The 2020 Ford Explorer lasts around 200,000 miles with some transmission software and touchscreen problems reported. At $25,075 to $48,998, it’s a decent value for a large SUV with plenty of room for passengers.
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a decent year for the Ford Explorer since it pairs efficiency with an upscale cabin. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, smooth engine, along with the strong engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a large SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, although cargo space isn’t as high as some rivals.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Explorer. Models from 2013–2017 have a lot of mechanical issues, while 2018–2022 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the base engines, while the ST is very quick for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Explorer is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, a rearview camera, along with pedestrian detection. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 24 MPG, giving 460 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $65 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Explorer is cheaper than a lot of other SUVs on the market, although it depreciates slightly faster than the competition.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Explorer?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Explorer offers agile handling and a comfortable interior, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Explorer at 3.2/5, praising the spacious cargo area, but doesn’t like that there’s a lot of wind noise.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Explorer a 3.6/5, enjoying the powerful engine choices, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the third row.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ford Explorer Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Ford Explorer include difficulty changing gears, the screen turning off randomly, along with a loose brake pedal feel. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than some other SUVs on the market, leading to some slightly higher repair costs.
Difficulty changing gears is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Explorer in the first 10,000 miles. There are software updates for the transmission control module which improve the reliability of gear changes. Some owners that tow often have also replaced the transmission oil cooler, which costs around $850.
The screen turning off randomly is another issue reported by Explorer in the first 1,000 miles. There are stereo system software updates available which most dealerships will install for free, while some charge around $50 which fixes the problem.
A loose brake pedal feel also shows up on some Explorer models at around 15,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by premature brake pad wear, which is more common if you tow with the Explorer. Replacing the brake pads costs around $450, depending on local labor rates.
There are 14 recalls on the 2020 Ford Explorer, which is worse than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recalls include wiring harness issues, fuel lines which may leak, along with a cracked driveshaft. All of these are serious mechanical issues, which Ford will fix for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2020 Ford Explorer Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Ford Explorer can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $708 per year.
As a used 2020 Ford Explorer reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the alternator for $550, a fuel sending unit costing $1,150, along with the radiator fan which costs $485.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good for an SUV offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional technology upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen along with premium Bang & Olufsen stereo systems.
Safety technology is excellent as well with standard features including:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Ford’s MyKey
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Post-collision braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rear cross traffic alert
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Reverse brake assist
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Road sign recognition
- Adaptive headlights
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Ford Explorer is a good value since it’s a very practical choice with plenty of passenger room. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,075 to $48,998, making it cheaper than a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When new, the price range was $32,765 to $58,250. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Explorer?
There are five models of the 2020 Ford Explorer offered from the entry-level Base, the sporty Explorer ST, all the way through to the luxurious Platinum. The Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive while all-wheel drive is optional.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Cloth Seats
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Power Liftgate
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- 40/20/40-Split Fold Second Row Seats
- 50/50 Split-Fold Third Row Seat
- 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Co-Pilot 360 Safety Suite
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Roof Rails
- Heated Mirrors
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Sound-Reducing Front Side Windows
- Power Adjustable Steering Wheel
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Power Passenger Seat
- Second Row USB Ports
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power Lumbar Adjustment
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Folding Second Row Seats
- Heated Second Row
- Larger Rear Brakes
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Automatic Wipers
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Optional 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Audio System
ST is a sport-focused model which has:
- More Powerful Engine
- Unique 20-Inch Wheels
- Sport Tuned Suspension
- Auto Dimming Mirrors
- Digital Instrument Panel
- Sport Front Seats
Platinum is the flagship model adding:
- Adaptive Headlights
- Premium Leather Seating
- Leather-Wrapped Interior Trim
- 1-Inch Touchscreen
- 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Stereo
- Optional Massaging Front Seats
What Engines Come In the Ford Explorer?
- The base engine is a 3L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder which makes 300 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. All models come standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
- The engine found on the Platinum model is a stronger 3.0L EcoBoost V6 which produces 365 horsepower at up to 20 MPG.
- The most powerful engine is found in the ST model, which is a 3.0L twin-turbo which generates 400 horsepower while getting 19 MPG. Performance is great, taking 5.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Ford Explorer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Explorer?
The 2020 Ford Explorer is an SUV that prioritizes comfort and convenience for its passengers. The vehicle’s spacious cabin can comfortably seat up to seven people, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. The seats themselves are plush and supportive, with available features like heating, ventilation, and power adjustments for added comfort.
In terms of ride quality, the Explorer offers a smooth and comfortable experience, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and noise-canceling technology. The vehicle also offers various driving modes, including a Comfort mode, which adjusts the suspension and steering for a smoother ride.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Explorer Have?
The 2020 Ford Explorer is an SUV which offers ample storage space. In terms of cargo space, the Explorer provides 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats. If you need more room, you can fold down the third-row seats to expand the cargo area to 47.9 cubic feet. And if you need even more space, you can fold down the rear seat as well, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 87.8 cubic feet.
In addition to the cargo space, the Explorer also offers plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. There are multiple cup holders and storage compartments throughout the vehicle, including a large center console bin, door pockets, and a glovebox.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Ford Explorer was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: New exterior styling package on the XLT model.
2016: 4-cylinder engine offered, minor styling changes, updated safety technology.
2017: SYNC 3 infotainment system offered, replacing MyFord Touch system.
2018: Minor exterior styling changes, 4G LTE hotspot available across the lineup.
2019: Small changes to available options packages for the final year of the fifth generation.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2021: New sport package available on XLT model, more affordable ST model launched.
How Does the Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Ford Explorer offers a lot of passenger room and a nice interior for the money, although reliability ratings are lower than some of the other SUVs on the market.
The Toyota Highlander is a slightly smaller SUV which costs around $3,500 more. Predicted reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Ford Explorer offers more passenger room, especially in the third row. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they are more affordable to own long-term.
The Chevy Traverse is another large SUV available in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Ford Explorer offers a more responsive driving experience with stronger engines. We recommend the Chevy Traverse, although both offer similar reliability and are worth taking for a test drive.