2020 Ford Explorer 2.3L Review | Base Engine Perfection

Ford's base engine in the 2020 Explorer is something of a surprise. With 300 horsepower and the only 10-speed automatic in the segment, the 2.3L Ecoboost Explorer is seriously quick. With solid 0-60 times, a new rear wheel drive chassis and some of the widest tires you'll find on a modern crossover, this is the first time the Explorer can be described as a corner carver. But Ford didn't stop there, there's also a towing capable hybrid model, a fire-breathing ST model and in Europe a plug in hybrid as well. If you've ignored the Explorer in the past, it's time to put it back on your shopping list.
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[@DelWinston]

Love the new Explorer. Gorgeous design, a powerful and efficient 4 cylinder turbo, and enough power to actually enjoy the ride. Great review Alex.

[@James-il3tq]

Watch Savagegeese review to see all the faults on this Explorer. Interior looks cheap, too much plastic, very poor fit and finish and infotainment looks like an afterthought how it's slapped on the dash. Big issues with transmission in this Explorer which is unfortunate as the 10 speed in other Ford's has been good.

[@jtomtl]

James the XLT doesn’t have the big ugly screen, cheap plastic? Humm it’s a ford, made in USA, what do u expect? BMW?

[@larrywilson7933]

James If you don’t like it, don’t buy one.

[@bobbywright6062]

I had a martini w alex tonight. He wanted to make sure I told you that he thanks you for ur comment

[@lovepeace1552]

@@larrywilson7933 there’s always that one guy. Always have something to say when he’s not gonna buy it

[@robertreynolds1167]

I’ve been a big fan of the Explorer since 2002. Just bought a 17’ with the 2.3L eco engine. Love the car. Much better than any Jeep I’ve driven. By far. Comfortable, reliable and pretty damn quick when you need it. Styling wise it’s near the top too. I’m hooked.

[@narebman]

Reading about it I thought this exploder was going to be a swing and a miss but this review really changed my mind. 6.4 to 60 in a turbo 4!? That’s impressive

[@wrf1212]

Alex...far and away you do the best reviews. You cover all the bases and deliver them without bias. Thanks

[@anantdabholkar685]

Alex, you really knocked the ball out of the park with this review. A SUV that most people will buy and a honest one without biases. Explorer really hit this one out of the park! Now if I could get an iron-clad warranty for 5 years and good reports for reliability, I'm getting a Limited. I test drove one and agree with your comments.

[@NBarbie22]

As always Alex completely breaks it down! Thanks Alex!

[@Hugo_Overthere]

This is high praise, especially coming from you, Alex. I MUCH prefer the handling, forward front wheels, and power distribution of RWD, and this confirms why. Thanks for another excellent review.

[@machfive916]

Great video. Kudos to Ford for returning to the rear wheel drive platform.

[@BoopSnoot]

Excellent powertrain overall, with much less complexity and ease of maintenance than the V6 ecoboost. IMO the 2.3/10spd is more than enough power for something that isn't a sports car and isn't THAT heavy.

[@JTR253]

Isn't that heavy? Are you high? I have driven the older version of this ecocrap engine and neither the power nor the fuel economy was there. I was stuck at 15-16 mph in city which is well below the ratings. I couldn't wait to get back to my Subaru and that is a dog as well.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@JTR253 Subaru Outback with the 3.6? The 10 speed is a fantastic transmission in the ford, and 2.3L a reliable engine with a strong midrange and low lag.

[@JTR253]

DumbDuck44 No a non-Turbo Forester. The 10 speed already has had recalls in the F150 so I’ll stay away from this generation.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@JTR253 LOL, you're full of poop then. You've never owned an Explorer. You sound like the stereotypical Subaru owner that is mad that everyone mocks his powertrain online, as they really are the worst. And this is coming from a Dodge/Merceds guy that owns no Fords.

[@ojongmcmoli1138]

I have always been a fan of the Ford Explorer. Alex is knowledgeable 👌

[@jimdreyer1]

Alex, excellent review, as always! You are the best!

[@boblina6792]

I just bought the 2020 Ford explorer limited trim! And I love it! Thank you for your review! We agree with everything you said about the handling, it's a great vehicle

[@nateisright]

Alex, your reviews are thorough and complete. You will have 3 million subscribers!

[@karlp8484]

Astonishingly good. I'm really surprised, especially getting 300 BHP out of only 2.3l and good economy too.

[@M4B21S88]

Karl P i mean, its been on the 2.3 Ecoboost mustang since 2015.....

[@James-il3tq]

300hp put of 2.3L = short life span pushing that engine with that turbo.

[@Adam_Sauce]

@@James-il3tq in theory sure, however the main reason this is not the case is due to how the torque management work in these engines. The boost turbo 90% isn’t even being used , the turbo spend the majority of its lifespan in vacuum sequence; which would live at the same if not close to the life of the engine. The 2.3 engine, despite the 4 cylinder still has large components for a small engine and can outlast or be on the same life trend of any non turbo engines. Additionally these engines are just overall extremely efficient from torque management to oil changes and components wear and tear. Ford wants this engine to be an iconic engineering for the last era of gasoline engines, and they are doing hell of a job on keeping that goal

[@rkgsd]

Think about it. Squeezing that much hp means lots of pressure on the engine. A normal 2 3L non-turbo produces around 200hp max. The turbo has to work its ass off to make that extra 100hp.

[@tombrennan6312]

@@rkgsd There's no secret how to make engines hold up to high pressures. Note too that these 2.3 turbo Explorers are turning less RPMs at highway speeds than the old normally aspirated 3.5 six used in the previous generation Explorer.

[@dvsdawl]

Thank you for talking about car seats and easily accessible third rows! So many young men do reviews and never mention the important stuff lol

[@rabayl01]

Great job Alex!! Thanks for getting this out.

[@fordfiveohh]

You seem like a bright dude and you make some unique points that are important that I wouldn't have thought of.

[@resharddurdley6987]

Just ordered a 22 explorer Timberline with the 2.3 ecoboost and torsen rear limited slip. Can't wait!

[@pliccut]

Great video. Very comprehensive, professionally done and I liked how you explained the shifting and why it feels the way it does. A good engine and very good handling is important to me.

[@melissasienna1356]

Great review. I wouldn’t have considered the Explorer in my search but am adding it to my wishlist now! Would like to see comparisons with Telluride, Palisade and possibly Highlander. Loving this channel!

[@vindra11]

EXCELLENT review! Probably the best I've ever seen!

[@BossBoos697]

I love the fact that this channel has been pumping out videos left and right. I know these are recorded before hand but that editor is editing videos like nothing XD.

[@dennisstafford7801]

Very complete and thorough review, nice work! Seems like Ford is the most innovative of the legacy companies

[@rickbeyers]

Canada here....Love the 4 wheel drive systems.

[@tome709]

Awesome video. You are the best reviewer on youtube. Keep it up!!!

[@2008guelo]

I love your videos Alex u are the best! I can’t wait 4 the ST video..

[@karlp8484]

Yes, Alex really is the best. And his Q&A live shows are awesome, he has literally responded to all of my questions, something I have never experienced on any other channel.

[@tactickleshtooper1753]

Alex on Autos >>> excellent vehicle and a very professional video presentation; thank you Alex! ... you have no equal ;-)

[@abe2571]

Lol....bench seats are now an upgrade option. Rear wheel drive is back. Thank goodness. Great review.

[@tactickleshtooper1753]

Things long out of style are making their way back, the world is turning upside down ;-) Be prepared for the bell bottoms comeback! ;-)))

[@elementarytechie6449]

@Benjamin Burkhardt ye

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

The last explorer was front wheel drive?!?! I like to think im pretty knowledgeable when it comes to cars, this is one of those mindblowing moments.

[@cheribrinson4237]

Just brought home the new 2020 Explorer. Thank you Alex, this video made the decision a lot easier. You are spot on. I love my Explorer.

[@housemusic1075]

Any regrets with ownership or are you enjoying it still?

[@cheribrinson4237]

@@housemusic1075 Ford bought it back through the Lemon Law. It was in the shop more than my driveway. Horrible experience in every way.

[@teamsour8640]

I bought the base model 2 weeks ago passenger seat belt broke on 2nd day so far that’s all that’s broken

[@housemusic1075]

Jay Jay sounds like a piece of junk. I’ve decided I’m buying the 2021 Kia Sorento!

[@cheribrinson4237]

@@housemusic1075 Yes, junk for sure. I love the Sorento, wish you the best.

[@jeskerjames2938]

The new generation of Ford products introduced in the last couple of years are looking really promising. I like the direction Ford is headed.

[@cochiloco7974]

Idk about the 2023 looks like a minivan

[@kimchianthony]

You're the ONLY reviewer who mention cabin noise by dB. THANK YOU!!!! everyone else's description of "quiet" or "pretty quiet" or "low road noise" means NOTHING! SO GLAD you have object data. Having stated that...i can't seem to catch the decibel for this model's review. Did you do one?

[@LlyleHunter]

It’s amazing to me that in 1982 when ford brought the Mustang GT back its 302 Boss V8 produced 157hp and 240 pounds of torque.

[@robertrix6720]

You mean 175 hp. The 83 GT produced in 82 had a FoMoCo licence built Holley 4 barrel (Carter?), 3/4 racing cam and TRX rims with Michelin tires. Mine was from the first batch, and was built with the old 4 speed top loader. 83 1/2 had the 5 speed.

[@DRII-yv1yt]

Excellent review and an excellent vehicle!Ford really went all out on the new Explorer's platform and chassis! Its great that it will serve as the basis for many other Ford and Lincoln vehicles!

[@dustinmorris13]

The last generation was so much better! This video is epic as always ☺

[@midlifemom5829]

Thank u for the car comparison tables! So very helpful!

[@hongshi8251]

Great review. I wish you great success as you work very hard.

[@Claven204]

As always, great video Alex! Extremely informative and I appreciate how consistent all of your reviews are. I would like to get your opinion on one thing though. What are your thoughts on overall build quality of the Explorer? Not just in terms of materials used, but how well you think it will hold up after a few years of driving. I currently have a 2016 Acura MDX, and after 20,000 miles, it still feels as solid and tight as it did when it was new. Do you think a Ford product would hold up as well?

[@johnnythemoparartguy8471]

Cant wait to see that interceptor utility on the streets dominating

[@Day7Reset]

That 3.0L Turbo and RWD!!! It’s a crime the rear end looks so cheap as that’s what most people will see lol. The rest looks great. Thanks for the review Alex.

[@EricBadong]

Lovin' the resolution of this video.

[@James-rd9mo]

Absolutely! Just need 60p frame rate 🙏

[@thunsothea5920]

@@James-rd9mo Hi How much ?

[@davidjohnson3166]

Alex, your reviews are so very far ahead of everyone else’s reviews......, (OK, your buddy’s Redline reviews are great.....if you’re wild about his “lead foot Louie” stuff). I meant to say something after the Palisade review but was just too excited to see how ford was going to valiantly try to beat the South Koreans. Again, you’re the very best! Dave in Phoenix Arizona USA.

[@carldeithloff9412]

Like all crossover/suv shoppers, it really depends on the mission that you are expecting your vehicle to accomplish. There is a flavor for all out there on the market.

[@geovannivarela6932]

As always Alex you are the best and my favorite on KZbin man. You helped me choose my last vehicle so that alone speaks volumes. I’m currently shopping for my next car and wanted to ask would you prefer the new KIA Telluride or the New Ford Explorer. Both at the top tier fully loaded versions. Which would you prefer. Yes I’d like to have fun driving, but I’d prefer a more elegant interior ambiance and a more practical three row crossover. So I hope you consider stacking these two against one another. Thanks again bud. Take care.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This will be my vehicle!! Nice review Alex.

[@kjincanada]

Love Alex's video. Lots of info. Thanks.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I'm happy Ford really improved so much of it over the 5th Gen, I just wish they brought the opening rear hatch window back. I hate how that's no longer a thing on most crossovers these days.

[@makatron]

Like the 4runner that rolls down.

[@jaffarbaqi]

You knocked it out of the park Alex. So did Ford with this new Explorer, going by what you said. Thank you Alex and thank you Ford.

[@suhailahmed4449]

Going rear wheel drive is a great decision

[@jimwhall6609]

Blown away that a 2.3 can tow 5300lbs. The last does 2.3 I drive was in a tempo. 🤣 I love this guy. His reviews are great.

[@makatron]

Those eco boost engines are built tough like a diesel engine

[@chocolatewheelchair]

I had a 2018 loaded explorer rental for a month and it really grew on me. You feel like a boss driving it

[@bigfruit6854]

I just bought 2.3L Explorer Limited, 😍

[@williamwchuang]

Swap the transmission fluid early and often! Look at Ford Tech Makuloko on KZbin! Have fun!

[@sonicmagnus5312]

me too!

[@johnpetrarca5421]

i just got 2023 explorer xlt its beaty nice features. had 4 other ones, this is great.

[@kraigg007]

Alex another great video! I have to decide in the next couple days between the 2020 Ford Explorer 2.3L or the 2020 Chevy Traverse LS. It is for a fleet vehicle so I have no other options. Drove them both and the Explorer felt more familiar but sounds like a 4 cylinder at times. No issues with power at all on the Ford however. The Chevy driving position is a bit off to me. Left foot end up in a different place due to the wheel well and the vehicle is powerful but feels heavy. If you had a choice which would you chose and why?

[@blitzbbffl]

Bold move and a game changer by Ford.

[@donclark8484]

Great review Alex as you were trying to get through all the information on the vehicle I just was thinking how much stuff we have on vehicles compared to vehicles of the pass do you do a good job getting through it

[@ninersforlife7682]

Good video. I would wait until 2021 or 2022 to get one so this way all the kinks worked out 😊

[@James-rd9mo]

Kinks in Ford's never all get worked out

[@atx-cvpi_99]

I would wait until the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities get decommissioned because you can't get the non Hybrid 3.3 V6 new unless you are the police department.

[@MrHav1k]

Looks like Ford really went all in on making a great vehicle and they succeeded! Will consider once some of them hit the used market in a few years. My first car was an Explorer.

[@James-il3tq]

Watch Savagegeese review to see all the faults on this Explorer. Interior looks cheap, too much plastic, very poor fit and finish and infotainment looks like an afterthought how it's slapped on the dash. Big issues with transmission in this Explorer which is unfortunate as the 10 speed in other Ford's has been good.

[@kevinduckett4742]

Same

[@makatron]

Did you end up getting it?

[@xplaur]

Seems to be the best of the "nonpremium" bunch, also the most fun to drive one. I am a little bot of Ford fan, but......Congrats for the review!

[@Mopar21277]

Thank you for the excellent review sir! Its looking like a Limited will be in my family's future this fall.

[@Natethegreat200c]

Please don’t. This car is horrible. Wait for the next grand Cherokee or Waggoner

[@harleyjackson5513]

Fiat sucks! This Explorer is awesome.

[@Natethegreat200c]

Harley Jackson fiat is the best.

[@RAY-THE-WAY]

Nathaniel Rudolph the best at breaking and taking your money for repairs

[@justincase8713]

My wife needed an SUV to replace her aging Acadia. She did not want to compromise on high-level trim, dual sunroof/moonroof configuration, modern design (that will last for years to come and not look dated), so we went with the XLT Limited. Wow, beautiful SUV. Expensive, but we got it.

[@rogerworkman5813]

So, which one gets the better gas mileage, the 2.3L or the Hybrid? Thank you for your video. Roger

[@PETERLINNAH]

Nice! Glad they went back to rear-wheel drive. Front wheel drive just doesn't cut it durability-wise. Handling will be better too.

[@robwilkins304]

Thanks for the review Alex, it helped my decision on an Xlt. Engine and handling was better then everything else in this size and price range. Huge discounts from Ford to get the MSRP down. Love driving this vehicle in sport mode.

[@uos64]

What other cars did you test drive? CX-9 by any chance ?

[@fookingsog]

Damn Right!!! I got the 2020 XLT with the 2.3L & Twin Scroll Turbo...Sport Mode is *AWESOME!!!* Granted, I treat my engine *RIGHT!* Do my own oil change with Pennzoil Full Synthetic, add in Lucas Synthetic Additive. Also use a Neodymium Magnet Oil Drain Plug as well as a Neodymium FilterMag on my Oil Filter!!!😁👍🏻

[@def1791]

@@fookingsog EXACTLY RIGHT ! Treat the vehicle right and maintain it at proper intervals using quality products and you’ll have no problems.

[@RodadeSambaOttawa]

Very nice approach thanks for the info and here in Canada they start to be seen in the roads.

[@jenniferbadillo2050]

When do you recommend using the Eco and Normal mode? I want to know where to get best gas mileage on city and highway and would like to know when is best to use what mode.

[@lovepeace1552]

This might be too late but Eco always saves gas

[@jsfbay1]

When are you doing your next live show? I missed you over the past weekend. Thanks!

[@Lucky8s]

I honestly don't think most buyers will be cross buying between an Explorer with a Durango, but rather the Pilot, Highlander, Telluride, Palisade, CX-9 and Atlas. The 5000+ lb towing is well in line with what everyone else is offering.

[@meng747]

I love my 2017 Explorer Sport, but it’s got a problem that annoys me. As a FWD biased vehicle, it’s got torque steer. It pulls to the right while accelerating. The new Explorer will be perfect. Looking forward to get one after a few years!

[@ginsure]

Excellent review. Alex does a very informative job and understands the difference with rear wheel drive compared to all the other front drive clones. After reading all his reviews on the 2020 Explorer I actually bought the ST model. Kills all the competition except the BMW X7 which is 30k more. The only thing hes wrong about his information is the cargo space with the 3rd row and 2nd row folded. It is a lot larger and wider.

[@mauriciohzamora4105]

Thank you for such a detailed review. I've been in the Subaru family for over 3 models (about 6 years: Outback, XV, Forester). Since it is actually a vehicle for the whole family, Subaru has always been the way to go after trying to move towards Honda every time. Today we are heavily considering the Ford Explorer Limited 4x4. However, the only thing keeping us doubting, is that we know (hands on experience, many times) Subaru's AWD/Xmode works flawlessly on every type of road conditions we've faced. We do lot of desert and forest overlanding. Do you think the Exlorer Limited 4x4 will give us same confidence when overlanding?

[@BatangXHamog]

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

[@davidramos8430]

Will this car handle great on snow being a rear wheel drive? Aside from that i love the way it looks ford did a grandslam

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Good info. Thorough and interesting.

[@noelsilva8887]

I like the smaller screen. Because it has a storage under it and the backup camera will look better then the bigger one.

[@clayton6524]

Excellent presentation 👍 First Rate!!

[@jsfbay1]

Alex, another home run review! I will send you a bottle of whatever you want when you get a million subscribers. You are, simply, the best and most thorough reviewer I follow. Edmunds says horsepower & torque figures that Ford is advertising were measured using 93 octane fuel, something you and I can't even buy in CA. Did Ford tell you what gas was in the tanks of the vehicles you drove? I'll be VERY interested to see what sort of acceleration figures you get when they let you have one for a week. Alex - when you get vehicles for your 1-week test, do they usually come to you with a full tank? I'd super appreciate it if you could fill it up with 87 octane regular unleaded before you do your performance tests. Because that's what Ford says is the recommended fuel, and it's what I'll be putting in the tank to save $$.

[@jiajiali9372]

By any chance you know when the base trim will be available?

[@tahirhussain1755]

Hi very nice video and efforts. Can u plz explain what drive modes are different between RWD and 4x4 explorer? Bec this RWD also has options for drive mode which seems confusing

[@robertgamboa5667]

Excellent!! You sold me.

[@kartv75]

@alexonautos, can you please comment on off the line performance on normal, day to day driving? Is it peppy or is there noticeable lag? I'm asking specifically about the 2.3L. Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It’s surprisingly peppy

[@yohan-electwordofguardthem9173]

*✴Alex on Auto✔great🌞review Thank's and Ford🌠Bravo🌌*

[@afcgeo882]

Thanks for the spare tire info!

[@InTheNow2020]

Excellent review.

[@BigPowerAL]

Hi Alex, My wife and I are stuck at home due to COVID 19 and using the time to review SUV's. We are moving to the hill country of Texas soon and will be having to drive down a few dirt roads to get to our house property. The Explorer looks to be a great SUV for our use. We really appreciate your attention to detail.

[@mayrarocks]

We just bought a platinum Ford Explorer last Sunday. It’s 4WD and drives smooth. You can turn it on with your phone. It feels very luxurious.

[@mayrarocks]

A month ago, I was in a car accident because of a Reckless driver. My 2012 Ford Explorer saved my life & my car was totaled.Therefore, I decided to buy another Ford.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Very nice video as always. Washington state is the place to be if you like rain - but not this day. So funny when someone tries to challenge AoA’s data - they always lose.

[@stevenjames1138]

Looks like a home run for Ford!

[@wind7sailor]

Great review, as usual, thanks for the very informative review. Not a fan of the Tacted to Dash infotainment placement. You'd think with this being a total design, Ford's interior engineers would have integrated it better into the dash rather than taking the easy/cheap way out, by tacting it on top of the dash. I like the power, handling, and quickness of that base engine. Worth a test drive, but worry about the $$$$$ increases. This is a Ford, not a luxury offering, but is costing like them. I configured a base XLT model and had to add the 202 package just to get Ford's safety suite that pushed it from 37k up to 44k instantly. By the time you do anything, you're pushing 50k. If you don't need or desire the safety tech, you can stay around 40k with AWD.

[@TahoeKing]

I never liked Ford but I admit that the return to RWD is very welcome and the car Interior and exterior looks very nice. I love this new Explorer!

[@JZ2674]

I enjoy watching your indepth vehicle reviews and was hoping you would have made a comparison between the 2021 Subaru Ascent and Ford Explorer 4wd. I am currently looking at both Ascent Limited, and Explorer 4WD XLT and was hoping I can get your opinion as to which you would recommend. They both have a 4 cylinder turbo, similar EPA fuel ratings, and it's a difficult decision. Overall comfort, driving ease, and long term ownership costs would be important.

[@bird718]

the explorer is back, alex can you gle vs x5 vs explorer? saw the new gle on the road yesterday and it looked very nice., the explorer is not on the same level as the other but it is similar in drive layout.

[@michaelhorner6804]

Cool review!

[@asahelurgiles6131]

Ford: Do not use Alex: I live my life to the limit 12:45

[@gianfrancoa]

And another infotainment system that looks like an afterthought

[@decentrik]

If it was removable it would be justified but damn. Talk about lazy.

[@ferreo1374]

Get used to it every manufacturer is doing this crap.

[@anthonymolina7416]

Because that’s what people want big giant I pads

[@Chas1160]

gianfrancoa I like infotainment screens built in the dash. It just looks much better. Dodge is one manufacturer that have a very attractive dash with infotainment screen builtin.

[@James-il3tq]

The 8" looks like an afterthought, the upgraded larger screen DEAD LORD is worst infotainment in any vehicle to date 🤮

[@chardri5672]

Good job bro !

[@jeffstrain8027]

Love my new XLT Ford Explorer its Awsome

[@housemusic1075]

Got a 2020? Any regrets with it at all or are you still enjoying it?

[@jeffshock6150]

I know some of older explorers had engines like the 3.5 that the water pump is turned by the timing chain in the engine and be around a 1,500 dollar job to replace but I wonder if the 2020 model has any engine like that.

[@jeffstrain8027]

Love my new explorer ❤️

[@housemusic1075]

Still loving the explorer or any regrets?

[@alankjkj1]

Al, I am curious why you didn't seem too impressed with the hybrid? Is it because it doesn't tow enough? Don't you like driving by gas stations?

[@andybsmith]

Wow amazing review. Also saw that remove before flight. USAF?

[@noelsilva3137]

Wow great video. And what a difference between the 2019 to 2020 just by going to rear from front wheel drive. And it nicer too.