Because of its status as one of the original (and still most popular) family-friendly SUVs, it's always a big deal when the Ford Explorer gets a complete redesign. From its muscular, elegant design, to its rugged yet refined cabin, the Ford Explorer has always been held up as the standard by which other midsize SUVs and crossovers are judged. Now that the 2020 Ford Explorer has been completely redesigned, competing SUVs are going to have a high bar to cross.

There are a wealth of new features both inside and out, but today we'll be looking at the 2020 Ford Explorer's engines and towing capability. Ford has done some very interesting things with the powertrain of the all-new Explorer, and it is quite different from other three-row crossovers and SUVs on the market. If you've been considering a Ford Explorer, or shopping for a three-row SUV, you'll want to learn more about the Ford Explorer's powertrain and towing. We'll be following up with a separate look at its interior features and technology. But when it comes to three-row SUVs in Ames, IA, we think the 2020 Ford Explorer is going to be a tough one to beat.

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field

New 2020 Ford Explorer Engine Options

One of the problems with older SUVs was always the trade off of gas mileage. However, the 2020 Ford Explorer rivals sedans and beats many less powerful SUVs with its impressively efficient and capable engine options.

The base engine on the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer is a 2.3l EcoBoost engine producing an impressive 300 horsepower. This is a great, efficient engine on its own, but paired with the all-new 10-speed transmission it provides excellent acceleration and torque. The new Explorer is also 200 lbs lighter than last year's model, meaning handling is also much improved. Perhaps most impressively, this engine can be paired with Ford's towing package that can handle up to 5,300 lbs.


That's a lot more than last year's model. One of the reasons is that the 2020 Explorer now comes standard with RWD instead of FWD like many competitors. This makes towing much easier for the Explorer, and optimizes power delivery for stability and easy handling.

There are two other engines available for the 2020 Ford Explorer. One of those engines is a twin-turbo 3.0l V6 producing 365 horsepower when in the Platinum trim, or 400 horsepower in the all-new ST trim. This is a supremely powerful engine, and raises towing capacity up to 5,600 lbs. With a satisfying roar and plenty of power on tap, owners of a 3.0l-equipped Ford Explorer will feel in complete command out on the road.

The final powertrain option is a 3.3l V6 hybrid powertrain. This is the first hybrid Ford Explorer, and has been long-awaited by our Ames, Iowa customers that want a large, capable SUV, but want more fuel efficiency. The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid delivers on that front, and can also tow up to 5,000 lbs and put out 318 horsepower. Now we'll take a look at the fuel efficiency numbers.

2020 Ford Explorer Fuel Efficiency

One of the big pieces of news for the 2020 Ford Explorer is its improved fuel efficiency. While the hybrid is obviously the most fuel-efficient, the Explorer's other engines also impress with their efficiency.

The 2.3l turbo four-cylinder gets 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway) when equipped with RWD. Opting for AWD only reduces mileage to 23 mpg combined, which is still not only impressive for the class, but for the amount of power and acceleration available in the 2020 Explorer.


Meanwhile, the 3.0l turbocharged V6 gets 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) with AWD. This is better mileage than the Explorer's previous engine, which was larger and less powerful. That's an impressive feat for an engine that's putting out 365 horsepower.

And while official fuel economy numbers have not been released, it's expected that the Hybrid powertrain will make a respectable 28 mpg combined. That would put it on par with other Hybrid competitors, but they can't match the interior space or towing capacity of the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid.

Try the 2020 Ford Explorer in Ames, IA

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer is truly a seminal vehicle. With impressive feature content, a groundbreaking powertrain, and more capability than ever before, the 2020 Explorer is a must-drive for anyone in Ames shopping for a midsize crossover or SUV.

Ford has really nailed it with this new release, and we expect the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer to be a major hit among Ames, IA families. For more information about this or any of our Ford vehicles, or to schedule a test drive, you can contact us above or give us a call. Our friendly staff at Ames Ford will be happy to help you.

Contact

Ames Ford Lincoln

123 Airport Road
Directions Ames, IA 50010

  • Sales: (515) 233-1913
  • Service: (515) 233-1916
  • Parts: (515) 233-1916

Hours

  • Monday 8am-8pm
  • Tuesday 8am-8pm
  • Wednesday 8am-8pm
  • Thursday 8am-8pm
  • Friday 8am-6pm
  • Saturday 8am-5pm
  • Sunday Closed