The biggest change for the 2020 Explorer is a switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform. The old model rode on front-wheel-drive architecture, and the shift gives the Explorer some distinction. (Even when equipped with optional all-wheel drive, the platform's foundational layout influences how it handles.)

Ford does use aluminum in the 2020 Explorer, but it also uses steel, magnesium, and plastic. Explorer chief engineer Bill Gubing says that weight was a factor in every decision that Ford made on the all-new Explorer. Gubing says that the engineering team looked at every part of the vehicle.

Chicago, Illinois The 2020 Explorer is assembled at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Illinois, USA. A plant in China will assemble the vehicle for the Chinese domestic market.

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year.

Highs Composed ride, plentiful cargo space, comfortable driving position. Lows Cramped third row, some subpar interior materials, desirable twin-turbo V-6 is pricey. Verdict A broad lineup of family-friendly SUVs that all excel at their jobs.

Ford has redesigned the Explorer three-row midsized SUV for 2020, and it keeps many of the attributes that have made it a popular choice. It has a robust and easy-to-use infotainment system, generous cargo capacity, responsive handling, and - despite its only mild styling updates - it's a fundamentally different vehicle.

Highs Composed ride, plentiful cargo space, comfortable driving position. Lows Cramped third row, some subpar interior materials, desirable twin-turbo V-6 is pricey. Verdict A broad lineup of family-friendly SUVs that all excel at their jobs.

Chicago, IL The only two models that are manufactured outside of North America are the Edge and Fusion, and you'll find the other Ford models at the following manufacturing plants: Chicago, IL: Ford Explorer.

The only two models that are manufactured outside of North America are the Edge and Fusion, and you'll find the other Ford models at the following manufacturing plants: Chicago, IL: Ford Explorer.

Initially released in 1991, the Ford Explorer was one of the first modern SUVs to hit the market. Along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it paved the way for the vast SUV market we have today. A fashionable and functional SUV, it's not surprising that the Ford Explorer would launch major trends.

The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV because it has a solid price point and generally favorable reviews. Both urban and rural car owners like the feel and capabilities of the Ford Explorer.

The most luxurious and sophisticated trim level is the 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum, with tri-diamond perforated leather, contour seating, and cutting-edge features like Active Park Assist 2.0. Features include: Starting MSRP $54,115. Tri-diamond perforated leather seating surfaces.

The 2020 Explorer comes standard with a 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine containing pretty impressive levels of power.

The Explorer has a spacious cabin and is relatively agile among three-row midsized SUVs, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but sounds raspy.

The ubiquitous Ford Explorer is a popular choice among three-row midsize SUVs, but it doesn't stand out from the competition in any significant way other than the performance-oriented ST trim. Equipped with good tech, the versatile Explorer does most things just fine and gets by on practical, if unexciting, appeal.

The Explorer has a spacious cabin and is relatively agile among three-row midsized SUVs, but the driving experience is marred by a clunky transmission, noisy engine, and stiff-edged ride. Most versions use the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is energetic but sounds raspy.