2020 Ford Explorer Price Confirmed: The Big Changes For All Trims

Ford has confirmed pricing and specifications of the 2020 Explorer, and while the all-new SUV is a little more expensive than its predecessor, the automaker insists you're getting a better deal overall. Unveiled in January, the new Explorer gains power and tech in its sixth generation, including a striking new dashboard design topped by an oversized touchscreen.

Perhaps aiming to head off criticism before it can mount, Ford is upfront about the fact that the 2020 Explorer is more expensive than before. In fact every model has seen a price increase, ranging from $400 at the entry-level, through to $8,115 at most. Ford's argument is that those changes are offset by more standard equipment at each trim level, however. Here's how the six 2020 Explorer trims break down.

Ford's entry-level 2020 Explorer sets out the SUV's stall nicely. It offers the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, along with Ford Co-Pilot360. Ford's active safety suit includes pedestrian detection, blind spot information, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam LED headlamps, along with a backup camera.

There's an 8-inch display for the dashboard and two USB ports. The trunk gets a power lift gate, too. The 2020 Explorer is $32,765, a $400 increase over the 2019 model. Pricing excludes destination and delivery.

At $36,675, the 2020 Explorer XLT is $2,275 more than the outgoing model. Ford makes up for that by adding a big chunk of what were formerly options as standard. On top of the Explorer spec, you get LED signature lighting, 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, and heated exterior mirrors.

There's also new acoustic glass, for a quieter cabin, and the driver and passenger get power-adjusting seats. The second row has captain's chairs, and there are two extra USB ports. Keyless entry and push-button start are standard on the XLT, as are reverse sensors. The driver gets a larger, 6.5-inch display in the center cluster.

The 2020 Explorer Limited builds on the XLT trim, with pricing starting at $48,130. That's a $5,365 increase over the 2019 Explorer Limited, one of the largest changes in the line-up.

In return, you get all of the XLT features, plus evasive steering assistance added to the CoPilot360 suite. There's also wireless charging for your smartphone, and a 360-degree front camera with split-view. Rain-sensing wipers have also been added.

Ford's 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid didn't have a direct predecessor in the old range, but at $51,685 it carries a $3,555 premium over the gas-only EcoBoost model. That gets you a 3.3-liter hybrid drivetrain and a 10-speed modular hybrid transmission. In rear-wheel drive form, Ford says you should manage more than 500 miles of driving on a full battery and a full tank of gas.

Towing capacity for the hybrid is up to 5,000 pounds. It gets the same core specification as the regular Explorer Limited, but does add in Active Noise Control to further cut cabin sound. 20-inch hand-polished aluminum wheels with uprated brakes are also included.

The most luxurious of the Explorer range, the Platinum trim accounts for around 10-percent of all sales of the model, Ford says. For the 2020 model year, it's seeing a price increase of $4,085, climbing to $58,250 before destination and delivery.

As well as the standard specification of the Limited, the 2020 Explorer Platinum adds adaptive LED headlamps and reverse brake assist. More importantly, it gets a larger, more powerful engine, too. That's the 3.0-liter EcoBoost, which is good for 365 horsepower.

Arguably the version of the new SUV we're most intrigued by, the 2020 Explorer ST will be the performance-minded version of the group. As well as being the most powerful, with its 3.0-liter EcoBoost rated for 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, it also sees the biggest price increase. The ST rises $8,115 over last year's Explorer Sport, to $54,750.

Still, there's a lot of standard equipment for that. Adaptive cruise control is included, as is enhanced active park assistance. There's sportier steering tuning and faster throttle response, and the ST rides on special 21-inch aluminum wheels with sport-tuned suspension. They get red brake calipers clamping down on larger rotors, too.

Styling changes include a unique ST grille, and new bumpers front and rear. There's a quad-tip exhaust and folding mirrors. Inside, heated and cooled seats are joined by a memory drive's seat, mirrors, and pedals. There's wireless charging too, plus Ford Performance scuff plates, unique seat stitching, and a special ST steering wheel. A 110-volt inverter outlet is standard, while the cargo management system should help your luggage from sliding around while you're taking corners more aggressively.

The 2020 Explorer is set to arrive at dealerships in the US this summer. All six versions will be built at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.