Compare the 2020 Ford Explorer XLT and ST

Back at the beginning of the 1990s, Ford made history by producing its first four-door SUV. Three decades in, this vehicle—the Ford Explorer—captivates with cavernous space, splendid all-weather driving performance, and a substantial list of tech features. The 2020 model year welcomes the Explorer's sixth-production model, which is split into four trims. Two of them are the base-level XLT and the sports-styled ST.

Performance

The 2020 Explorer XLT is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. With the standard rear-wheel drive—which balances the weight of the vehicle with the engine installed in the front for excellent handling—the XLT can tow up to 5,300 lbs. On the ST, you get a larger and more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 instead for an output of 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard. Not only does the AWD system provide better traction performance—especially when also considering the accompanying terrain management system—it also increases maximum towing capacity to 5,600 lbs.

Appearance

The Ford Explorer is primed for the great outdoors. In addition to its drivetrain options, it receives headlights that automatically turn on and off in response to the amount of outdoor light. These headlights—which have decorating LED signature lights—include LED low beams for incredibly bright illumination and halogen reflector high beams for seeing farther into the distance when necessary. Flanking the doors are a pair of power heated manually folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators. Side rails go on the roof for additional cargo-carrying capacity. LED taillights, a liftgate spoiler, and a single exhaust system appear in the rear. And the 18-inch alloy wheels keep the Explorer's undercarriage far away from potentially harmful elements on the trail.

Enhancing the Explorer at the ST trim level are rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED fog lights, a hands-free foot-activated liftgate, a quad chrome exhaust system, and a Class III Trailer Tow Package that includes a frame-mounted hitch and trailer connectors. Also, the side mirrors are boosted with power-folding ability, positioning memory, and security approach lamps.

Features

The 2020 Ford Explorer provides three rows of cloth-trimmed seats to accommodate up to seven people. If you go with the ST, the cabin is enriched with micro-perforated leather seats with accent stitching, front-seat 8-way power adjustability and heating, driver-seat memory, and second-row heating. Notably, the ST is the only trim with a sports-style steering wheel.

Standard amenities on the Ford Explorer include tri-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry with push-button engine start, remote start, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker stereo system with AM/FM radio and MP3 playback capability, dual second-row USB ports for charging mobile devices, a SiriusXM Radio trial subscription, voice-activated navigation, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The ST is bolstered by the addition of a universal garage-door opener and auto-dimming ability on the rearview mirror, as well as the replacement of the six-speaker setup with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system.

Ready to check out the Ford Explorer XLT or ST for yourself? Test-drive one at our dealership in Grand Prairie, Texas, today and meet with one of our Ford sales specialists.