Doug DeMuro recently had the opportunity to test out the 2020 Explorer ST, one of the most intriguing SUVs on the market.
Ford claims that the ST is the “most fun-to-drive” Explorer it has ever made. This comes largely thanks to the vehicle’s use of a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with an impressive 400 HP and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque that is funneled to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Now, no one buys an SUV like this exclusively in the pursuit of performance. It also needs to be comfortable, spacious, and perfectly fit for a family – and, according to the reviewer, the Blue Oval’s offering does tick those boxes as well.
Starting up front, the Explorer ST comes with large seats complete with various massage functions. There is also a vertically-oriented infotainment system jutting out of the dashboard that seems a little strange at first, while directly in front of the steering wheel is a digital gauge cluster.
The Explorer ST has three rows of seats and can accommodate up to six people, much like other vehicles in this class. DeMuro does point out a few drawbacks, particularly the poor ingress and egress for the third row that’s not up to the level of the similarly-sized Hyundai Palisade.
Driving the Explorer ST is a breeze, though. Its powertrain is shared with the more expensive and luxurious Lincoln Navigator and is perfect for a vehicle of this size. You’re not going to scare off any sports cars at the traffic lights, but that’s not what the Explorer is about anyway, and its handling is more than up to par with its performance.