SUVSince 1990

Ford Explorer

America's original family adventure SUV, built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture with high-output EcoBoost turbocharged engines, standard Ford Co-Pilot360, and up to 5,600 lbs towing capacity.

Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Ford Explorer is a suv featuring powertrains delivering from 280 to 400 horsepower, achieving up to 25 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with AWD and FWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds 33 active NHTSA safety recall campaigns.

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Verified Press Vehicle

Ford Explorer SUV2020 Spec

Years

1990 - present

Power

280 - 400 hp

Best MPG

25 MPG

2020 Recalls

33 campaigns

Complaints

1240 filed

01At a glance

Ford Explorer by the numbers

Topic	Ford Explorer	Detail
Power range	280 - 400 hp	6 powertrains verified
EPA fuel economy	18 - 25 MPG	Combined cycle, best trim
Recalls (2020)	33	Open NHTSA safety campaigns
Complaints (2020)	1240	POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel types	Petrol, Hybrid	AWD, FWD drivetrains
Generations indexed	2	Each with full spec sheet
Dimensions (latest)	5049 x 2004 x 1775 mm	L x W x H, 3025 mm wheelbase

03Active safety

2020 Ford Explorer open recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

19V859000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. Over time, the protective sleeve on the vapor fuel line may chafe through the plastic liquid fuel line and cause a fuel leak.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a longer protective sleeve on the liquid fuel line, as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners and interim notification on January 29, 2020. Recall began March 23, 2020. A second notice will be sent once parts are available, expected to be late in the first quarter of 2020. A renotification letter was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S49.

ENGINE

20V788000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The right hand motor mount fasteners may have been incorrectly tightened, and may loosen over time.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove and replace the right hand motor mount fasteners, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S72.

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V154000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The rear lower control arm (RLCA) bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the wheel knuckles may not have been heat-treated, which could cause them to break.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace both RLCA bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S11.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

21V735000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.

Fix: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S44.

Check your VIN for recalls View on NHTSA

05Pick your year

Ford Explorer generations

U625In production

Explorer VI (U625)

2020 – present

300–400 hpPetrol/Hybrid

U502Discontinued

Explorer V (U502)

2011 – 2019

280–365 hpPetrol

05Generation comparison matrix

Compare all Ford Explorer generations

Specification	Explorer VI (U625)2020 – present (U625)	Explorer V (U502)2011 – 2019 (U502)
Power Output	300 – 400 hp	280 – 365 hp
EPA Fuel Economy	Up to 25 MPG combined	Up to 22 MPG combined
Quickest 0–100 km/h	5.2s	5.9s
Exterior Dimensions	5049 × 2004 × 1775 mm	5037 × 2004 × 1778 mm
Wheelbase	3025 mm	2860 mm
Powertrains Verified	3 trims	3 trims
Full Specs	View spec sheet	View spec sheet

Smart Value & Budget Pick

Explorer V (U502)

Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.

Explore Explorer V (U502)specs →

Technology & Modern Pick

Explorer VI (U625)

Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.

Explore Explorer VI (U625)specs →

06Answers

Ford Explorer: what buyers ask

How many recalls does the Ford Explorer have?

The 2020 Ford Explorer has 33 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.

What MPG does the Ford Explorer get?

Across verified powertrains, the Explorer achieves 18 to 25 MPG combined (EPA cycle).

How much horsepower does the Ford Explorer have?

Power ranges from 280 hp to 400 hp across 6 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol, Hybrid fuel types.

What are common Ford Explorer problems?

NHTSA has 1240 owner complaints on file for the 2020 model year, most frequently involving POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 37 involved a crash.

How many generations does the Ford Explorer have?

We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 1990 to the present.

07Compare