The 2020 model year brought the sixth-generation Ford Explorer, a redesign that moved the midsize SUV to Ford's rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 unibody platform, shared with the Lincoln Aviator. This reversed the front-wheel-drive-based layout of the 2011-2019 Explorer: the sixth-generation Explorer is rear-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available across the range. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, rated at 300 horsepower, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is offered in higher trims. The performance ST uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 tuned to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the most powerful production Explorer to that point. The 2020 redesign also introduced the first Explorer hybrid, which pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of about 318 horsepower. The sixth-generation Explorer keeps three rows of seating and is offered in trims spanning the base, XLT, Limited, Platinum, ST, and the hybrid. Ford refreshed the sixth-generation Explorer for the 2025 model year with revised styling, a new interior with updated technology, and a simplified trim lineup, and the generation has continued into the mid-2020s.
The 2020-2026 Ford Explorer at a glance
- Generation: sixth-generation Ford Explorer, redesigned for 2020
- Years: 2020 to the mid-2020s; the generation remains in production
- Platform: rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 unibody platform, shared with the Lincoln Aviator; rear-wheel drive by default with all-wheel drive available
- Engines: 2.3L EcoBoost I4 (300 hp); 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6; 3.3L hybrid V6 (about 318 hp combined)
- Performance trim: Explorer ST, with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 tuned to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft
- Electrification: the first Explorer hybrid, a 3.3-liter V6 paired with an electric motor
- 2025 refresh: revised styling, a new interior with updated technology, and a simplified trim lineup
- Seating: three rows, seating up to seven
Ford Explorer 2020-2026 year by year
| Year | Ford Explorer changes | Engines offered |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Sixth-generation Ford Explorer arrives on the rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 platform; the 400-horsepower ST and the first Explorer hybrid join the lineup | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, 400 hp; Platinum); 3.3L hybrid V6 |
| 2021 | The 2021 Ford Explorer carried over the CD6 lineup with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and the hybrid | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum); 3.3L hybrid V6 |
| 2022 | The 2022 Ford Explorer continued the sixth-generation lineup with the EcoBoost engines and the hybrid | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum); 3.3L hybrid V6 |
| 2023 | The 2023 Ford Explorer carried over the sixth-generation lineup ahead of the 2025 refresh; 2023 was the final model year for the retail Explorer Hybrid | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum); 3.3L hybrid V6 |
| 2024 | The 2024 Ford Explorer carried over the pre-refresh sixth-generation design on the CD6 platform | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum) |
| 2025 | The Ford Explorer received a refresh for the 2025 model year with revised styling, a new interior with updated technology, and a simplified trim lineup | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum) |
| 2026 | The 2026 Ford Explorer continued the refreshed sixth-generation design; for the 2026 model year the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 output was revised with the adoption of a gasoline particulate filter | 2.3L EcoBoost I4; 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (ST, Platinum) |
Back to a rear-drive-based platform
The 2020 Ford Explorer moved the midsize SUV to Ford's rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 unibody platform, shared with the Lincoln Aviator. This reversed the layout of the 2011-2019 Explorer, which used a front-wheel-drive-based unibody platform. The sixth-generation Explorer is rear-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available across the lineup. Ford described the rear-drive-based architecture as improving driving dynamics and enabling higher-performance variants, while the Explorer kept its three-row, seven-seat layout.
EcoBoost engines and the 400-horsepower ST
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer uses turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is offered in higher trims. The performance variant is the Explorer ST, which uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 tuned to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production Explorer to that point. For the 2026 model year, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 output was revised in connection with the adoption of a gasoline particulate filter.
The first Explorer hybrid
The 2020 redesign introduced the first hybrid in the Explorer's history. The Explorer Hybrid pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of about 318 horsepower. Unlike a plug-in hybrid, the Explorer Hybrid is a conventional hybrid that does not require external charging. The hybrid was offered alongside the EcoBoost engines as a fuel-economy-oriented option in the sixth-generation lineup.
Trims and the 2025 refresh
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer is offered in trims spanning the base, XLT, Limited, Platinum, and the performance ST, along with the Hybrid offered through the 2023 model year. Ford refreshed the Explorer for the 2025 model year with revised exterior styling, a new interior with updated technology, including a larger infotainment display, and a simplified trim lineup; the 2023 and 2024 model years were carryover, pre-refresh years. The Police Interceptor Utility, the law-enforcement version of the Explorer, also continued on the sixth-generation platform.
Frequently asked questions
What platform is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer built on?
The 2020-2026 Ford Explorer is built on Ford's rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 unibody platform, shared with the Lincoln Aviator. It is rear-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available, reversing the front-wheel-drive-based layout of the 2011-2019 Explorer.
What engines does the sixth-generation Ford Explorer use?
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four rated at 300 horsepower, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 in higher trims and the ST, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with a combined output of about 318 horsepower.
How powerful is the Ford Explorer ST?
The Ford Explorer ST uses the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 tuned to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production Explorer to that point. The ST was introduced with the sixth generation for 2020.
Is there a hybrid Ford Explorer?
Yes. The sixth-generation Ford Explorer introduced the first Explorer hybrid for 2020. It pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of about 318 horsepower and is a conventional hybrid that does not require external charging.
What changed in the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer received a refresh of the sixth generation with revised exterior styling, a new interior with updated technology, including a larger infotainment display, and a simplified trim lineup, while continuing on the CD6 platform. The 2023 and 2024 model years were carryover, pre-refresh years.
Sources
- Ford factory specification sheets and press materials for the 2020-present Explorer
- Wikipedia, Ford Explorer (sixth generation) and Ford CD6 platform
- Ford Explorer ST and Explorer Hybrid powertrain references
Asked all the time
What platform is the 2020-2026 Ford Explorer built on?
The 2020-2026 Ford Explorer is built on Ford's rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 unibody platform, shared with the Lincoln Aviator. It is rear-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available, reversing the front-wheel-drive-based layout of the 2011-2019 Explorer.
What engines does the sixth-generation Ford Explorer use?
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four rated at 300 horsepower, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 in higher trims and the ST, and a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with a combined output of about 318 horsepower.
How powerful is the Ford Explorer ST?
The Ford Explorer ST uses the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 tuned to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production Explorer to that point. The ST was introduced with the sixth generation for 2020.
Is there a hybrid Ford Explorer?
Yes. The sixth-generation Ford Explorer introduced the first Explorer hybrid for 2020. It pairs a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of about 318 horsepower and is a conventional hybrid that does not require external charging.
What changed in the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Ford Explorer received a refresh of the sixth generation with revised exterior styling, a new interior with updated technology, including a larger infotainment display, and a simplified trim lineup, while continuing on the CD6 platform. The 2023 and 2024 model years were carryover, pre-refresh years.
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