Terrific Features of the Sixth-Generation Ford Explorer

As you’re shopping for a used vehicle, there are a lot of different details to keep track of, including the generation, model year, trim level, options, and much more. Trying to keep all of this straight can be difficult, especially if you’re not even sure what is available that you can find or what you should be looking for. When looking for the perfect used Ford Explorer for sale, everything becomes a lot easier when you have a dealership you know you can count on and have a good sense of what you want in your next ride. To help with that, let’s take a look at some of the great features you can find in a used Explorer from the last few years, focusing specifically on sixth-generation models.

What’s the Sixth-Generation Explorer All About?

Before we get into some specific features to look for, let’s take a moment to go over some basics first. The sixth generation for the Explorer kicked off with the 2020 model year and is still ongoing, with major updates for 2022 and a mid-generation refresh for the 2025 model. These are the three model years we will refer to most often, since they’re the major milestones so far in this generation. This three-row SUV is perfect for growing families, especially if you have kids who can ride in the back and take advantage of its seven-passenger seating. With plenty of different engines, trim levels, and more to choose from just in this generation, it’s a great model to focus on as you shop for a pre-owned SUV.

Impressive Performance and Great Engines

Let’s start by talking about performance and engines, because you can find a lot more here than you might expect in an SUV that’s so great for families. For starters, you can find four different engines in the 2020 Explorer, giving you a lot of freedom to get the performance you prefer. A 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine is standard throughout this generation, providing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for enhanced performance, then higher trims like the Platinum come with a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine with 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

A hybrid engine is available in 2020 models, which provides 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. However, it was discontinued after 2023. If bold performance is most important to you, look for an ST model, which features a specially-tuned version of the V6 engine that delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also, the update for the 2022 Explorer made this 400-hp version of the V6 engine available in the Platinum and King Ranch trims.

Gorgeous Exterior Details and Features

Beyond the impressive engines that are available, Ford has made the Explorer a family-friendly SUV that you’ll love driving around and having parked in your driveway. Looking at 2020 models, the XLT features 18-inch wheels that look great, numerous striking exterior color options, and a black mesh grille with chrome bars that make a gorgeous impression. Twenty-inch wheels are available, along with a twin-panel moonroof and more great features. The Limited trim features a silver front grille that immediately sets it apart from the XLT, with standard 20-inch wheels, chrome door handles, and more.

Along with its incredible engine, ST models feature bold looks thanks to a black mesh grille with its ST logo, standard 20-inch wheels, and quad chrome exhaust tips. You can find ST models with 21-inch wheels, plus other exterior details like high-gloss black and red letters for the badging and blackout details across the exterior. A 2020 Explorer Platinum comes with a satin-aluminum front grille, 20-inch wheels with 21-inch wheels available, and various gorgeous exterior colors. If you like the styling of the ST but are not interested in its powerful engine, look for a 2022 or later model, which introduces the ST-Line that includes black exterior accents and features, but with the standard I-4 powertrain.

Innovative Interior Features to Look For

Inside a used Ford Explorer from the last few years, you’ll find a beautiful array of features and options to enhance the time you spend on the road. Again, looking at a model from 2020, the XLT trim comes with a standard eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system, a 6.5-inch LCD productivity display in the instrument cluster, and Intelligent Access with push-button start. A ten-way power driver’s seat and four-way power front-passenger seat are standard in the XLT, along with second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort for your passengers. It also has cloth seating with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited trim gives you enhanced interior features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a ten-way power front-passenger seat, and memory settings for the driver’s seat.

Limited models add ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leather-trimmed seating. The ST features distinct details, including ST embroidery and logos throughout the cabin and a sport-style steering wheel with paddle shifters. A 10.1-inch portrait infotainment screen is available in the ST along with a 14-speaker B&O sound system. You’ll find luxury leather-trimmed seats and the twin-panel moonroof in the Platinum. If superior tech features are most important to you, then look for a 2025 Explorer, which is refreshed to include a standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system, 12.3-inch instrument screen, and much more.

Taking Safety Tech to the Next Level

Although there’s a lot to love about the sixth-generation Explorer, one of the best reasons to choose a model from 2020 or later is that Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on all trims. Every 2020 and newer Explorer comes with pre-collision assistance and automatic emergency brakes to help protect you and your passengers. You’ll also find a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keep assist system, and automatic high beam headlamps. As long as you’re shopping at a dealership that you can trust, with vehicles in great condition, you can count on these systems to still function.

Available options on these vehicles include a Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package that adds more features, like adaptive cruise control, to make daily driving less stressful. You can also find evasive steering assist on select models, as well as voice-activated navigation, which is available on most trims. A 2020 Explorer Platinum can have enhanced features like Active Park Assist 2.0, which makes getting in and out of parking spots easier, reverse brake assistance to help you avoid hitting objects while backing up, and adaptive headlamps that adjust as you drive to better illuminate the road.

Find Everything You Want in a Used Explorer

As you can see, the model year and trim level you look at can tremendously impact the features you find with a used Ford Explorer. This is why it’s so important that you do a bit of research to understand what’s out there, and then pay close attention to the details of any particular pre-owned model you find. It’s also why it helps to work with a dealership that puts your needs first and offers a terrific selection of used vehicles and friendly people ready to help you navigate all of your options. You’ll find both of these at our Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships, making it easier to find a great used vehicle you’ll love driving each day. All you have to do is decide on the features you need, then leave everything else to us.