2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

A 2020 Ford Explorer side by side a 2019 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV that has a lot to offer. This mid-size SUV is available as a 2020 and 2019 model, but which one is right for your family? We will make a complete 2020 Ford Explorer vs. 2019 Ford Explorer comparison so you can get the SUV that fits your need. Our 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer evaluation looks at pricing, configurations, trim levels, safety ratings, mpg, and towing capacity.

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Highlights |2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Not only does the 2020 Ford Explorer have potent powertrain options, but also a long list of helpful safety features. The 2019 Ford Explorer is known for its space and comfortable ride.

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Price | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

When both of these were new models, they offered similar starting prices. The 2020 Ford Explorer MSRP was $36,675 brand-new, while the 2019 Ford Explorer starting price was $32,365.

Changes |2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer starts a new generation, so there have been plenty of changes. Prior to 2020, the Explorer used a front-wheel-drive platform, which has now been altered to a rear-wheel-drive setup. This significant change increases the towing capacity and allows for better handling. Inside the cabin, there are also some other changes, including the option to seat six occupants with some trims.

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Trim Levels | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2019 Ford Explorer is available in five trim levels.

Base
XLT
Limited
Sport
Platinum

With the 2020 Ford Explorer, both the Base and Sport trims were discontinued, but the automaker added the ST.

XLT
Limited
ST
Platinum

Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The first hybrid model from this lineup was the 2020 Ford Explorer. It comes equipped with a 318-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 and electric motor. Not only does it feature a 500-mile range with its 18-gallon fuel tank, but it also boasts of 28 MPGe combined.

Interior seating comparison between a 2020 and a 2019 Ford Explorer

MPG | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Even with the changes between the 2020 and 2019 Ford Explorer, fuel economy ratings remain similar. A 2020 Ford Explorer equipped with the base engine and rear-wheel-drive will produce 21/28 mpg. Adding four-wheel-drive will change the numbers to 20/27 mpg. By adding the twin-turbo V6 motor, the estimates are 18/24 mpg. The 2019 Ford Explorer, with its base V6, receives ratings of 17/24 mpg while the EcoBoost achieves 19/27 mpg instead.

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Performance | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

There are four powertrain options with a 2020 Ford Explorer. Choose the 300-horsepower turbo-four, either of the twin-turbocharged V6 motors or the hybrid vehicle. All four of these engines come with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Ford Explorer only offers three engine choices. There is the 290-horsepower V6, a 280-horsepower EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, and the 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6. Each of these comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Towing Capacity | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2019 Ford Explorer towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds, while the 2020 Explorer tows a maximum of 5,600 pounds instead.

Cargo Space | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

There is more cargo room in the 2020 Ford Explorer. Behind the rear seats, you get 18.2 cubic feet of room, while the 2019 Ford Explorer offers 21 cubic feet. Behind the second row, the 2020 Ford Explorer offers 47.9 cubic feet, while the 2019 Explorer has 43.9 cubic feet. In total, the 2020 Ford Explorer provides 87.8 cubic feet, compared to the 81.7 cubic feet in the 2019 Ford Explorer.

Cargo space comparison between the 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Dimensions | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer dimensions measure 199″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H, which is only slightly larger than the 2019 Ford Explorer, which measures 198″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H.

Technology & Amenities | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Both Explorer models come equipped with plenty of tech features. With the 2019 Explorer, look for a 4.2-inch display screen, a USB port, and Bluetooth. However, the 2020 Explorer models offer an eight-inch or 10.1-inch touch screen in place of the smaller one from previous SUVs.

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Interior Design | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

Both the 2020 and 2019 Ford Explorer offer lots of soft-touch materials and premium features. The 2019 Ford Explorer has 151.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the 2020 Ford Explorer passenger volume is rated slightly higher at 152.7 cubic feet.

Seating | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

While both the 2020 and 2019 Ford Explorer offer room for six or seven occupants, it's done differently in each model. The 2020 Ford Explorer comes standard with six-passenger seating with the option to upgrade to seven-passenger. However, the 2019 Explorer comes standard with a second-row bench seat, but you can opt for captain's chairs instead.

Exterior | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

While the 2020 Ford Explorer is slightly larger than the previous model, the overall design remains relatively unchanged.

Color Options | 2020 vs. 2019 Ford Explorer

There are several color options available with both models.