2020 Ford Explorer ST | Finally, a Real Performance SUV from Ford

2020 Ford Explorer ST | Finally, a Real Performance SUV from Ford

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I know that title may be a bit harsh, but if you read our review of the somewhat lackluster 2019 Edge ST you’ll understand its meaning. That version of the Edge was marketed as the first SUV from Ford Performance. Other than the nice styling, that car was a let-down. Ford really needed to do something special to redeem their efforts to produce a true performance SUV. Enter the 2020 Ford Explorer ST.

Check out our video review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrSOoh-D4VU

Let me get this out of the way right up front. I was extremely excited to see that the newest version of the venerable Ford Explorer was returning to a Rear-Wheel-Drive based architecture. In my humble opinion, RWD is simply superior from a driving dynamics standpoint than a FWD design. For the ST model, the Ford Performance engineers took advantage of this drivetrain change and produced what I consider the first real performance SUV from Ford.

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The new Explorer's styling makes it look much wider than the outgoing model. We especially like the headlights.

So how good is the Explorer ST? I wish I could give to a complete answer, but sadly I didn’t get as much time with ExST as I would have liked. However, even with minimal seat time you can instantly tell that the drivetrain is really dialed in. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6, first introduced in the Lincoln Continental, is a very potent little engine. With twin turbos supplying 400HP and 415lb-ft of torque to the excellent 10R80 automatic transmission and AWD system you’re left 4,700 pound family truckster than can make the 0-60 sprint in the low 5.0 second range. Add a little tuning and those power numbers can increase dramatically. We’ve seen sub-4 second 0-60 times and the ¼ mile knocked out in the low 12s. Mix it up with some ethanol blended fuels and you have companies like Livernois Motorsport throwing down over 450HP and 525lbft to the wheels. That’ll get your attention.

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For you guys hoping to see a Coyote under the hood of an Explorer eventually, it looks like it might be a tight squeeze.

Ford Performance also worked over the suspension tuning. They managed to make this heavy truck feel sporty, but not at the expense of ride quality. The AWD system and decent factory tires provide ample grip. In fact, you’ll probably find that the limits are much higher than you would expect from a 3-row SUV. I’d go so far as to say that is the overall theme of the performance aspects of Explorer ST, surpassing your expectations. And that theme extends to the braking system as well, which a can bring all that fast steel to a stop in a respectably short distance.

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The Explorer's suspension is more aluminum intensive than previous models.
Ford has been steadily improving the interiors of their new cars for years, and the new generation of Explorers is no exception. The materials choices are very nice, and the quality is nicer than the previous model. Front and center is a large vertically mounted touch-screen. It acts as the control center for the navigation, entertainment, and climate control systems. The black leather seats are supportive and comfortable, and the heated steering wheel is a welcome addition during a polar vortex. Second row passengers are treated to heated reclining captain’s chairs, and power points to charge your devices can be found throughout the cabin. If you like a sun roof in your ride, Ford has you covered there with a massive panoramic unit. If you haven’t sat in a new Ford lately, check out the new Explorer. I think you’ll like it.

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The interior is much better than earlier Fords. There's still room for improvement, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

As for the styling, this is another area where Ford got it right. The new Explorer has a much larger and refined presence that the old one. The ST adds the expected blacked out wheel and grill, while also carrying on the tradition of minimal chrome accents. It certainly carries the ST styling DNA that we’ve become familiar with in the Focus and now greatly missed Fiesta ST models. The Explorer ST looks properly aggressive without veering into over-the-top territory. This is a vehicle that knows its intended purpose and audience.

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This center mount vertical screen is possibly one of the worst touch screen integrations I've seen in any vehicle. Most of the apps make very poor use of the massive amount of available screen real estate.
And, as in the case of out tester, when you’re spending just north of $59,000 you expect a quality product. Ford again delivers there. The fit and finish of our truck was as good as any I have seen from the Blue Oval. While some new Fords have some features that appear to have been cheapened by the bean counters, the Explorer ST seems to have avoided much of their wraith. You get excellent LED lighting, a quality stereo, super performance, snappy styling, and premium level fit-and-finish. The Explorer engineering and design team should be proud. They’ve put together a new Ex-Truck that should solidify Ford’s place as the leader in the SUV market for years to come. And the team at Ford Performance just added the cherry to the sundae with the ST model. Get out and try one for yourself.

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The full digital cluster is very nice, but the image does lag when changing modes.

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The console controls are logically laid out and have a fairly quality build. I especially like the inductive charging pad behind the drive mode buttons.

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The body and chassis structure make use of large amount of aluminum, such as this rather strong looking extruded brace.

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The 2020 Explorer ST cuts a strong stance from any angle.


-SID297
 
Good question, Kaz. From what I've read and heard, it's simply Ford's attempt to keep the chromed exhaust tips looking clean. I guess it's too much to expect that owners will periodically clean the lip. :rolleyes:
 
Test drove one a couple weeks back and loved it - will definitely be replacing my '14 Sport soon. The new chassis and suspension is so much better, and the 2.7/3.0 ecoboost engine(s) are beasts. Sure the touch screen is a bit goofy, but once you play with it and realize how much easier it is to use (and see), it's not a big deal. The exhaust tips are also designed the way they are for a good reason, but for the complainers, Borla can fill those needs. Will also be nice when Ford Performance comes out with a ProCal for it, especially if there are no warranty issues.

Just to compare, priced out a Durango SRT will similar options, and it's $10-$15K more - easily. No thanks. With some of the deals that will coming soon, it will be a cinch to get one of these below $50K with the Tech and Street packs (must-have's for sure). It's definitely a great bang-for-the-buck. Not even remotely close to being a Millenial, but will be glad to have one of these in my driveway soon.

As a bonus, this will be a fun perk to take advantage of: ST SUV Experience – Ford Performance Racing School
 
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The 2020 Explorer ST is an extremely promising platform! With limited time on the dyno we actually managed to squeeze over 400 WHP out of one using an E30 fuel mixture. We hope to get our hands on another soon, so that we can continue to research and develop some performance parts. Check out the video in the link to see what we can do for your 2020 Explorer ST!

 
The 2020 Explorer ST is an extremely promising platform! With limited time on the dyno we actually managed to squeeze over 400 WHP out of one using an E30 fuel mixture. We hope to get our hands on another soon, so that we can continue to research and develop some performance parts. Check out the video in the link to see what we can do for your 2020 Explorer ST!


Not bad for a 3.0.
 
What are your new plans for the Edge ST?

We don't have any major plans in motion for the 2019+ Edge ST, just yet. As of now, our only offering for the Edge ST is our multitude of tuning options. Below is the dyno from the original tune we developed using 93 Octane. We do hope to develop something in the near future, but don't have a timeline because we don't have an Edge ST readily available for R&D.


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We don't have any major plans in motion for the 2019+ Edge ST, just yet. As of now, our only offering for the Edge ST is our multitude of tuning options. Below is the dyno from the original tune we developed using 93 Octane. We do hope to develop something in the near future, but don't have a timeline because we don't have an Edge ST readily available for R&D.


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Does the ST seem a bit more detuned than the old Edge Sport?
 
Does the ST seem a bit more detuned than the old Edge Sport?

Not necessarily, in fact we noticed the opposite.
The Edge Sport with just a 93 octane tune had gains in the neighborhood of over 100whp, which is insane for a tune! When it comes to "bang for the buck" the Edge Sport remains undefeated.
 
Not necessarily, in fact we noticed the opposite.
The Edge Sport with just a 93 octane tune had gains in the neighborhood of over 100whp, which is insane for a tune! When it comes to "bang for the buck" the Edge Sport remains undefeated.

I think I worded that improperly. What I was trying to ask is does the ST have less potential than the Sport? And if so, what is holding it back?
 
Not necessarily, in fact we noticed the opposite.
The Edge Sport with just a 93 octane tune had gains in the neighborhood of over 100whp, which is insane for a tune! When it comes to "bang for the buck" the Edge Sport remains undefeated.
100+whp gain with the 93 octane tune? With your Livernois tuner? I had a Livernois tuner and with the 93 octane tune that is almost double what you advertised for my '16 Edge Sport. Is there a radically new tune for the Sport?
 
100+whp gain with the 93 octane tune? With your Livernois tuner? I had a Livernois tuner and with the 93 octane tune that is almost double what you advertised for my '16 Edge Sport. Is there a radically new tune for the Sport?

There is a good chance that you may be running an older tune, as these gains were achieved through revision. Do you have your device serial number handy?

Below is the Dyno Graph from the 93 octane tune on a 2017 Edge Sport.





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I no longer have my '16 Edge Sport. I sold the tuner last summer. Hopefully the new owner will check with you folks for revisions. You don't notify owners of the Livernois Tuner about tune revisions? If not, you should IMO, because a horsepower gain of that amount with a revision would be big news to a Tuner owner. I, personally, would have jumped on a revision of that magnitude.
 
The 2020 Explorer ST is an extremely promising platform! With limited time on the dyno we actually managed to squeeze over 400 WHP out of one using an E30 fuel mixture. We hope to get our hands on another soon, so that we can continue to research and develop some performance parts. Check out the video in the link to see what we can do for your 2020 Explorer ST!


Just picked up one for the wife last week.

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Absolutely love it. What types of gains are you seeing on 93 pump?

Any other mods currently available?


EDIT: I seen the gains on the vid. Very nice. Interested in a mild set up with Intake, Tune, exhaust.
 
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