Hey everyone! I’m looking for advice from 2020+ owners:
How’s your experience been? Which trim and engine do you have?
I’ve read that the engines in the newer models are mounted parallel to the chassis. Has that been beneficial in any noticeable ways?
And if you upgraded from a model known for water pump issues, was it worth the jump?
My 2019 Platinum is at 89k miles and showing early signs that it’ll need another water pump soon. I love the car, but I’m not sure I want to spend $4k on a repair that might only get me another 40-80k miles.
I started with a 2020 XLT that had a transmission failure at 10k miles, but Ford bought it back under the lemon law. Then I got a 2020 Limited—amazing car, and my wife loved it. No issues, and the 2.3 engine had plenty of power, super comfortable, and easy tech.
Now, we’ve got a 2025 ST, and it’s fantastic. The tech is even better, and the power is way more than we actually need, but it’s fun. Handling is top-notch, too. Overall, really happy with all my 2020+ Explorers.
I’ve got a 2020 Platinum. Only had one major issue, but my extended warranty took care of it. I’m planning to keep it until the warranty runs out around 110k miles. Right now, I’m at 68k.
Oli said:
I’ve got a 2020 Platinum. Only had one major issue, but my extended warranty took care of it. I’m planning to keep it until the warranty runs out around 110k miles. Right now, I’m at 68k.
Sounds like you might’ve gotten bad parts or a poor install. I’ve got 235k miles on my original water pump in a 2015 3.5 NA. There are upgraded pumps out there. If you decide to keep it, maybe consider a remanufactured engine with an upgraded pump. It’s only about $1-2k more, and you get a fresh engine that’s ‘bulletproofed.’
We’ve had a 2019 XLT, a 2021 XLT, and now a 2022 Limited. I liked the older generation, but this new one is better in just about every way. I was skeptical at first, but now I wouldn’t go back. Even with the 4-cylinder and 4WD, we’re averaging around 22-24 mpg.
I’ve had a 2020 Platinum for about a year, and it’s had some electronic issues. Needed a new battery right away, and then the transmission got stuck in neutral a few months later due to a module update. My passenger blindspot and cross-traffic sensors have been out for six months, but since it’s my daily driver, I haven’t taken it in yet. Sometimes the 360 cameras glitch, but that could be because I haven’t done the backup camera recall.
Other than those quirks, it drives great. No mechanical issues, and it’s comfortable. Oh, and if you have an Android phone, don’t use it with Motorola’s Android Auto. It only works maybe 20% of the time for me.
We’ve got a 2020 ST. It’s a blast to drive with tons of power, maybe even too much. I’d actually suggest going for a 2021 or newer, though. We needed a new engine at 40k miles, but it was covered by the drivetrain warranty. Also replaced all the cameras and the wireless charger under Ford’s extended warranty. Had some issues with coolant hoses, too, but they finally sorted it.
We also have a 2023 Limited Hybrid. No issues with it, except for a leaking rear differential that was fixed under warranty.
What are the early signs of a water pump failing? My 2019 just hit 70k, and I still have the extended warranty, so I want to catch it before it’s too late.
