Detroit 2019: 2020 Ford Explorer ST and Hybrid: Comments

[Drew Dowdell]

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Ford released a preview of the 2020 Ford Explorer last week at Ford Field and this morning added more to the announcement by showing off the ST and Hybrid trims.

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST comes with a specially tuned 3.0 Liter Ecoboost V6 that produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It's targeted top speed on the track is 143 mph. The transmission remains the same 10-speed automatic found in other trims. Upgrades include available ST Street Pack and ST Track Pack.  Each pack comes with its own unique 21-inch wheels, differing levels of performance brakes, larger vented rotors, and red painted calipers.  Explorer ST comes standard with a Class-3 towing package and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid comes with 318 hp hybrid system powered by a 3.3 liter naturally aspirated V6. Driving range is said to be over 500 miles per tank.  An all-new 10-speed modular transmission sends the power to the wheels.  Customers who select a hybrid Explorer will not see reduced cargo space. A new liquid-cooled lithium ion battery is built into the Explorer's chassis directly below the second-row passenger seats.

The ST and Hybrid join the Base, XLT, Limited, and Platinum being built at Ford's Chicago assembly plant and will go on sale later this year.

Ford Press Release on Page 2

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DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2019 – Completing its broadest-ever lineup of Explorer SUVs, Ford today revealed two all-new models that will take Explorer drivers faster and further than ever before.

The all-new Explorer ST and the all-new Explorer Hybrid complete a lineup that includes a variety of driver and passenger comforts, an array of technologies that improve every drive, and new powertrain options that deliver power and efficiency.

The new Explorer family, which follows on the heels of Ford’s hot-selling new Expedition, goes on sale this summer. As America’s favorite SUV, Explorer will set the pace for the rest of the Ford’s utility lineup, which continues growing this year with an all-new Escape – and more.

“This new generation of Explorer recognizes that every family – and every driver – is unique,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, product development and purchasing. “With an all-new ST and an all-new hybrid, there truly is an Explorer for every adventure.”

These latest additions to the all-new Explorer family – built at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant – will join base, XLT, Limited and Platinum models in showrooms.
 

ST thrills continue with all-new Explorer ST
Continuing the expansion of the ST brand, the all-new Explorer ST is the most powerful and fun-to-drive Ford SUV ever.

Engineered by the Ford Performance team, Explorer ST uses a specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine projected to achieve 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. A top speed target for track drivers stands at 143 mph.

“We designed it to be an ST from the beginning,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief functional engineer. “There’s no mistaking its ST DNA. It has a performance feel with sustained performance capability and wears an unmistakably ST appearance. More than anything, it's just a hell of a lot of fun to drive.”

Explorer ST delivers an engaging driving experience with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with selectable traction control. Available upgrades include an ST Street Pack and an ST Track Pack. Both have 21-inch aluminum wheels with differing levels of performance brakes and feature larger vented rotors, red-painted brake calipers with stainless steel pistons, and larger brake pads for even better stopping power.

As with Edge ST, Explorer ST offers a Sport mode for an exhilarating ride. When engaged via the selectable drive mode dial in the center console, the steering system tightens for sportier reaction, the gas pedal responds more aggressively, gears hold longer and shift quicker, and an enhanced engine note plays through the cabin.

Visually, Explorer ST stands out courtesy of a black mesh grille insert, liftgate appliqué, lower bodyside details, roof-rack side rails and skid plate elements. “EXPLORER” badging stretches across the front edge of the hood.

Inside, a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster is standard. A flat-bottomed, heated steering wheel embossed with an ST logo and unique floor mats are subtle cues exclusive to Explorer ST. Leather sport bucket seats with micro-perforation, City Silver accent stitching and ST logo complete the sporty feel.

Explorer ST comes standard with a Class III Trailer Tow Package with Cargo Management System and Active Park Assist 2.0 – Ford’s new driver-assist parking system that takes control of the steering wheel, gas pedal, brake pedal and gear shifter during parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers with a simple touch of a button.
 

Explorer Hybrid offers no-compromise efficiency
Ford is reinventing the standard for hybrids – introducing an entirely new generation of vehicles this year that bring out the best in hybrid capability with great performance and the freedom to go further.

The all-new Explorer Hybrid, which features a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain, is projected to produce a combined system 318 horsepower. An EPA-estimated range of more than 500 miles between gas station fill-ups is targeted for the rear-wheel-drive model*.

An all-new 10-speed modular hybrid transmission provides SUV capability. Unlike previous hybrid vehicles, a specially designed liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is built into the Explorer chassis below the second-row seats to preserve cargo and passenger space.

“Reduced cargo space in hybrids is a thing of the past for Ford customers,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer.

Available in Limited edition trim, Explorer Hybrid comes with Active Noise Cancellation, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+™ driver-assist technologies, leather seats with micro-perforation and accent stitching, second-row heated seats, a 14-speaker B&O premium sound system, wireless phone charging pad and 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

*Actual range will vary. Final EPA-estimated ratings available in the 2019 calendar year.

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[frogger]

Hah, someone has been doing their homework,  kudos to Ford for offering choice more than skin deep.

 

[G. David Felt]

Explorer ST is very sharp looking, Like what I see coming from Ford. Clearly looking to compete with Jeep.

[ykX]

I want to love it but somehow the external looks just don't do it for me.  Still, with that engine should be a fun and fast crossover.

[ccap41]

Yes, please.

Although, if I'm being honest, I'd prefer the 2 row Edge ST over this. I like the RWD proportions and, assuming, dynamics but I don't drive aggressive often enough to take advantage of that in an SUV. 

So is this hybrid a plug-in? I didn't see anything about range.. 

[Drew Dowdell]

4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yes, please.

Although, if I'm being honest, I'd prefer the 2 row Edge ST over this. I like the RWD proportions and, assuming, dynamics but I don't drive aggressive often enough to take advantage of that in an SUV. 

So is this hybrid a plug-in? I didn't see anything about range.. 

Not a plug-in.

[G. David Felt]

3 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Not a plug-in.

Would love the looks of the ST in Hybrid form, any idea if it can be ordered that way?

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Not a plug-in.

Hmmm.. I'd prefer plug-in but I'm not realistically in the market for one of these anyway. 

[smk4565]

Hey, this thing has 400 hp and rear wheel drive!   I wonder why Cadillac didn't think of that with the XT6.  I like that Ford has 4 powertrain options here, 4or 6 cylinder or hybrid, there is something for everyone here, which is what you need to do to be successful.  Some people will want the 400 hp, some could care less about performance and only care about gas mileage, they have both ends of the spectrum covered.

I seriously wonder if they could do a 4-door coupe version of this and jack the price up $10k and sell them.  The Explorer 2 door did well back in the day, and crossover coupe is all the rage, I saw an Audi Q8 today.

[Robert Hall]

2 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Hey, this thing has 400 hp and rear wheel drive!   I wonder why Cadillac didn't think of that with the XT6.  I like that Ford has 4 powertrain options here, 4or 6 cylinder or hybrid, there is something for everyone here, which is what you need to do to be successful.  Some people will want the 400 hp, some could care less about performance and only care about gas mileage, they have both ends of the spectrum covered.

I seriously wonder if they could do a 4-door coupe version of this and jack the price up $10k and sell them.  The Explorer 2 door did well back in the day, and crossover coupe is all the rage, I saw an Audi Q8 today.

I'd like to see them do a GT500 version...

Edited January 15, 2019 by Robert Hall