2020 Ford Explorer ST

Spending some quality time behind the wheel of the 2020 Ford Explorer ST in Portland, Oregon, here is a closer look at the model here via a live photo gallery. (Click on the photo at right to view gallery)

The Explorer is all-new for the 2020-model year, meaning that it has been overhauled (re-designed and re-engineered) from the ground up. It now rides on Ford’s rear-wheel drive CD6 platform and is offered in a variety of trim levels, the most notable of which is an all-new hybrid model and the first-ever high performance Explorer ST. Let’s take a closer at the ST, since it looks completely different than the rest of the 2020 Ford Explorer lineup.

Pictured here in Atlas Blue, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST sets itself apart thanks to a blacked-out theme. Up front, the performance crossover features blacked-out 21-inch wheels, a black grille, red ST badging, and a black EXPLORER nameplate.

The ST also blacks out any chrome or shiny bits on the front and rear fascias as well as on the side rocker panels. When equipped with the optional ST Street Pack, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST gets a set of upgraded brakes complete with a set of red brake calipers.

Out back, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST has a distinctive appearance. It all starts with the section above the license plate cutout with the EXPLORER lettering, which is black. Then, the LED tailight side sections also house a darkened tint which aren’t seen on other Explorer models. There’s also a blacked-out lower fascia and a distinctive quad exhaust system.

From a mechanical standpoint, the 2020 Ford Explorer ST features various performance upgrades to make it drive substantially different than other trims levels within the lineup, including:

• High-output twin-turbo 3.0L V6 EcoBoost engine making 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque

• Stiffer springs

• Vented brake rotors with larger calipers (available with ST Track Pack only)

• Re-calibrated transmission tuning with larger cooling fan

• Larger sway bars front and rear

• A set of 275/45/21 Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tires (available with ST Track Pack only)

Towing capacity for the 2020 Ford Explorer ST is rated at 5,600 pounds. The vehicle comes standard with Ford’s Class III Trailer Tow Package, which is a $710 dollar option on other 2020 Ford Explorer models. All Ford Explorers come standard with Ford’s Trailer Sway Control technology.

Inside, the 2020 Ford Explorer replaces the wood trim with carbon fiber accents on the dashboard. Before you ask, the carbon fiber isn’t real. Seats are also replaced by leather-appointed ST performance buckets.

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST comes standard with the latest generation of the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system, presented via a 10.1-inch vertical tablet-style screen. By comparison, base-model Explorers come with a 8.1-inch screen.

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST starts at $55,835 before freight and destination. The aforementioned ST Street Pack is also extra, and includes a set of upgraded brakes.