2020 Ford Explorer 10.1-inch Infotainment Review

[@gianfrancoa]

Ford design team: we finished the eplorer design for the new dashboard. Director: where is the infotainment system? Ford design team: oh oh.. we can quickly fix it adding a vertical tablet the in the midlle.

[@flakeu]

If you are going to slap a tablet right in the middle of the dash, at least make sure it doesn't have thicker bezels than the first gen iPad from 2010

[@brandikent8104]

WTH!!!😂 , that is the craziest looking thing I have seen in awhile. Someone just stuck a tablet up there last minute.

[@andysmith6824]

Brandi Kent It looks worse in-person. That’s why I said NO WAY to the Platinum version of the Explorer and instead went with the Limited. It is so much nicer looking and accomplishes the same thing!

[@tambulee]

This is just fugly imo 😐. Someone totally forgot to add the infotainment system in this new design and they decided to slap a tablet on for a quick fix.

[@tambulee]

@Brian Waller true dat

[@spike4u2u]

That’s just a tablet shoved in. 😮 Looks very tacky imo.

[@BoopSnoot]

I would actually love if they partnered with Samsung or Apple and actually used a real dockable 4G tablet shoved in there. Tablet OS's are far more familiar to people, have a much larger ecosystem, far greater performance, and excellent quality displays.

[@christopherstreet2214]

Exactly no design effort at all

[@perpelle]

And the tesla doesn't?

[@darrengriffith9680]

It looks like shit. At least Tesla and others integrated into the dashboard.

[@nix4644]

@@darrengriffith9680 Not the Tesla Model 3, looks like an afterthought, as does this one. Not a fan.

[@theMLBfan]

For a portrait screen display, how did Subaru manage to get it right but Ford couldn't? 🤦‍♂️

[@letsgoOs1002]

Well that is super ugly looking, since not integrated well, and a massive bezzle

[@tyman3331]

And it looks tiny compared to Tesla’s screen

[@Wells306]

Ford interior designers: "Oh crap, we forgot to include infotainment." Ford executives: "We need your final design tomorrow." Ford interior designers: "No problem." Ford executives: "Genius! Here's a pay raise!"

[@ktpinnacle]

Hey Ford - call your old buddies at Volvo and ask them how to design an interior with a vertical entertainment system.

[@NukePooch1]

Hey Ford - call your old buddies at Volvo and ask them how to design an interior. FIFY.

[@ktpinnacle]

Works for me . . . .

[@kyrosmike]

Yea I'd totally get the lower trim level just to not see that shit sticking out so badly

[@R.London]

WTF was Ford thinking??? That's horrible.

[@dragoonTT]

Ram and Tesla do it better.

[@bradybisgard]

Garrett lol literally everyone did it better

[@TheTritan408]

Last minute design and its ugly.

[@Origen17]

A bad trend - the last thing we need are more screens these days. This is way too bright - I hope there is a "dark mode". Plus, the giant iPad in the middle of a dashboard is a bad trend as well. It's much better to integrate the screen into a horizontal design. Tactile one-function knobs are far preferable as well. Having to take your eyes off the road to navigate an iPad just to do this or that... not a good idea.

[@ajanicunningham9617]

If you had a button or knob for everything you needed in the cabin of a vehicle, there would be nothing but knobs and switches. You say we don't need screens but in reality we do. As we move forward in technology, screens are becoming a necessity. I agree that this screen looks horrible and as if it were an afterthought, but think about if it weren't there. Would you not be complaining that there is no screen? You also say buttons and knobs are preferable. Personally, I disagree. I love technology and screens, but we are just two of 7-point-whatever people there are. Big brands like this have to take notice of that. Obviously, the design is going to offend a good amount of people, but what of everyone else? What about the people who actually like this design?

[@ajanicunningham9617]

@guy proulx You say that model was in 2003, correct? Well, look at today's Tundra, and see how many more options there are. Also look at more models from 2003 and their counterparts from today. With our advancements in technology, these "TV"'s are becoming more necessary. Using a desirable vehicle from today as an example, try to fit all of the things the screen has as physical buttons. The vehicle would be so cluttered and confusing, it would no longer be desirable. Companies also have to look past the minority, which is, and I mean ABSOLUTELY no disrespect when I say this, what your viewpoint is. Those who prefer these "TV"'s in their vehicles outweigh those who don't.

[@ajanicunningham9617]

@guy proulx Alright, what is it you require in a car?

[@ajanicunningham9617]

@guy proulx That may be fine for you, but I need: apple car play, android auto, seats that can move in so many ways anybody would be comfortable, good speakers, an internet connection, multiple drive modes, a calendar, a note taker, a phone, and that's only scratching the surface

[@ajanicunningham9617]

I asked you that because we have conflicting viewpoints, and maybe even conflicting styles, but as I say, we are just two people. There are billions more that have cars. Some people prefer screens and some people don't care for them. Other's just don't care.

[@markjordan5303]

Just to add some helpful information regarding this new screen orientation, which of course is a massive departure from the conventional horizontal mounted unit. My advice....give it a chance. I originally formed the opinion that this concept was totally flawed, and somewhat redundant....until I drove one on a test drive, and kept an open mind about this new design. I admit, I went in thinking "no way" I would ever have this monstrosity in any of my car's.....then I bought it. Why? 1. I was so used to horizontal infotainment systems, and seeing this was initially a silly idea...till I drove it, and spent time learning what it could do. 2. Especially functional over a horizontal screen is the Navigation. The map presents with a more realistic view of where you are going, being vertically positioned allows a much improved far view of the direction you are heading in. THAT is a massive plus! 3. I thought that the screen would stick up and obstruct the view...nope, although it is tall, seated in the drivers seat, the bottom of the dash and windshield is still visable. The photos of the setup don't really show this, instead they indicate that the screen takes over the dashboard....well, it really doesn't at all. 4. Overall, the menu layouts are much easier to navigate, much like your phone. Notice that when you turn your cell phone sideways, it gets hard to manage and navigate the menu's? This concept is very much the same with the vertical screen...in other words, it becomes so easy to navigate the menu when the screen is positioned like this. Who wouldda thunk? All in all, I admit I was one of the naysayers when first seeing this vertically mounted monstrosity thrown in the middle of the dash like some casual afterthought, but even after a 30 minute test drive, my opinion changed, and I really began to like it....a lot. This is one of the reasons we bought the car...and have been enjoying this screen, and the tech that goes with it. My advice, you should not write it off as silly until you get in and try it. You might be surprised!!!!!

[@mountainhobo]

Vertical, and half the screen plays no purpose? Brilliant. Has one of those teenage girls posting videos in vertical on KZbin taken over Ford's interior design?

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

That tablet on the dash looks utterly ridiculous....

[@BoopSnoot]

Is it just me or are these larger displays incredibly low resolution still? We've had high resolution Samsung tablets with awesome OLED screens for ages now, same with iPads, so why can't we get something decent for cars?

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

I noticed something similar with the 12 inch screen on the Ram 1500.

[@dickyknees3877]

I.d like to see what its like at night time. Is that screen blinding for the driver.

[@Nestle245]

This huge afterthought tablet doesn't blend in with the car. It runs the interior. The Tesla Model S and X screen blends in with the interior layout, and the Dodge Ram tablet ain't this bad.

[@shawneyboy321]

A widescreen layout would have looked 1000x better in everyone's opinion. Tesla owns the vertical display niche and if you can't compete with that don't throw something out that's as half baked as this.

[@mountainhobo]

"A widescreen layout would have looked 1000x better in everyone's opinion" -- Of course. I suspect whoever does interior design for Ford is one of those people posting videos in vertical on KZbin. They haven't figured it out yet. Give Ford another 10 years, someone will notice the TV screen is horizontal for a reason.

[@MurphyTheBandChild]

I really like the look of the huge, tablet-sized infotainment screens that you find in the Ram, Tesla, etc., and I hope that more cars start integrating the radio/climate controls into one big screen. However, this looks like a complete afterthought; as if the designers finished the interior, realized they forgot a radio, ran to Jim in accounting's desk, stole his iPad, and then just glued it in between the air vents. Ford might want to reconsider whether they want to employ designers who actually think that this looks good.

[@tedmacfarlane9977]

Does it adjust if you want it side ways or are they all locked in either landscape or portrait

[@asamyers4572]

That white light is bright. I hope there is a darker mode.

[@djsydney]

Wow is Ford serious?????? 🧐😅

[@pontiacGXPfan]

And people brag that Ford didn't take the bailout money why?!

[@donkie9753]

I think I'm the only one who actually likes this screen

[@Meela234]

Wow, I can't believe they just chucked a whole tablet into the middle of the dashboard like that.

[@jasonsmith1143]

do I buy the Explorer or the 10 inch touchscreen

[@tambulee]

Hilarious 😂😂😂

[@gene978]

You get BOTH for $60K!! No Joke I configured a Platinum version with white paint a $567 added cost option and roof rack and cargo mats and $64500!

[@theMLBfan]

Absolutely hideous! Ford, what were you thinking?!?

[@suttonssuperstars7679]

Seriously, this portrait oriented screen is an 100% deal breaker.... how did this make it to production and past a focus group....

[@66skate]

So many others have this. Nice to see Ford has it now. Looks to be a lot easier to use without being too distracting.

[@robjk]

How do you adjust the volume? Why do an infotainment review if you don't include the most frequently used control?

[@TofaelTohin]

Adjust it from the steering wheel.

[@66skate]

See that rather large knob marked volume? Give that a try.

[@ChickenFriedCorgi]

alex, is there a dark mode for that? Honestly I'd probably like it on that permanently instead of this sauna heat lamp white mode lol.

[@davidgiles9751]

Nice review Alex, but it looks like Ford just glued an earlier gen iPad on the dash. I mean really, there's zero attempt to properly integrate it into the dash. However, Ford isn't the only manufacturer that does this - just the first (that I know of) to do it vertically.

[@belowme4927]

THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE IT A REMOVABLE TABLET

[@borregoimages8117]

I'm not against the appearance of this infotainment center. I've seen worse like on Mazda's. But, when the back up and forward facing camera are engaged is when things look silly. That lower half being vacant the way it is just tacky. Otherwise, it looks fairly intuitive and responsive.

[@wainewizanthony7420]

Tacky tacky tablet. THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE! It looks extremely stupid and won't make the following model year.

[@Nestle245]

Looks like these manufacturers are getting lazier. They just go into their local phone store take one of their tablets and just stick it in the center console.

[@harisqureshi7469]

this looks like straight garbage. disapprove they just gave up on elegant interior designs this is just straight garbage.

[@heidiwilks5316]

Ugh. You'd think they could figure out a semi-elegant way to integrate this into the dash, instead they just tack in on as a seeming afterthought.

[@Jaymac720]

I really hate portrait mounted infotainment screens, especially when it’s tacked on like this instead of integrated like in a Volvo or Ram. It’s bad form and looks really half assed

[@jo0123]

I like integrated screens, to me sticking a screen is just lazy.

[@ajanicunningham9617]

When are you going to do a full review on the car as a whole?

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

He did.

[@chico1014]

Not a premium look,similar to a very cheap Chinese tablet and really looks tacked on,come on Ford can't you do better than that

[@BTC909]

Washed out boring graphics & that screen is going to constantly grab your peripheral vision. The camera and/or screen resolution looked low as well.

[@nickster102559]

Why vertical? 🤔

[@bnkwupt]

Fits between the air conditioning vents. 😉

[@drumboy256]

+1 for Skamania lodge! 😎

[@BoopSnoot]

If I see one more "just finished spraying down in F11, F11 is no joke" youtube ad, I'm deleting youtube from my bookmarks.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@rmejc I wish you were right, seen the ad probably 30 times now, its like the only ad I get.

[@alliejr]

Pay for premium YT to remove the ads. Otherwise, you get what you pay for.

[@demoncleaner80]

It looks like someone tried to fit a dam monitor on a dash. That's ugly as hell.

[@NOFATCHICK1]

The Kia telluride & Hyundai Palisades have a much nicer screen integration & are going to be the far better value no doubt, however the RWD platform is a nice touch.

[@bradleycross5987]

Any yellow border discoloring?

[@indie2311]

Ford sales rep: Now take a look at that infotainment screen great huh!? Me: Hey somebody left an iPad in here.. oh wait. Sales manager*comes outside*: Hey there how do ya like that screen!? Me: I don't.

[@bnkwupt]

Terrible implementation, Ford.

[@aolyjoly1987]

The most stupid interior design ever...

[@Slim1986]

The screen looks stupid sitting up there, and it looks out of place

[@final_mile_music9713]

I bought one......for the upgraded sound system. Figured I’d get used to the screen. I’ll be too busy using my 400hp to care.

[@tosting]

how are you liking the new ride?

[@final_mile_music9713]

You might be expecting me to say this, but it’s fantastic. Really. I looked at Land Rovers, Jaguars, Alfa’s, Audi and BMW and chose this. The fact that I chose it over a premium brand says a lot. I’ve always had a thing for fast Fords and this vehicle is wonderful. Best way to describe it is that it drives like a GT. Lots of power. Not for screaming around in, more a super-relaxing, surging experience. It blasts through the mid range, sounds great, is amazingly flat in the curves and just firm enough without losing comfort and compliance over rough surfaces. I put the tablet in dark mode and it disappears. It actually integrates fine and looks much better in the flesh.

[@jujitsuboy730]

This is for 2020? 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@andrewkennedy9704]

Yes

[@floriangeamanu8359]

For will instal the new synk4a on this car?

[@uscruiser]

What happens to good looking interieurs? Those smarthpone-tablet designed interieurs of todays cars are so ugly!

[@tiredtill2010]

Oh my, i never thought i would say this but that screen is TOO BIG for the car and dash.... 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@TMS5100]

absolutely ugly. who at ford thought this was a good idea?

[@thelongdefeat8674]

Had a customer ask if it's possible to have apple play go full screen on this especially in Waze ... Etc etc.. figured it was how Ford programed it for simplicity and utilize split view

[@rockford2523]

I don’t like it. It looks like an iPad stuck on your dashboard. I guess I’m old. I would rather have the infotainment system integrated in the dashboard. IMHO, Ford needs to offer a regular infotainment system for us older folks that may purchase their vehicles.

[@TopherDPT]

Needing to know is it Android Auto capable? It is Apple Carplay capable right?

[@dvc1867]

It is

[@joa8593]

What do you think of Mazda's study that touch screens cause unintentional torque on the steering wheel and aren't safe?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I think it’s possible, however I’d take a litre of that for an easier to navigate system

[@josephchavez6342]

Does it play mp4?

[@rwfowler100]

Is a tablet stuck on with a magnet? Weird.

[@RichardGarrison]

This infotainment system is terrible. Hopefully software updates will fix it. The auto companies need to smarten up and create new standards - switch all wiring to USB type c and speaker connections to something like banana plugs. Head units need to just become simple displays connected to a separate amplifier and separate computer ( which could be roughly cell phone sized, with ARM processor, LTE, and software to run it all - connecting to the amp/dac by USB C and the multitouch capacitive display by USB C. Then add at least one more USB C for connecting external devices (like a cell pH he or gaming device). People could then pay a few hundred bucks to upgrade to the latest processor and software whenever it becomes available and just swap out the hardware. No one buys a new car just to get a better stereo but in a 10+ year lifespan of a vehicle you can bet many people would pay to upgrade it a few times if it was easy and relatively cheap.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

This is going to have to be fixed by Doug Bernads from Soundman. They should have just gave him the design job. 🤦‍♂️ the vertical 8 inch screen on the lower end Explorers look better.

[@Agent77X]

Need to have a 4” info screen like that the base Mustang!

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

WTF this thing looks like it's gunna boot from Windows 95 Paint lol

[@AlaskaErik]

That leaves GM to up their game now. Starting with the 1500 series pickups. But totally integrated into the center stack, like the Ram 1500.

[@monza9916]

What the hell were they thinking that tablet looks ridiculous!

[@ivandoneshefsky4762]

Looks great, if you’re blind!

[@senduran35]

Not Appealing

[@RagnarBlox]

Does it retract, if not that has, "hey steal me" written all over it. Now imagine that sitting in the hot summer sun just cooking along with your dashboard. I get the portrait mode for navigating but as others have said why the giant bezels wasting a good inch of the screen in every direction? But with that much screen space, landscape with an integrated dash covering it would have been so much better looking. It really does look like someone at Ford said, "Hey let's put a 2010 tablet right in the middle of the dash, oh and let's put it in the wrong direction as well, BRILLIANT!"

[@kencoleman8929]

The tablet and placement is poorly designed and the interface is worse.

[@tinhinnh]

its going to be a thieve magnet as they think the owner forgot their ipad

[@rmknicks]

Wow. That is one thick-ass bezel!

[@66skate]

Probably pretty durable.

[@tarassu]

Absolute crappy "high end" screen with LCD screen edges from 2004

[@swanblake]

Why is Ford so awful with interiors? This is terrible and cheap. Huge plastic bezel surround. Tesla and Ram have done this so much better. Interface looks horrid as well. 360 degree takes up two inches of the screen hahaha

[@Teejco_1228]

I wish it was more integrated and flush with the panel. It’s not the layout or design. It’s just how it’s just put there

[@bbokdoong]

Graphic in the infotainment system looks like it was designed in 90s....lol...

[@John101B]

Ugliness I can forgive if the larger screen returns more usability improvements. So much white space with nothing rendered on them. Perhaps they will improve them over time.

[@edb.8388]

Thanks Alex - just seems to be poor execution - the design isn't coherent and looks clunky against the dash.

[@piresl1]

Copy the infotainment system on the Chevy Traverse for Christ's sake!

[@fidelbanuelos9601]

It'd be nice if they angled it towards the driver.

[@danzfamily]

Not a very polished interface...lots of wasted white space, does not take advantage of the screen real estate very well.

[@UknowWhoWeR]

Android tablet???

[@BrogeKilrain]

all we need or want is a phone/pad dock with an amp and speakers. Auto co GPS most are lousy as the other functions anyway

[@DesuVR]

They straight-up stuck a tablet to the dash... *facepalm*

[@piresl1]

I'll wait for the 2021 model when Ford gets rid of the tablet. Smh

[@qcheroback]

Yeah it’s not integrated well with the dash... But at least it’s better than the old sync 3

[@RubenKelevra]

It looks so clumsy if you're used to Apple iOS, Android or Tesla UIs 😅

[@Reu_ag]

This stuck on tablet really looks ugly, ugh what we're they thinking!

[@flamingguy21]

It looks dead similar to my Surface Go standing vertically. And at 10.1 inches, it’s not far off size wise.

[@Caldwell1234]

That infotainment screen sticking up in that orientation looks horribly out of place .The smaller screen on the lower trims looks much better in my humble opinion.

[@rl_31123]

funny how everyone is copying Tesla but doing a horrible job, there can only be one leader. #TESLA

[@darkd75]

This is such a lazy design. Just slap a laptop screen in the dash board just like a Tesla. How tacky...

[@georgezhou1415]

Ugly and not practical. It’s basically just two sceeens.

[@chris8sirhc]

The apple car play integration looks sad just sad. Smh