Should I avoid the 2020 Explorer?

The 2020 Explorer had more quality complaints than subsequent model years, particularly around transmission calibration, SYNC 3 software bugs, and rear subframe concerns that led to a recall. Ford addressed most issues through recalls and software updates, so a 2020 Explorer with all recalls completed and updated software can be a good value because it depreciates faster than 2021+ models. Verify recall completion through the VIN before purchasing.

What is the best Explorer engine?

The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder is the volume engine and provides adequate power with reasonable fuel economy. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 in the ST (400 hp) and Platinum (365 hp) is the performance choice and adds significant towing capability. The 3.3L hybrid (available 2020-2024) is the fuel-economy play but has been less popular on the used market. For most buyers, the 2.3T is the best balance of cost, performance, and long-term reliability.

How does the Explorer tow?

The Explorer is rated at 5,600 pounds with the 2.3T and available tow package, and 5,600 pounds with the 3.0T. The RWD-based platform handles trailer weight better than the previous FWD-based Explorer. Check for tow hitch installation evidence in listing photos: a scratched rear bumper step pad, wiring harness connections, and hitch receiver wear indicate towing use that should factor into your condition assessment.

Ford Explorer: What to Look For Before You Buy

The Ford Explorer was completely redesigned for 2020, switching from a front-wheel-drive transverse platform to a rear-wheel-drive longitudinal layout. This was a major engineering change that brought better handling and towing capability but also introduced first-generation growing pains. The 2020 model year in particular had well-documented quality issues that Ford addressed with running changes through 2021-2022. Used Explorer buyers need to know which model year they are looking at and what condition tells reveal about how the car was used.

What to Look For in Photos

Paint and Body

The Explorer's large, flat body panels show paint imperfections readily. Check the hood and roof for stone chips and clear coat condition. The D-pillar on the Explorer is a broad, painted surface that catches sun damage and shows paint fade before other panels. The lower body cladding on XLT and base trims is unpainted black plastic that fades with UV exposure. On ST and Platinum trims, the body-color lower trim looks better new but shows door dings and parking lot damage more visibly.

Wheels and Tires

The Explorer runs 255/65R18 on base and XLT trims, 255/55R20 on Limited and ST trims, and 275/45R21 on Platinum. The larger wheel options are expensive to replace and more susceptible to pothole damage. Check for cracked or bent wheels on 20- and 21-inch fitments, which are common on Explorers used in urban environments with rough roads. Tire wear should be even across all four corners; the Explorer's independent rear suspension can develop alignment issues after hitting potholes.

Interior

The Explorer interior varies dramatically by trim. The base XLT uses cloth seats that hold up well but show staining from family use. The Limited and Platinum leather ages well but check the driver's seat bolster and the second-row seats for wear from child car seat installations: buckle scratches on the seat surface and impression marks from the car seat base. The third-row area is tight and the seat surfaces show less wear, but check the cargo floor behind the third row for scratches and staining.

Technology

The 2020-2022 Explorer uses Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment, while 2023+ models received SYNC 4 with a larger screen. Early 2020 Explorers had software issues including transmission hunting, rear camera glitches, and infotainment freezing. Check that the center screen powers on and displays correctly in listing photos. If the screen shows an update prompt, that is normal and not a defect.

What Dr. Vin Checks on an Explorer

Dr.Vin's AI evaluates the Explorer's large body panels for paint consistency, which is particularly revealing on the broad hood and D-pillar where respray blending is difficult. Wheel condition scoring accounts for the pothole-susceptible large wheel options. Interior assessment checks for family-use indicators including car seat wear patterns and cargo area condition. The assessment flags model-year-specific concerns: 2020 Explorers receive additional scrutiny due to the documented first-year quality issues.

How It Compares

The Explorer competes directly with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which offers a more premium interior and better off-road capability, and the Chevrolet Equinox for buyers who want a smaller and more fuel-efficient crossover. The Explorer's advantage is its three-row seating, strong towing capability (5,600 pounds with the 2.3T), and the ST variant's 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 for buyers who want performance in a family SUV.