2020 Ford Explorer — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Ford Explorer is an SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (3.3L 6-cyl), returning around 34 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Ford Explorer workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Ford Explorer: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 29 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2020: 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl. No longer listed: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo · 3.3L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S10) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 25 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 21 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2020 Ford Explorer across 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 28 mpg (US), or 23 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 277 | $3,350 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (S10) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/26) | 224 | $2,700 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (27/29) | 200 | $2,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Ford Explorer
Running Costs: 2020 Ford Explorer
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Ford Explorer at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 35 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (9), Power train (8), Seats (3). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seats — campaign 26V451000, reported 14 July 2026. Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Power train — campaign 26V402000, reported 24 June 2026. Risk: Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seat belts — campaign 26V159000, reported 17 March 2026. Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Visibility — campaign 26V117000, reported 3 March 2026. Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 35 campaigns.
Owners have filed 1229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas are Power train (494), Unspecified (208), Electrical system (184). Complaints include 36 reported crashes, 11 reported fires, 38 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 733 complaints across the 17 Ford Explorer model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Ford Explorer
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (8 recall campaigns · 494 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (184 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (115 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Seats (3 recall campaigns) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ford Explorer compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 29 mpg figure is 2 mpg better than that average. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 29 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 28 mpg average for Ford models in our database. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 25 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 17 Ford Explorer model years we cover, the 2020 is the most economical on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined). See every Ford Explorer year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 Ford Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Ford Explorer have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2020 Ford Explorer: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.3L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s10).
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 34 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 35 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (9), Power train (8), Seats (3). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Ford Explorer?
Among the 1,229 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (494 complaints), Unspecified (208 complaints), Electrical system (184 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ford Explorer's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.