Joining their RWD sibling at the Chicago Assembly Plant, Explorer ST and Hybrid bring options in the SUV segment drivers are craving.
Ford Performance takes the most popular and best-selling SUV and tunes it up with a 3.0-liter Ecoboost® envisioned to launch 400 horsepower. The ST’s 413 ft-lb of torque tees it up on the track for a 143 mph top speed goal. Belt yourself and those kids in…it’s gonna be flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fun.
“We designed it to be an ST from the beginning,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief functional engineer. “There’s no mistaking its ST DNA. It has a performance feel with sustained performance capability and wears an unmistakably ST appearance. More than anything, it’s just a hell of a lot of fun to drive.”
The ST’s 10-speed transmission and standard four-wheel-drive combination pairs with traction control selection for a true custom driving experience.
Customize even more by adding an ST Street Pack or ST Track Pack that will upgrade wheel size to 21″ and provide the power to the pavement with a red caliper combination and brake upgrade to match the horsepower coming from under the hood.
Two additional standard features that might lure some to the ST lineup for the outdoor lifestyle that Ford is targeting with the new 2020: Class III Trailer Tow Package with Cargo Management System and Active Park Assist 2.0.
Now, for you hybrid conscious buyers out there, the Explorer Hybrid plans to cart you 500 miles or more on a tank of gas thanks to its all-new hybrid engine. 318 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at when targeted in the rear-wheel-drive model. Situating the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery centrally, cargo and passenger space remains a priority. Its 10 speed-modular hybrid transmission adds yet another layer to this eco-friendly SUV.
“Reduced cargo space in hybrids is a thing of the past for Ford customers,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer.
Limited Trim brings Active Noise Cancellation, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+™, leather seats with second row heating, premium B & O sound, wireless charging pad and 10-way adjustable front seats. Fuel saving doesn’t have to mean spartan.
ST and Hybrid join the base, XLT, Limited and Premium lines out of Chicago.
Ford markets “family”.
The new 2020 Explorer ST and Hybrid are siblings that add their special talents to the group. Hopefully they will be over-achievers.
Ford is banking on it.
*The 2020 Ford Explorer, ST and Hybrid were revealed to the public this month and will be available at dealerships later this year.
*Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
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