's hard to beat the packaging. 0-60 5.1 sec, seating for 6 or lots of cargo room, great handling, and can tow 5600 lbs. That's hard to beat for between $50-60k. Makes me curious what an Aviator hyrbrid will do with 450 hp and 600 lb-ft.

Alex, I have to say that I'm impressed with the overall features and performance you've described with this review. While I really love my current RX350, I do NOT like the front wheel drive. Looking forward to your full review of this model later on.

Ford knocked it out of the park with this one. I want one!!

Alex, your videos are absolutely the best.

Thank you for the time you spent on the very detailed reviews. By far the best on RU-vid. Think you have convinced me to start shopping for this model of Explorer.

Alex is always on point with product info. Most might not know but the 5.7 hemi in the Durango is easily upgradeable in power. From exhaust headers to superchargers can be put on this motor, if you desire it.

That looks really good in silver with the black trim. Much more aggressive looking than past Explorers.

truly sporty exterior appearance with a matching drive-train.

After driving a Chrysler 300 AWD (rental on a business trip) in the rain and mashing the pedal at the stop light once it turned green, I’m a huge fan of all wheel drive. That thing was fun and was VERY helpful in heavy traffic when it’s raining and you need to pull out into traffic and get moving fast!

I wish you would have covered interior quietness, otherwise great review as always.

I'm impressed. Great performance for a vehicle that size. Nice features list. RWD platform. This one's a winner.

Outstanding job reviewing this product. You understand what this product actually is, and you reviewed it as such. Anyway, it's a cool product.

Will definitely get this one once my lease is up on my 2018 Explorer sport.

What a great in depth review. I'm calling my Ford guy this week to order an ST. Thank you for you no-nonsense and honest review. FYI, after July the ST will be coming out with a more aggressive sounding exhaust.

I don't know how this got by me.. I missed this release completely and its totally what I am looking for.

I help make these suv's everyday at ford motor company they are top of the line and even more beautiful in person! 😊

Sounds like ford built one hell of a truck

To bad they did not make the 5.0 a option, if that were there I would be buying one. Glad to see its back to rear drive again.

That portrait style screen looks terrible in my opinion 🥴 Loved the ones already built into the car, or at least one that was horizontal to give it a cleaner look

Well done Ford. Finally, an Explorer that's not a penalty box. It took 9 years just to catch the JGC/Durango. But it may be short-lived, given that the Grand Cherokee will be moving to the highly-flexible Giorgio II platform and will receive the new 3.5L I-6 twin-turbo engine. That said, I do like this Explorer. The ST is so more my speed, and is an excellent family hauler. It is interesting that tow rating is so low at 5600 pounds. And I wish Ford would have stolen a couple of Lincoln interior designers because this looks dated already.

good review and I bought one. However he did not mention about the storage under the rear floor behind the 3rd row seat which increases cargo room as the cover can opened and lowered to the bottom

Great review! The ST looks way better than the Platinum. 👍

Another great review Alex, I'm really not digging that tablet screen. I prefer the screens to be better integrated into the dash.

The BMW might be more luxurious and have better fit and finishes, but it will break down more frequently, parts will be more expensive, service availability will not be as convenient or easy to find, it will cost more to insure, and it will depreciate faster. BMW should put a depreciation gauge on the dashboard right next to the tach. It would have to be something like a calendar / odometer combo gauge, with a dollar figure overlay, so you could see how much value your new BMW is losing with every passing mile, and every passing day. This gauge would run continually in the background, so that when you get into the vehicle after a prolonged absence, it would be able to tell you exactly how much less it is worth since the last time you drove it. I would also suggest that they include a Doomsday / Sunset feature with the depreciation gauge. This feature would activate when the car has achieved maximum worthlessness, which can be described as the point where it would make more sense financially to have it crushed and made into a coffee table, than it would to replace the carbon ceramic brakes.

I'll definitely be patient and wait for whatever problems it will have to be fixed by the 3rd model year.

Finally someone who knows how to give a proper review, Nicely done and look he’s not comparing it to the Ford Fiesta or the Ford Focus ST because Of badging, It’s a SUV and should be only compared to other SUV!, This vehicle would be perfect for those large families with five kids and they can trailer the rest 😂😂😂😂, Cool I like the split screen, I did notice the steering wheel from the Explore should also go into the Ford Edge ST because the steering wheel was too small for the Edge ST, Why didn’t they have the option for a V8 for those old school boys? Excellent review nicely done! 😎🏁

Can you do an in-depth video on the all digital gauges ? No one has covered it yet , and I would love to see all the options and customizations you could do. For example, I would love a more plain normal mode without the blue everywhere. Unsure what customization is available.

Great review, Sofyan , Alex and Geese are my top 3 car reviewers.

Best review yet from an independent reviewer who knows what hes talking about.

Good driving demonstration of the Ford Explorer ST. I think this is Ford's first time ever making a performance model for the Explorer. Looks great! Good nice n comfy features. The gripe about this vehicle is found in the interior. The infotainment screen has to go. The size of the infotainment screen is nice at 10 inches, but the placement of it wasn't well executed. It looks like it was tacked on at the last minute via glue or duck tape. The rival competitors have their infotainment screens with some uniformity on the dashboard. That's how it should be. The way it is right now it protrudes too much and could be a slight distraction while driving. Maybe for the 2021 model year or the 2022 model year Explorer, Ford might improve the placement for the infotainment screen so that it'll be a lot more seamless on the dashboard. The overall performance for the Ford Explorer ST is good, but not good enough when compared to the performance model vehicles by the rival competitors. It's no where close to be considered "A Mustang SUV" from a performance standpoint. It's getting there, but not there yet. The rival competitors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Dodge Durango SRT, BMW X5M, Mercedes Benz GLE AMG 63 and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo would make minced meat/mop up the floor against the Ford Explorer ST. The Explorer ST would be wiped off the face of the earth against those vehicles. The Explorer ST would definitely match up well against the same branding vehicles that has performance numbers one tier lower from the vehicle models mentioned earlier. Now that the Explorer has a performance model line, what Ford can do in a year or two is have another performance line for the Explorer which will make it two performance lines. If they have intentions on having second performance line for the Explorer, what they can do this time is drop in a V8 engine and that's when it'll be considered "A Mustang SUV". Drop in the 5.2 liter V8 engine that's from the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 which produces 526 horsepower. That would be impressive for sure. If Ford wants to be greedy or wants the Explorer to get even more attention, they can have a third performance line for the Explorer. If so they can drop in the V8 engine from the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 which produces an even 700 horsepower or from the upcoming 2020 GT500 which will produce a WHOPPING 760 horsepower. That would be eye popping/mind blowing for sure. Well, let's see what happens in the coming years.

If this is any idication on the CD6 platform that will be used in more Ford products, I'm excited about the increased driving dynamics and more excited about the (out of my price range) Aviator.

The first ford I’d finally buy!

Man this guy knows his stuff. Very thorough. Great review

Impressive vehicle. Considerably more impressive than the ST version of the Edge. And given Ford's reliance on fleet sales for the Explorer, I suspect the ST will be the base on which sales to many law enforcement agencies are aimed. I do see one horsefly in the ointment for the entire Explorer line, though. Ford is offering 4 trim levels for the Explorer. The volume trims (XLT and Limited) each come standard with the 2.3L Ecoboost 4 cylinder turbo engine. And those are the only trims with MSRP's under $50K before any options. That 2.3L four banger is an impressive engine in a Mustang but I'm skeptical about its durability and overall performance in a two and half ton vehicle. Further, I doubt that most owners will meet EPA mpg's with that engine, a problem that's endemic to smaller turbos that derive their power primarily when turbo boost is relied upon. Of all the competition in the midsize 3 row SUV segment only the CX-9 and the Ascent don't offer a standard or optional naturally aspirated V6. The Explorer offers such an engine only in the hybrid configuration. And once again, that model has a minimum MSRP of more than $53,000 (in Limited trim). Otherwise, the only V6 option is a twin scroll turbo with an MSRP close to or well above $60,000 in the ST or Platinum trims. Ford deserves kudos for the new generation of the Explorer. Some consumers will be attracted to the RWD (and RWD-biased) platform. The V6/hybrid configuration is appealing for those who want a larger midsize relatively fuel efficient vehicle. The ST is a well priced performance SUV for those who want one. But compared to its rivals the Explorer line-up appears to have a rather large gap near the middle of its trim levels. The KIA Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade with NA V6 engines are much better equipped than a comparable Explorer with MSRP's thousands of dollars less. Much the same is true of the Honda Pilot and the 2020 Highlander. Perhaps Ford can poach some consumers considering luxury brands but a Ford badge lacks that cache. I hope Ford is successful with its sixth generation Explorer. It's a major upgrade compared to the last generation. And Ford's fleet sales probably assures it will outsell every other brand in its category. But the vast majority of Explorers will be equipped with the same base engine as the Mustang. And Ford's alternatives are lacking unless one is willing to pony up a lot more cash.

Has a nice stance. This looks promising and wonder if Ford will eventually offer a more extreme version.

Excellent review. I'm sold. Love it. Test driving it Wed literally! Have a dealer appt. Thanks.

I get the 457HP / 825 torque ST-line version here in the Netherlands next month, I keep you posted on this bullet-SUV

I love this vehicle. If I could only pick a color now

I'll wait until Ford figures out the recall issues in 1st to 2nd year for this generation. Also because I want the 2nd row bench seats. Thanks Alex.

Wish it had an off-road version. The wheel arches are just perfect.

The Ford website says only the low beams headlights are LED, but the high beams are halogen. Is that possibly true, on a $60k vehicle?! Btw, you're the best on RU-vid, keep it up! Thanks for all the hard work you put in!

Excellent, detailed review! Loved the comparisons to similar class vehicles. 👍🏽👍🏽

SOO waiting for your full review on this ST! Great review as usual.

The ST front end looks better but the back looks bland compared to the platinum, could be the colour with the black out bits

Ordered the 2022 version of this trip day!!

I was expecting nothing from this, so maybe that's why I'm surprised. Good to see Ford understanding that their interiors sucked and did something about it, especially with the instrument panel.

I. Warming up to this SUV., I was on the fence when it was at the auto shot, but I think ford has some thing here

Very detailed or informative review as usual.. thanks Alex

As an Atlas owner, I like this SUV a lot. Perhaps when we're ready to replace our Atlas, unless VW comes up with a performance version of the Atlas, I would consider this as a serious option.

Unbelievable review. Well Done! Thank You

Ford has a winner on their hands with this SUV..

Just test drove an Aviator today. Very nice ride. I’m waiting for the plug-in hybrid though.

The huge hinge for the middle seat make the back look extremely uncomfortable for a long trip.

Thank u for comparing this to comparable models. Provides a more complete review.

Do you wish you would have waited to get the 2020 explorer over your Durango?

All I care is that someone other than dodge is bringing RWD back to the mainstream might trade in my old Mazda Tribute for this explorer Ford really put a lot of effort this generation

The back end made me wanna call it “sir”. The black trim looks like a mustache.

That’s a nice looking Explorer.

I’ve driven an ST Explorer and truthfully, it’s hard for me to sacrifice the great driving experience for the more luxurious interior bits in the Platinum.

Just an FYI - the '275' is the HEIGHT of the tire in mm. The width would come from the aspect ratio, for example 40, which means the tire is 40% as wide as it is tall. Then you have the wheel size, followed by the speed rating - Y, Z, W, etc. If the first letter of the tire is a P, then it's a passenger car tire; if it's LT, then it's a light truck tire, which is usually used on the heavier duty 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. They have more plies of rubbet and, as a result, stand up better to higher loads and last longer - but they also cost more per tire. Nothing is free. I hope this helps.

Why do you keep referring to this vehicle as a rear wheel drive? The ST is AWD.

Maybe someday Ford/Lincoln will change the MKZ & Continental to RWD, since they're both offered with the 400 hp 3.0L engine. A performance oriented Lincoln?!

Has the full review been released? I’d love to see your ratings.

I have 2013 explorer sport and i will work harder to get the ST ❤️😍 lovely truck

Looks nice but need to pay down my tuned 17 sport a little more for the upgrade lol. Well not an upgrade for power, my sport tuned is doing about 500hp and 0-60 in 4.7sec.

Anybody what to guess how many recalls it will have ? More tech in any Ford means trouble :) Ford has taken such a nose dive in build quality and reliability. My co-workers 2018 F150 has been in for warranty work every month since new :(

Awesome SUV! Just one question. Does anyone know why the Ford Explorer still doesn't tow as much as the Dodge Durango? Both SUVs are RWD crossovers, have lots of horsepower and torque (at least in the Explorer ST, and the Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8), they're similar in terms of the size/wheelbase, and the Explorer likely weighs less than a comparable Durango. I'm guessing maybe Durango has a different tow package, or maybe it has something to do with the axle ratios. But the Explorer has a 10-speed automatic compared to the Durango's 8-speed automatic.

BEST REVIEW EVER !!!!

Hello, congratulations for the channel, if you were to choose one of these models that I will mention, which one would you put in your garage, which one is the best. Ford Explorer St 2021 grand cherokee 2022

2020 Explorer isn’t a CUV, it’s RWD again. Makes it a real vehicle

Sounds like the Explorer ST would definitely beat the Durango SRT on a track. Two tenths of a second difference is hardly noticeable when driving on the street. I would pick the Explorer ST over the SRT Durango for its better driving dynamics.

How does this RWD focus effect snow and ice? My 2016 Sport has been unstoppable with it's front focus.

Finally a review of the st!!!!!!

It's a great looking SUV but also very expensive.

Hi Alex! Great review of the new Explorer:) Question for ya. Does the ST have a rear limited slip differential? Thanks:)

Almost 300K subs!!! Great!!! Small suggestion: displaying cargo bag information as “2/10” makes it seem like a low score (2 out of 10) rather than seats up/down count. I suggest something like “2,10” instead.

once again, thanks a lot Alex for these comprehensive reviews, you are the best wen it comes to professionally reviewing cars and I always take your opinion seriously when buying a car. keep up the great job.

I’m looking at 2020 STs and all of them have the blue cluster. But, the cluster in this video is black/grey and looks awesome. Cool animations too. But, I’m not seeing that color scheme in any of the galleries for ANY of the listings I’m looking at-they are ALL blue. Can you change the color scheme?