2020 Explorer

[explorer1007]

Yes.
View attachment 172593
Even with the load floor.

Thanks. By the way, where is your area center console? Is it lower than the folded seats?

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Yes it is lower on the 2020+

 

[cpainter3]

Way lower. It’s more like a floor-mounted tray with drink holders. Just a few inches high.

 

[cbFL]

OK, so my dealer emails me today and says that you can now order a bench seat on any Explorer trim! Kicking myself again for not waiting!

Nice! Is there an updated order guide anywhere that shows this option on the ST / pricing / any forced bundle (like they do on XLT)?

 

[peterk9]

Nice! Is there an updated order guide anywhere that shows this option on the ST / pricing / any forced bundle (like they do on XLT)?

Pricing; Middle Row Bench and XLT 202A Although the 2nd row bench doesn't show on the Ford.com site, it does on Ford.ca as a $500 stand alone option.

Peter

 

[Calicamper]

Finally got to go look at both the Explorer and Aviator today. I have been very excited about it based on the numbers. I currently am a two vehicle stay at home dad. The shuttle is a 2010 Subaru Outback and the hauling rig is a 06 Sequoia. I was hoping the Explorer or Aviator could replace both my cars.

20 minutes and carrying a measuring tape I was hugely disappointed. The sales manager could see it before I said anything and flat out said this is the wrong vehicle.

I really wanted this to work and have been super excited about Fords Hybrid and plugin tech. Wifes Fusion Energi has been awesome.

Here are things what killed the excitement. One barely 8 inches of ground clearance isn’t great but might have been worth dealing with. Sierra snow the subaru struggles with 8.7 inches of ground clearance but can usually get the job done barely.

Ok so Aviator air ride I could boost to 11inches if needed but at a steep cost. Not ideal vehicle to show up at my rental property with tools and ladders. Optics would be bad. Bummer

Heres the wtf I can’t do it moment. I measured the load floor to hatch top ie the loading height opening of the rear hatch. It has less height than the 2020 Outback and just barely beats my old 2010 Outback. I measured it multiple times thinking that couldn’t be correct? It was.

So I’m standing there kinda in shock and the Sales manager says yeah these are more like big sport wagons and not really like traditional SUVs.

Listen I get it a great driving large wagon vehicle has its pluses. But as a dad hauling, kids, kids junk, occasional tools, dogs, sports gear etc. I walked away fully 100% knowing I would be massively disappointed if I bought one of these. My wife would probably be angry given the way Ford packages the interior it feels snug like a ****pit and not very roomy at all.

Super disappointed.

I should probably wait on the Bronco but not sure I can go that long. I hate all the other options out there. Toyota Highlander and Pilot are tired old news lousy FWD biased Garbage AWD.
The Subaru Ascent has the cvt which I just can’t do again.

There is a big hole right now in the midsized “capable” SUV choices. I really hope the Bronco is larger than the 4dr Wrangler and a better road machine than the lousy Jeep. Grrr

Swing and a miss Ford us Dads need a modern Midsized SUV. The Explorer/Aviator is just too many compromises at a steep price.

 

[Michael Lopour]

Finally got to go look at both the Explorer and Aviator today. I have been very excited about it based on the numbers. I currently am a two vehicle stay at home dad. The shuttle is a 2010 Subaru Outback and the hauling rig is a 06 Sequoia. I was hoping the Explorer or Aviator could replace both my cars.

20 minutes and carrying a measuring tape I was hugely disappointed. The sales manager could see it before I said anything and flat out said this is the wrong vehicle.

I really wanted this to work and have been super excited about Fords Hybrid and plugin tech. Wifes Fusion Energi has been awesome.

Here are things what killed the excitement. One barely 8 inches of ground clearance isn’t great but might have been worth dealing with. Sierra snow the subaru struggles with 8.7 inches of ground clearance but can usually get the job done barely.

Ok so Aviator air ride I could boost to 11inches if needed but at a steep cost. Not ideal vehicle to show up at my rental property with tools and ladders. Optics would be bad. Bummer

Heres the wtf I can’t do it moment. I measured the load floor to hatch top ie the loading height opening of the rear hatch. It has less height than the 2020 Outback and just barely beats my old 2010 Outback. I measured it multiple times thinking that couldn’t be correct? It was.

So I’m standing there kinda in shock and the Sales manager says yeah these are more like big sport wagons and not really like traditional SUVs.

Listen I get it a great driving large wagon vehicle has its pluses. But as a dad hauling, kids, kids junk, occasional tools, dogs, sports gear etc. I walked away fully 100% knowing I would be massively disappointed if I bought one of these. My wife would probably be angry given the way Ford packages the interior it feels snug like a ****pit and not very roomy at all.

Super disappointed.

I should probably wait on the Bronco but not sure I can go that long. I hate all the other options out there. Toyota Highlander and Pilot are tired old news lousy FWD biased Garbage AWD.
The Subaru Ascent has the cvt which I just can’t do again.

There is a big hole right now in the midsized “capable” SUV choices. I really hope the Bronco is larger than the 4dr Wrangler and a better road machine than the lousy Jeep. Grrr

Swing and a miss Ford us Dads need a modern Midsized SUV. The Explorer/Aviator is just too many compromises at a steep price.

The market is really splitting between 3 row unibody and body-on-frame. One is hardly competing with the other, if at all. Would the Expedition do it for you or nah?

 

[peterk9]

The roof line on the 2020 Explorer and I think, Aviator has a more aggressive slope than the previous years. I distance from the top of the folded 3rd row seats to the top of the hatch opening is 32". Ground clearance is not the same on all trims although the difference is minimal. Although both vehicles probably meet the expectations of the majority of buyers, unfortunately they can't please everyone.

Peter

 

[Calicamper]

The market is really splitting between 3 row unibody and body-on-frame. One is no longer competing with the other, if at all. Would the Expedition do it for you or nah?

Too wide I looked. The Tahoe is slightly narrower but still it just hits that too wide to drive in our area for parking etc. my old 1st gen Sequoia oddly cannot be replaced with anything modern. Just too many compromises at a high price.

 

[Calicamper]

The roof line on the 2020 Explorer and I think, Aviator has a more aggressive slope than the previous years. I distance from the top of the folded 3rd row seats to the top of the hatch opening is 32". Ground clearance is not the same on all trims although the difference is minimal. Although both vehicles probably meet the expectations of the majority of buyers, unfortunately they can't please everyone.

Peter

Rear hatch opening is 30 inches. Its just not the right shape for camping gear, and other typical stuff a dad hauls around. A big effect are the 3rd row seats tucked down in the floor that design has advantages but I think the negatives out weigh the positives in that design trend.

Hopefully the Bronco is more traditional flat floor and ideally removable 3rd row seats.

Otherwise I honestly will say the Ranger and 2020 Outback are more utility capable than the Explorer. Which is kinda sad. I’m pretty disappointed.

 

[Michael Lopour]

Too wide I looked. The Tahoe is slightly narrower but still it just hits that too wide to drive in our area for parking etc. my old 1st gen Sequoia oddly cannot be replaced with anything modern. Just too many compromises at a high price.

I hear you on that. I wanted unibody but beefy enough powertrain to easily pull 3-4K lbs. By my calculations I was left with Jeep GC and Audi SQ5 as my only two row options. 3 row were Explorer Durango and Q7. But that’s more options than you have it looks like.

 

[peterk9]

There is a thread in the 5th gen Forum on removing the 3rd row seats but it designed to be of a more permantent solution.

Peter

 

[Calicamper]

I hear you on that. I wanted unibody but beefy enough powertrain to easily pull 3-4K lbs. By my calculations I was left with Jeep GC and Audi SQ5 as my only two row options. 3 row were Explorer Durango and Q7. But that’s more options than you have it looks like.

Yeah Q7 is old as dirt
Durango is just a tired Mercedes GL reskinned and with a giant Dodge engine.

Jeep won’t pass the wifes crash standards nor is it better reliability than the crummy Subaru CVT.

Kia Telluride? Not really into Korean stuff. But they might actually be the only SUV vs wagon in the midsized game right now.

 

[peterk9]

..................Kia Telluride? Not really into Korean stuff. But they might actually be the only SUV vs wagon in the midsized game right now.

I've seen a few of them around my little area. Hyundai has a similar model. The Telluride was rated 2nd in mid-sized SUVs by Consumer's behind the Ascent and above the Highlander.

Peter

 

[blwnsmoke]

I've seen a few of them around my little area. Hyundai has a similar model. The Telluride was rated 2nd in mid-sized SUVs by Consumer's behind the Ascent and above the Highlander.

Peter

#2 in what? It's a brand new model.. let me see it in 5 yrs and 75k on the odometer.

 

[Michael Lopour]

Q7 is actually really nice. Redesigned for ‘17 if I remember right. Chrysler just too unreliable for me. Hyundai and Kia 3 rows are legit just no larger engine options.

 

[Calicamper]

Neighbor has the 17 Q7 I’d rather just keep my old Sequoia. I put apple car play head unit in it with backup camera. Only thing lacking for the wife is lumbar support in passenger front seat. At this rate I think I’ll just find a shop that can add lumbar to her seat. And just eat the lousy mileage. Neighbor gets 17 around town in her Q7 Sequoia get 15-16.

I’ll probably just sell the tired Subaru and keep driving the Sequoia till someone makes a mid sized SUV again. Lol pretty disappointing but hey it could be worse. I could have a mini van with no spare tire. Lol

 

[SWEET ST]

I think that the best truck/ car / camper etc... For Calicamper is a F250 Extended Cab Long box. Or a BUS....

 

[blwnsmoke]

Finally got to go look at both the Explorer and Aviator today. I have been very excited about it based on the numbers. I currently am a two vehicle stay at home dad. The shuttle is a 2010 Subaru Outback and the hauling rig is a 06 Sequoia. I was hoping the Explorer or Aviator could replace both my cars.

20 minutes and carrying a measuring tape I was hugely disappointed. The sales manager could see it before I said anything and flat out said this is the wrong vehicle.

I really wanted this to work and have been super excited about Fords Hybrid and plugin tech. Wifes Fusion Energi has been awesome.

Here are things what killed the excitement. One barely 8 inches of ground clearance isn’t great but might have been worth dealing with. Sierra snow the subaru struggles with 8.7 inches of ground clearance but can usually get the job done barely.

Ok so Aviator air ride I could boost to 11inches if needed but at a steep cost. Not ideal vehicle to show up at my rental property with tools and ladders. Optics would be bad. Bummer

Heres the wtf I can’t do it moment. I measured the load floor to hatch top ie the loading height opening of the rear hatch. It has less height than the 2020 Outback and just barely beats my old 2010 Outback. I measured it multiple times thinking that couldn’t be correct? It was.

So I’m standing there kinda in shock and the Sales manager says yeah these are more like big sport wagons and not really like traditional SUVs.

Listen I get it a great driving large wagon vehicle has its pluses. But as a dad hauling, kids, kids junk, occasional tools, dogs, sports gear etc. I walked away fully 100% knowing I would be massively disappointed if I bought one of these. My wife would probably be angry given the way Ford packages the interior it feels snug like a ****pit and not very roomy at all.

Super disappointed.

I should probably wait on the Bronco but not sure I can go that long. I hate all the other options out there. Toyota Highlander and Pilot are tired old news lousy FWD biased Garbage AWD.
The Subaru Ascent has the cvt which I just can’t do again.

There is a big hole right now in the midsized “capable” SUV choices. I really hope the Bronco is larger than the 4dr Wrangler and a better road machine than the lousy Jeep. Grrr

Swing and a miss Ford us Dads need a modern Midsized SUV. The Explorer/Aviator is just too many compromises at a steep price.

The Bronco is a modernized 1973. Google the 73 if you want an idea of what it will look like, just a 2020 version of it.

 

[Calicamper]

I think that the best truck/ car / camper etc... For Calicamper is a F250 Extended Cab Long box. Or a BUS....

I wish.
Tomorrow I go work on my rental max length parking anywhere on the curb is about 200 inches. So F250 I would be parked two blocks away. The building was built in 1919 my first Gen Sequoia only fits through the carriage doors to the garage with mirrors folded. I only clear the roof by 2 inches.

I grew up with horses and big pickups haven’t needed one since I sold my horses and switched to city life.

In June we did a 2900 mile Utah/AZ trip. Did some dirt stuff. The Sequoia was fine but honestly 8 inches of clearance yeah Subarus and mini vans not so much. So the Explorer would have been disappointing on that trip. Super disappointing really. Its not a SUV and I think Ford is really doing it a disservice calling it a suv. Its a nice largish sport wagon. But not a SUV. And I’m a Subaru owner too. I like wagons. But they aren’t SUVs