Try Mobilus Beta
Search tips
 This content is not included in your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.

2020 Ford Explorer: Knockout styling surrounds all-new engineering

  • Magazine Article
  • 19AUTP08_20
Published January 01, 2019 by SAE International in United States
Sector:
Language:
  • English

Already America's all-time best-selling SUV, the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer is cast on an entirely new global rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture and boasts the first Ford application of its new modular hybrid transmission (MHT). The lighter and stronger architecture underpins the broadest Explorer lineup yet, featuring a new hybrid, an ST model, more powerful EcoBoost powertrains, all-10-speed gearboxes and a host of new safety/convenience tech. With new styling that is razor sharp, consumers would have likely flocked to it regardless.

The biggest news for the 2020 Explorer is the new global RWD architecture, with the Explorer being the first application for Ford (Lincoln has already debuted its version with the all-new Aviator). “When you start all-new, the exciting part is you get to work on not only upping the game, but you get to listen to feedback on the prior product, its shortcomings or opportunities,” explained Scott Slimak, the vehicle engineering manager on the new Explorer. “When you're all new, you get to go after all that. You get a chance to wipe the slate clean.”