2020 Ford Explorer Limited: A Comprehensive Review

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. This SUV has been a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, so let's see what makes it tick. We'll be looking at everything from the performance and features to the overall driving experience. Get ready for a thorough breakdown – let's get started!

Exterior Design and Features

Alright, first things first: the exterior design of the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. Ford gave the Explorer a major overhaul for the 2020 model year, and the Limited trim benefits from this refresh. The overall look is more modern and athletic compared to the previous generation. The front end features a bold grille, sleek headlights, and a sculpted hood, giving it a more premium feel. From the side, you'll notice a more streamlined profile, with a sloping roofline that adds to its sporty appearance. The Limited trim often includes features like LED headlights, fog lights, and stylish alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal.

Moving to the back, the Explorer Limited boasts a redesigned rear with LED taillights and a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. The design is clean and contemporary, avoiding any unnecessary bulk. You'll find practical elements too, like roof rails for carrying extra gear and a choice of colors that really make the lines of the car pop. The Limited trim often includes premium exterior features, such as chrome accents and upgraded wheels, to elevate its overall look. Let's not forget the convenience features, like the available hands-free liftgate that opens with a kick of your foot – perfect when your hands are full. The 2020 Explorer Limited offers a blend of style and practicality, making it a head-turner on the road while still being functional for everyday use.

Considering the exterior, one of the first things people notice is the vehicle's stance. The new Explorer Limited seems to have a more planted feel, a wider track perhaps, which contributes to its stability. The quality of materials used in the exterior—the fit and finish—are generally good. The paint quality appears to be up to the standard, resisting the usual wear and tear from weather and road debris. The design also incorporates aerodynamic considerations, which contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at higher speeds. The overall effect is a vehicle that feels modern, well-built, and visually appealing, striking a balance between ruggedness and sophistication that appeals to a wide audience. The choice of wheel design on the Limited trim, combined with the other exterior features, contributes to the vehicle’s overall aesthetic appeal. You'll likely find that the exterior design is a significant step up from the previous generation, signaling a shift towards a more upscale and contemporary design language for the Explorer.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Now, let's step inside and explore the interior of the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. This is where you'll spend most of your time, so comfort and technology are key. The Limited trim offers a well-appointed cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The seats are typically upholstered in leather, providing a premium feel, and they're often heated and ventilated for added comfort in any weather. The front seats provide good support, and the second-row seats offer ample legroom, making it comfortable for adults. The third row, while best suited for kids or shorter trips, is still a welcome addition for larger families or when you need extra seating.

The dashboard is cleanly designed with a focus on technology. The centerpiece is often a large touchscreen infotainment system, usually running Ford's SYNC 3 or the newer SYNC 4 system. This system controls navigation, audio, climate, and other vehicle functions. The interface is generally user-friendly, with intuitive menus and responsive touch controls. You'll also find features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other tech features may include a premium sound system, a digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports. The overall interior design is modern and well-executed, with a focus on both comfort and functionality. The materials used feel of good quality, and the layout is designed to be user-friendly, allowing the driver to easily access all the necessary controls. You can tell that Ford aimed to create a comfortable and connected driving experience. The attention to detail, from the stitching on the seats to the placement of the controls, elevates the overall feel of the cabin, making it a pleasant place to be on both short commutes and long road trips.

Furthermore, the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited's interior is packed with practical features designed to enhance everyday usability. Ample storage compartments throughout the cabin help to keep the interior organized and clutter-free. The cargo area is spacious, even with the third-row seats in place, and can be expanded significantly when those seats are folded down. The power-folding third-row seats, if equipped, add an extra level of convenience. The placement of the controls and displays has been carefully considered to minimize distractions and enhance the driving experience. Ambient lighting throughout the cabin further contributes to a sense of luxury and comfort, especially during nighttime driving. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted, functional, and technologically advanced interior. The blend of comfort, technology, and practicality makes the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited a strong contender in its class, perfectly suited for the demands of modern family life.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's get into the heart of the matter: performance and driving experience of the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited. Under the hood, the Explorer Limited typically comes with a powerful engine, often a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 engine, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, which enhances the overall driving experience. The Explorer Limited offers a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, giving you the option to choose the drivetrain that best suits your needs and driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in inclement weather.

On the road, the 2020 Explorer Limited offers a comfortable ride, with a suspension system that effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is responsive and precise, providing good feedback to the driver. The vehicle handles well for its size, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. The Explorer Limited also offers a range of driving modes, such as normal, sport, eco, and trail, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences and the driving conditions. These modes adjust the engine, transmission, and steering settings to optimize performance and efficiency. Overall, the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited provides a refined and enjoyable driving experience, with a good balance of power, comfort, and handling. The acceleration is brisk, particularly with the more powerful engine options, allowing for confident passing maneuvers and merging onto highways. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing excellent stopping power in various driving situations. The sound insulation in the cabin is effective, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, and enhancing the overall sense of refinement. The smooth ride quality contributes to a comfortable experience, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The combination of all these factors makes the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited a versatile and capable SUV, well-suited for a wide range of driving needs.

The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited’s performance also extends to its off-road capabilities, particularly when equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system and the appropriate driving modes. The intelligent 4WD system, for instance, can automatically distribute power between the front and rear wheels to optimize traction on various terrains. The availability of a trailer tow package further enhances the vehicle’s utility, allowing it to tow trailers, boats, or other equipment with ease. The engine's power delivery is smooth and linear, providing a seamless acceleration experience. The transmission shifts gears efficiently, contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. Fuel economy figures are generally competitive for its class, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The Explorer Limited provides a balanced driving experience, allowing drivers to feel in control and confident in a variety of situations. Overall, the performance characteristics of the 2020 Explorer Limited are a significant selling point, offering a combination of power, handling, and comfort that makes it a top choice in the mid-size SUV segment.

Safety Features and Technology

Safety is a top priority, and the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited comes loaded with features to keep you and your passengers protected. Ford has equipped the Explorer Limited with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. Standard safety features often include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of a collision. For example, the automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the impact. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Additional safety features that may be available include a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Parking sensors can alert you to obstacles when parking or backing up. These safety technologies provide peace of mind and enhance the overall driving experience. The Explorer Limited also features a robust safety structure, designed to absorb impact energy and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to provide additional protection. Safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA often reflect the Explorer Limited's commitment to safety, earning it high marks in crash tests and safety evaluations. The combination of advanced safety features, structural integrity, and driver-assistance technologies make the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited a safe and secure choice for families and individuals alike. The technology used in the safety features is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for drivers to understand and utilize the various safety systems effectively. The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited shows Ford's commitment to safety, demonstrating that it's a priority when designing and engineering their vehicles.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2020 Ford Explorer is typically offered in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and pricing. The Limited trim sits in the mid-range of the lineup, offering a balance of luxury and value. Base trim levels provide essential features and a more affordable price point, while higher trim levels offer even more premium amenities and performance upgrades. The price of a 2020 Ford Explorer Limited can vary depending on the options and packages you choose, but it generally falls within a competitive range for its class. When considering the price, it's essential to factor in the features and capabilities you're getting, such as the engine performance, interior comfort, and safety technologies. Comparing the Explorer Limited to its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse, is crucial to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

The Limited trim is known for its blend of premium features, which makes it popular among buyers who want a more upscale experience without the highest price tag. The base price will vary depending on the market and the specific configuration. Additional options and packages, such as those that provide enhanced driver-assistance features or premium audio systems, may increase the overall price. However, these upgrades can greatly enhance the vehicle's value. Comparing pricing across different dealerships is a smart move, as prices can vary. Considering the long-term cost of ownership, including fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and potential resale value, is also essential. The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited offers a competitive value proposition, balancing features, performance, and price, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. Checking for any available incentives, rebates, or financing options from Ford or the dealership can further sweeten the deal, making the Explorer Limited an even more attractive purchase. Overall, it's a well-rounded package that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

  • Comfortable and Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with premium materials and features.
  • Advanced Technology: Features a user-friendly infotainment system, with smartphone integration and other tech goodies.
  • Strong Performance: Available with powerful engine options and a smooth-shifting transmission.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies to protect occupants.
  • Stylish Design: Modern and appealing exterior design that stands out on the road.

Cons:

  • Third-Row Seat: While the third-row seat is available, it can be cramped for adults on longer trips.
  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy may not be as good as some competitors, particularly with the more powerful engine options.
  • Infotainment System: Some users found the infotainment system to have occasional glitches.

Conclusion

So, what's the verdict on the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited? Overall, it's a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot to like. It's a comfortable and spacious vehicle with plenty of technology, strong performance, and advanced safety features. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the third-row space and fuel economy, the Explorer Limited remains a strong contender in its class. If you're looking for a mid-size SUV that can handle both daily commutes and family adventures, the 2020 Ford Explorer Limited is definitely worth considering. Thanks for joining me today, and I hope this review has been helpful! Do your research, test drive it, and see if it's the right fit for your needs. Cheers!