2020 Ford Explorer ST Review

Performance SUV Meets Three-Row Utility: 2020 Ford Explorer ST Review

When Ford redesigned the Explorer for the 2020 model year, it made a fundamental shift: returning the vehicle to a rear-wheel-drive-biased platform. To celebrate this engineering overhaul, Ford Performance unleashed the 2020 Ford Explorer ST—a aggressive, twin-turbocharged three-row SUV built to bring genuine sports car excitement to family road trips.

Combining 400 horsepower, sharp handling, and aggressive styling with everyday practicality, the Explorer ST stands out as a true performance cruiser. Here is an in-depth breakdown of what makes this SUV a standout choice.

Engine & Performance: Pure Twin-Turbo Muscle

Under the hood lies a specialized powertrain engineered by Ford Performance:

• Engine: 3.0-liter EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6
• Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
• Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters
• Drivetrain: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• 0–60 mph: Under 5.0 seconds
• Top Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h)

Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive architecture, power delivery feels immediate and muscular. The 10-speed automatic transmission delivers swift gear shifts, while selecting Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, firms up steering weight, and holds gears longer for maximum performance.

Chassis & Handling: Tuned by Ford Performance

Unlike standard midsize crossovers that lean heavily during tight cornering, the Explorer ST features sport-tuned suspension components designed to tame body roll:

1. Sport-Tuned Suspension: Stiffer springs and specially valved dampers keep the vehicle flat through aggressive turns.
2. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Actively routes power between the front and rear wheels depending on traction needs and drive mode.
3. Optional ST Street & High-Performance Packs: Upgrades the standard wheels to 21-inch aluminum wheels, fits red-painted brake calipers, and adds larger vented rotors with performance brake pads.

Exterior Styling: Menacing & Modern

The 2020 Explorer ST drops bright chrome accents in favor of a stealthy, high-contrast appearance:

• Blackout Trim: Features a high-gloss black mesh front grille, black roof-rack side rails, and dark headlight/taillight bezels.
• Quad Exhaust Tips: Four chrome exhaust outlets deliver a deep, throaty V6 exhaust note.
• Distinctive Badging: Bold red "ST" badges grace the front grille and rear liftgate.

Interior, Cabin Tech & Practicality

Inside, the Explorer ST blends sporty touches with family-focused utility.

• Cockpit Ergonomics: Features leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with micro-perforated inserts, city silver stitching, and embossed "ST" logos. A thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed heated steering wheel reinforces its performance credentials.
• Digital Displays: A standard 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster changes its layout dynamically based on the selected drive mode. The center console features an available vertically oriented 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 3 system.
• Seating & Cargo Capacities:
  • Standard 6-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs.
  • Power-folding third-row seats.
  • 18.2 cu. ft. of cargo volume behind the third row.
  • 87.8 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity with all rear seats folded flat.
• Towing Capacity: Properly equipped, the Explorer ST can tow up to 5,600 lbs, making it capable of hauling boats, campers, or trailer loads.

Driver Assistance & Safety Tech

The 2020 Explorer ST comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering a suite of driver assistance features:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping System
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps and Rear View Camera
• Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Speed Sign Recognition

The Verdict: A High-Octane Family SUV

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST bridges the gap between sensible family transport and high-performance thrills. By pairing a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 with a rear-drive platform and aggressive ST styling, Ford created a three-row crossover that caters directly to driving enthusiasts who refuse to settle for an ordinary family vehicle.

💬 What do you think of the Ford Explorer ST? Would you take this 400-hp SUV over a traditional muscle car or sport sedan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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