2020 Ford Explorer Will Supposedly Return To Its SUV Roots

Now that Ford has launched the reborn Ranger pickup truck, attention will begin to turn towards the upcoming Bronco SUV. However, that's not the only Ford SUV we should be looking forward to. The Truth About Cars has found out the completely redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer will ride on the automaker's also new modular CD6 platform, a flexible architecture that allows for front, rear-, and all-wheel-drive. The sixth-generation Explorer will feature standard rear-wheel drive while all-wheel drive will very likely be optional.

TTAC also claims the 2020 Explorer will be offered with a choice of four engines. The only one to carry-over from today's model is the 2.3-liter turbo four. The current 3.5-liter V6, right now the most popular choice among Explorer buyers, will be dropped in favor of the F-150's 3.3-liter V6. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 found in the Explorer Sport will also be dropped. Its replacement will come directly from the Lincoln MKZ and Continental: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that's good for 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. So instead of a new Explorer Sport, there could be an Explorer ST. Lastly, there will be a hybrid option and Ford predicts this will be the most popular choice for the next Explorer Interceptor police vehicle.

Expect Ford to offer a 10-speed automatic transmission, the same one used in the F-150 and refreshed Mustang. Lincoln is also set to receive its own version of the next Explorer, and TTAC was told just two engines will be offered: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 will be standard, while a plug-in hybrid version of that engine will be optional. A Ford inside source claims the latter will be even more fuel efficient than any existing Energi-badged models. Okay, so it doesn't appear the sixth-gen Explorer will be going back to a body-on-frame setup (that's what the new Bronco will be for), but we never expected it to. We can live with that. But if TTAC's report proves to be true, then a RWD-based Explorer is the next best thing.