With 400 hp, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is the best performer in the lineup. Nevertheless, it is not the most expensive SUV with this badge. It can’t match the equipment of the Platinum model which carries platinum wheels and other details. Interior is revamped, as for the base model. The ST version also gets a unique styling with special colors. Towing capacity and gas mileage are suffering because of the high horsepower output.
Explorer is finally getting the performance version. Now, the SUV is able to reach more buyers that are looking for more hp. Right from the start, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST will take the high position in a non-premium segment, with only Volvo and Dodge producing more powerful units. The ST version upgrades the previous Sport trim for 35 hp. Furthermore, this SUV is going to bring numerous upgrades for the interior and exterior. Be ready to see one of the most aggressive models in Ford’s lineup.
Price
Ford unveiled its new mid-size SUV. Also, they made it already available for purchases. The starting price for the new model is $55,000. It is still $3,500 short from the Platinum trim level. However, the MSRP could jump if you choose some of the existing extra packages. Some of them are already part of the ST trim, but you can pick High-Performance or ST Street suite. Premium features are already inside, but if you need B&O audio or 10-inch touchscreen display, you can add it as well. But, prepare another grand for this package. So, with some upgrades, the cost of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST can go easily over $50k.
2020 Ford Explorer ST Specs
It is all about the specs when we talk about these kinds of vehicles. After a lot of speculations, we finally found out that 2020 Ford Explorer ST is getting a twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine. This V6 unit can crunch 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It is not just overpowering Sport model, but ST also replaces it. A ten-speed automatic transmission is a power router, as we expected. The system can make Explorer ST go 143 mph. Towing capacity and 0-60 mph numbers are not available yet. We know that SUV is getting the Sport drive. Also, the power steering system is upgraded and now the vehicle responds better.
2020 Ford Explorer ST Features, Colors
Besides the specs upgrade, the new 2020 Ford Explorer ST will bring unique styling that will unveil its performance character. Of course, a small ST red badge is on the right side of the grille, which gets special treatment. Mesh pattern seems to be the right choice, and the front fascia has been darkened out. Black exhaust tips and lower stance add aggressiveness. Roof rails are standard for the ST model. The SUV is coming with six base color options. Black, two shades of blue and gray, and white are standard, while Star White, Rich Copper, and Rapid Red cost $400 each.
Interior
Inside, the first thing we see is a flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the company delivers special other upgrades to improve comfort and overall impression for this performance SUV. So, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST also brings special floor mats and leather seats with contrasting stitches. The huge cluster is transparent. Park Assist is available. With 2.0 system, Explorer ST will be able to park itself without driver’s input.
Competition
If you want more power than 2020 Ford Explorer ST can produce, you will have to spend a lot more money for larger SUVs, or vehicles from a premium segment. In case you don’t want to do so, there are only two alternatives that can be attractive. The most powerful SUV in the mid-size segment is 707-hp rated Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But, this is an extreme, both with power and the price. It belongs to the luxury world with a price tag of nearly $90,000.
A more reasonable offer is Dodge Durango SRT. Its Hemi unit is good for 475 hp. Well, extra power costs $7,000 compared to the 2020 Ford Explorer ST. Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid delivers the same amount of hp. But, of course, the Swedish company is a well-known premium carmaker. However, this SUV, with PHEV system, in its base form costs only $12,000 more than Explorer ST. For this level of luxury and 60 pound-feet more, it is worth thinking.
