2020 Ford Explorer ST… Sporty but RWD? What Do You Think?

Car & Driver just put out an article about the 2020 Ford Explorer ST, saying it’ll likely have a rear-wheel-drive setup.

They also mention that Ford is improving interior space, but with the switch back to RWD, does that really make sense?

Would love to hear what you all think about the design and what this means for the Explorer lineup.

I find it interesting that Car & Driver says:

“…we’re all but certain the new crossover will make better use of its available interior space relative to the present model.”

Even if Ford improves interior packaging with thinner pillars and better design, switching back to a RWD platform will likely cancel out any gains. The drivetrain alone takes up more room.

Anyone else think the same?

@Dallas
Exactly what I was thinking!

Regardless of the next-generation Explorer’s favored drive wheels, we’re all but certain the new crossover will make better use of its available interior space relative to the present model.

They don’t cite a source, just make an assumption. I hope they’re right, though. If anything, this new Explorer should be an improvement over the current cramped setup and a decent replacement for the Flex (which Ford is killing off in 2020 with no replacement).

The current Explorer already has a subpar third row compared to other full-size crossovers like the Traverse. Even some midsize three-row SUVs, like the Pilot, have comparable third rows.

I love that Ford is making the Explorer sportier, but I hope they don’t forget that it’s supposed to be a comfortable family hauler too.

@Kai
Wait, the Flex is still being made until 2020?! That thing is ancient. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a new-looking one on the road.

Ashby said:
@Kai
Wait, the Flex is still being made until 2020?! That thing is ancient. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a new-looking one on the road.

My friend JUST bought one brand new. :joy:

@Noe
[deleted]

Dallas said:
@Noe
[deleted]

???

Ashby said:
@Kai
Wait, the Flex is still being made until 2020?! That thing is ancient. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a new-looking one on the road.

Yeah, the platform is over a decade old. It peaked at 39k sales in 2009, but now it barely cracks 20k. Meanwhile, the Explorer—which is similar in size—sells over 200k a year. I get why they’re discontinuing it, but why wait so long?

@Dallas
Totally agree. From the rear three-quarter view, this Explorer looks lower than before, with a sloping roof and shorter windows. Combine that with rear passengers sitting on top of the rear suspension and driveshafts/differential, and headroom plus rear visibility is likely worse than before.

@Neo
AWD is already available on current Explorers, so I doubt the rear passenger space will be that different.

Ira said:
@Neo
AWD is already available on current Explorers, so I doubt the rear passenger space will be that different.

While true, the current engine setup is transverse, which saves space. A longitudinal layout in the new model will likely take up more interior space in the first and second rows. Third row? Probably the same.

@Neo
It is lower. I’ve stood next to one.

@Dallas
The current Explorer has a surprisingly cramped interior for its footprint. Even with the switch to RWD, Ford could still improve space since there’s so much inefficiency in the current design.

A RWD-based platform mainly impacts two things: needing a longer hood (for a longitudinal engine) and maybe a slightly higher floor for the driveshaft. But in an SUV, neither of those are huge issues. There’s definitely room for improvement over the current model.

Pretty sure the new Explorer shares its platform with the new Aviator, meaning it’s got a longitudinal engine and a rear-biased AWD setup.

(Edit: Fixed grammar.)

This thing actually looks really good.

Can someone please explain what a ‘crossover’ is? Because I feel like the definition keeps shifting.

Ainsley said:
Can someone please explain what a ‘crossover’ is? Because I feel like the definition keeps shifting.

A crossover is basically a mix between a sedan and an SUV. My rule of thumb: if it looks awkward and I can’t tell what it’s trying to be, it’s a crossover. Examples:

  • Toyota RAV4
  • Mazda CX-5
  • BMW X series
  • Mercedes GLA

Ainsley said:
Can someone please explain what a ‘crossover’ is? Because I feel like the definition keeps shifting.

So what are the ZDX and Crosstour? Hatchbacks?

Toryn said:

Ainsley said:
Can someone please explain what a ‘crossover’ is? Because I feel like the definition keeps shifting.

So what are the ZDX and Crosstour? Hatchbacks?

I’d call those ‘shy crossovers.’ :joy:

I’ll take mine with a 10-speed and a Coyote V8. What’s that, Ford? No? Grrrr. :angry:

Seriously though, this thing is shaping up to be nice. The silhouette has a Range Rover vibe, and the new architecture under both the Aviator and Explorer is looking more promising with each new detail.

Still… RWD/AWD 5.0L V8 crossover? Please, Ford… pleeeeease. :pray: