The Ford Explorer Sport is not available anymore. As its replacement, the Blue Oval is now offering the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer ST. It is a high-performance variant of the redesigned three-row model. ST version comes with numerous changes and upgrades. We must admit, it is the sportiest Ford crossover that we’ve seen so far. After the newest spy shots emerged online, the world had the opportunity to see this astonishing model.
Full details are not available yet, but most of the specs are already familiar. Whatsoever, Explorer ST will be used as the Police Interceptor vehicle in the U.S. This model will offer a hybrid drivetrain and the all-wheel-drive setup. Consumer variant will be offered as a rear-wheel-drive model. Furthermore, we can expect premium design which includes both exterior and interior.
Sporty Exterior Design
Explorer model is on the right path to becoming the Blue Oval’s best-selling vehicle. Giving ST variant to this crossover makes perfect sense. As we mentioned, Explorer Sport is not available anymore. Whatsoever, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is now ready to hit the markets and it looks simply amazing. Ford will offer consumer variant, next to the more premium Police Interceptor version. The new CD6 platform is present and this universal architecture can support three different driving setups.
Explorer will switch from FWD to the RWD configuration. Because of the new platform, Explorer will lose some additional weight. Also, the ST variant looks wider and the hood is longer than before. Aggressive and sporty stance is highlighted by the large wheels. The front end will host premium headlights and the black-mesh grille. In the back, taillights are all-new.
2020 Ford Explorer ST Interior Features
The interior of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST will look extremely modern. Thanks to the new CD6 platform, the ST version will offer more cabin space than the previous Explorer Sport. Headroom is ample but legroom will see a significant boost. There will be room for seven passengers over the three rows of seats. On top of that, Explorer ST is offering a higher seating position than the base model.
List of standard features is quite impressive. Safety rating is also great. The 2020 Explorer ST offers special floor mats, leather seats with contrast stitching and much more premium amenities. A 12.3-inch display is available and gauge cluster is digital. Ford will also introduce systems such as a trailer tow package and Active Park Assist.
Engine Specs and Transmission
Base Explorer model is providing more than enough power thanks to its 3.3-liter V6 engine. However, the “real deal” is a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo unit under the hood of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST. This unit is producing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to this engine, new Explorer ST offers a top speed that is rated at 143 mph. A 10-speed automatic transmission is available as well.
Rear-wheel-drive setup is also standard, while the all-wheel-drive configuration will be optional. Police Interceptor model will introduce a hybrid engine with even more power and the standard AWD system. The consumer model will offer special options such as ST Street or ST Track packages. Both packages are adding stuff such as 21-inch wheels and red brake calipers.
2020 Ford Explorer ST Price and Release Date
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST won’t be affordable. Whatsoever, the ST version will be one of the most expensive trim levels. Knowing that new ST variant won’t start below $50,000.
This three-row crossover SUV will arrive in the second half of 2019. When it comes to competition, Dodge Durango SRT and Grand Cherokee SRT are the closest rivals.