Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
Our best look yet at the 2020 Ford Explorer reveals both hits and misses, starting with the EcoBoost AWD badge on the right-hand side of the tailgate. Through it, the Blue Oval refers to the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with twin-turbocharging technology.
In the Lincoln Continental, this engine develops 400 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque from 2,750 rpm, potent numbers for a full-size luxury sedan. But as opposed to the Lincoln, the Ford comes equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission that’s also found in the F-150, Mustang, and various models from General Motors.
What’s not so great about the 2020 Ford Explorer is the quality of the plastic trim, which looks… uhm, too plasticky. From the grille to the cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, the designers and beancounters could have done a lot better at this price point.
Being joined at the hip with the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, the all-new Explorer is expected with two more powertrains. First and foremost, the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT will serve as the entry-level option, packing similar figures to the engine in the F-150 (290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque). And finally, the 3.3-liter V6 is also coming with hybrid assistance.
Going one step further than the Explorer, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator will introduce plug-in hybrid technology to the CD6 vehicle architecture. It remains to be seen, however, what engine Lincoln will use for the most efficient SUV based on the CD6.
Turning our attention back to Ford, doesn’t the grille and overall look of the front fascia remind you of the Toyota Highlander from 2011? There are some people who believe the Explorer will once again feature the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo, and even if Ford goes along with it, we can’t escape the feeling that this engine is too small for a mid-size SUV.
Scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2019 for the 2020 model year, the Explorer will be predated by the Aviator at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The newcomer is confirmed with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, 30-way power adjustable seats, a 12-inch display for the instrument cluster, and alert sounds recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
What’s not so great about the 2020 Ford Explorer is the quality of the plastic trim, which looks… uhm, too plasticky. From the grille to the cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, the designers and beancounters could have done a lot better at this price point.
Being joined at the hip with the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, the all-new Explorer is expected with two more powertrains. First and foremost, the 3.3-liter Ti-VCT will serve as the entry-level option, packing similar figures to the engine in the F-150 (290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque). And finally, the 3.3-liter V6 is also coming with hybrid assistance.
Going one step further than the Explorer, the 2020 Lincoln Aviator will introduce plug-in hybrid technology to the CD6 vehicle architecture. It remains to be seen, however, what engine Lincoln will use for the most efficient SUV based on the CD6.
Turning our attention back to Ford, doesn’t the grille and overall look of the front fascia remind you of the Toyota Highlander from 2011? There are some people who believe the Explorer will once again feature the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo, and even if Ford goes along with it, we can’t escape the feeling that this engine is too small for a mid-size SUV.
Scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2019 for the 2020 model year, the Explorer will be predated by the Aviator at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The newcomer is confirmed with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, 30-way power adjustable seats, a 12-inch display for the instrument cluster, and alert sounds recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Google News