2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer: What Changed?

The Ford Explorer is an American staple and continues to dominate the mid-size SUV segment. With both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2019 Ford Explorer on our lot, it makes sense to compare the two to see which is best. In our 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer comparison, we will look at configurations, trims, pricing, mpg, towing capacity, safety, and more.

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New Features | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer begins a new generation. The most significant change is the switch from a front-wheel-drive platform to the rear-wheel instead. This improves handling and towing capacity. Furthermore, the interior was upgraded, allowing for six occupants instead of seven with most trims. Standard safety features have also been increased for more peace of mind.

Configurations | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that seats six people with the standard configuration. There is an optional second-row bench seat instead of the captain's chairs if you want to upgrade the seating capacity to seven. The 2019 Ford Explorer features standard room for seven, but there is the option to do captain's chairs instead of six-passenger seating.

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Trims & Pricing | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer Configurations

The 2020 Ford Explorer is available in four trim levels, while the 2019 Ford Explorer has five.

Seating & Interior Design | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer Configurations

Both models feature the room to hold six or seven passengers, but the 2020 Ford Explorer features more overall cargo room. Behind the third row, there are 18.2 cubic feet of space, with 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 87.8 cubic feet with all of the rear seats folded down. Compare that to the 2019 Ford Explorer, which features 21 cubic feet behind the third row, but 43.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 81.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Standard features on the 2019 Ford Explorer include a USB port, Bluetooth, and a 4.2-inch display screen. The 2020 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, comes with either an eight-inch or 10.1-inch touch screen.

MPG | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer with the base engine and rear-wheel-drive achieves 21 city/28 highway mpg. Adding four-wheel-drive to the base engine sees 20/27 mpg instead. The twin-turbo V6 engine produces 18/24 mpg. These are very similar to the 2019 Ford Explorer numbers. The standard V6 produces 17/24 mpg, while the four-cylinder EcoBoost is rated at 19/27 mpg.

Towing Capacity | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer can now tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped. That is six hundred pounds more than the 2019 Ford Explorer is capable of towing set at 5,000 pounds.

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Engine & Drive Type | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with four powertrain options. You can choose from a 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder, two twin-turbo V6 engines, or a hybrid model. All four engines are paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Ford Explorer is available with three engine choices. There is a standard 290-horsepower V6, 280-horsepower EcoBoost turbo four, and 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 engine. All three of these choices are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Color Options | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Interior: The 2020 Ford Explorer is available in cloth trim, ActiveX trim, leather trim, and tri-diamond perforated trim. The 2019 Ford Explorer is available in cloth, ActiveX, leather, perforated leather, or Nirvana leather. 

Exterior: There are ten exterior color options with the 2020 Ford Explorer. You can choose from Rapid Red Metallic, Atlas Blue, Agate Black, Blue Metallic, Magnetic, Iconic Silver, Oxford White, Silver Spruce, Rich Copper Metallic plus Star White Metallic. The 2019 Ford Explorer is available in eight exterior color options, which include Blue, Burgundy Velvet Metallic, Magnetic, Ruby Red Metallic, White Platinum Metallic, Ingot Silver, Agate Black, and Oxford White.

Safety Ratings | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer received a Good rating from the IIHS in four crashworthiness tests but hasn't been evaluated by the NHTSA yet. The 2019 Ford Explorer also received a Good in four IIHS crashworthiness tests but earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

Buy A 2020 or 2019 Ford Explorer in Colorado Springs

The time has come to buy a 2020 Ford Explorer or 2019 Ford Explorer for sale. At Phil Long, we have both models in our inventory. You can test drive a new Ford Explorer or check out one of our used Ford Explorer options to save more money.

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Lease A New Ford Explorer

If you want low monthly payments, a 2020 Ford Explorer lease or 2019 Ford Explorer lease might be a better option for you. We have some limited-time-only lease deals happening right now that will help you get behind the wheel of your new Explorer.

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