When Ford redesigned the Explorer for 2020, it marked one of the most significant shifts in the model’s history. The sixth-generation Explorer moved to a rear-wheel-drive platform, gained new powertrains, and leaned heavily into advanced technology. At the very top of the range sits the 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum, a trim that combines the SUV’s rugged foundations with upscale luxury. For buyers who wanted everything—the muscle to tow, the refinement to cruise, and the technology to stay connected—the Platinum was Ford’s answer.
Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the 2020 Explorer Platinum is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. This unit produces a commanding 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is smooth power delivery, sharp acceleration for highway merges, and the ability to tow with confidence.
Unlike earlier Explorers, the 2020 model switched to a rear-wheel-drive based architecture with available intelligent four-wheel drive. This gave the Platinum improved handling balance and capability, especially for families planning camping trips or towing boats out of Ventura Harbor. When properly equipped, the Explorer Platinum can tow up to 5,600 lbs, which puts it ahead of many rivals in the three-row SUV category.
Fuel economy remains reasonable for a vehicle of its size and output: around 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway (about 13.1 L/100 km city / 9.8 L/100 km highway). While not hybrid-efficient, the numbers are fair considering the engine’s strength.
Exterior Styling
The 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum wears a confident, upscale look that sets it apart from lower trims. Up front, it features a unique satin-aluminum grille, LED headlights, and distinctive chrome accents. The side profile is long and lean, helped by a sloping roofline and 20-inch premium wheels. At the rear, quad exhaust tips signal the power under the hood, while the signature light bar design emphasizes its width.
Dimensionally, the Explorer measures 198.8 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.9 inches tall, offering commanding road presence without straying into the full-size SUV territory of an Expedition. For drivers in suburban and city areas, the Explorer Platinum strikes a balance between maneuverability and bold style.
Interior Comfort and Luxury
Step inside the Platinum, and the Explorer feels more like a premium European SUV than a family hauler. Tri-diamond perforated leather seats come standard, and both front seats are heated, ventilated, and massage-enabled. The second row can be configured with either captain’s chairs or a 40/20/40 split bench, while the third row offers power-folding seats for quick cargo reconfiguration.
Passenger capacity ranges from six to seven occupants, and Ford’s packaging ensures plenty of legroom. Cargo space is another strong point:
- 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row
- 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row
- A maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded
Whether it’s family road trips, Costco runs, or weekend sports gear, the Explorer Platinum adapts with ease.
Technology and Infotainment
Technology defines the Platinum trim. At the center of the cabin is a 10.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, running Ford’s SYNC 3 system. It’s paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which replaces traditional gauges with customizable displays.
Other standard highlights include:
- Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker premium audio system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless device charging
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
Practical tech features like Active Park Assist 2.0 allow the Explorer Platinum to park itself in tight parallel or perpendicular spots, while multiple USB ports ensure every passenger stays charged.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Ford equipped the Platinum with its most advanced safety package in 2020. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite comes standard, bringing:
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Keeping System
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Evasive Steering Assist
For families, these systems add significant peace of mind, especially on crowded freeways or during long trips up the Pacific Coast Highway. In government crash tests, the 2020 Explorer earned solid safety ratings, further underlining its family-friendly focus.
Comparison with Rivals
At its price point—starting around $61,330 USD when new—the 2020 Explorer Platinum competed directly with SUVs like the Buick Enclave Avenir, Acura MDX SH-AWD, and even entry versions of the Audi Q7.
Where the Ford stood out was in its towing capacity, its blend of muscle with luxury, and its abundance of standard features. While premium rivals often required option packages for massage seats or advanced park assist, the Platinum delivered them standard.
| Feature | 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum | 2020 Acura MDX | 2020 Audi Q7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (365 hp) | 3.5L V6 (290 hp) | 2.0L Turbo (248 hp) |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Towing | 5,600 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
| Touchscreen | 10.1-inch vertical | 8-inch | 10.1-inch |
| Audio | B&O Premium | ELS Studio | Audi Premium Sound |
| MSRP (USD) | $61,330 | $60,000 | $54,800 |
The table shows that Ford aimed to provide buyers with a luxury-level product without requiring them to step into the import market.
Driving Impressions
Behind the wheel, the Explorer Platinum delivers refinement that matches its looks. The twin-turbo engine feels confident at all speeds, with the 10-speed automatic keeping shifts nearly imperceptible. The suspension is tuned for comfort, making long highway drives from Los Angeles to Las Vegas a smooth experience.
Noise isolation is strong, thanks to laminated glass and active noise cancellation from the B&O sound system. While the Explorer is not a dedicated sport SUV, the rear-drive chassis gives it a surprisingly agile feel for its size. With AWD engaged, it inspires confidence on slick mountain roads or gravel trails.
Ownership and Value
Three years on, many used 2020 Explorer Platinum models can be found in the low-$20,000s to mid-$30,000s USD, depending on mileage and condition. This represents about 48% depreciation from its original MSRP, a figure in line with many luxury-positioned SUVs.
For used buyers, that means the Platinum can deliver a near-luxury experience, with high-end features and strong towing, at a fraction of its original cost. For families who want premium features without stretching into German luxury territory, the Platinum remains appealing.
Final Thoughts
The 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum is more than just the range-topper of the Explorer family—it’s Ford’s statement that American SUVs can be both rugged and refined. With a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, standard luxury features like massage seats and a premium sound system, and the flexibility of three rows and 87.8 cu. ft. of cargo space, it covers nearly every base.
For drivers seeking an SUV that combines muscle with modern comfort, the Explorer Platinum stands as one of the most compelling options in the 2020 midsize SUV market. Whether towing, commuting, or simply enjoying a premium cabin, the Platinum is proof that Ford knows how to build a luxury SUV without losing touch with capability.
Connect with us
