Ford Motor Company is widely expected to launch an all-new Ford Explorer, a model that will take on GM’s Chevrolet Traverse in the full-size, mainstream crossover segment. And not only will the new Explorer be based on a new rear-drive platform, but it will also have a new 2020 Explorer ST variant for those looking for more performance – something that the Traverse simply does not offer.
New spy photos, captured by our sister site Ford Authority, show the 2020 Explorer ST undergoing testing. The model will replace the current-generation Explorer Sport in the Explorer lineup. The new Explorer ST is expected to be powered by one of two turbo-charged six-cylinder engines: a high-output variant of the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost V6 making at least 325 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque, or the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 making 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Both gearboxes are expected to be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission (co-developed with GM) driving all for wheels via an all-wheel-drive system.
Meanwhile, the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse is offered with two far less-powerful engines: the naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY (310 horsepower / 266 pound-feet of torque) is the standard motor, while the turbo-charged 2.0L I4 LTG (257 horsepower / 295 pound-feet of torque) is exclusive to the Traverse RS. Both motors are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, with all-wheel-drive being an option.
http://fordauthority.com/2018/12/fords-2020-explorer-st-spied-testing-with-minimal-camouflage/
The Traverse’s competitive disadvantage compared to the upcoming 2020 Explorer ST is evident in those numbers alone. But that’s not all. The other big news is that Ford is switching the 2020 Explorer to an all-new architecture that will enable a longitudinal powertrain orientation and rear-wheel-drive, though the Explorer ST will likely have an AWD system as standard. Both factors should translate to a very healthy front-rear weight distribution, making Ford’s offering more pleasant to drive – especially in turning.
The availability of a higher-performing model variant, along with a proper 50-50 front-rear weight distribution, will likely continue the trend of Explorer consistently outselling Traverse, while carrying the title of America’s best-selling full-size crossover SUV.
Another factor contributing to the Explorer consistently outselling the Traverse is a strategic decision by Ford to offer a model dedicated to police duty. Called the Police Interceptor Utility, police-specific Explorer variant is the best-selling crossover for police fleets. Meanwhile, Chevy has not offered the Traverse for police duty, something that probably won’t change much in the near future.
At the end of the day, Chevrolet’s inability to offer a single sporty or performance-crossover SUV in its lineup is not only puzzling, but downright troubling – especially given the ongoing rise in the popularity of crossover utility vehicles.
In the meantime, head on over to Ford Authority to see the latest 2020 Explorer ST spy shots.
Comments
That’s what I call a proper drivetrain. These car sizes require at least 400hp 400lb-ft. Travers engine is a joke.
Well, there will be a Tahoe, and it will be a bit bigger than this.
I’m expecting to be amazing.
The Tahoe is an Expedition rival. The full-size BOF SUVs are in a whole different segment that the Traverse/Explorer, and deliver a notably different kind of driving and ownership experience.
Not everyone wants/needs a Tahoe sized vehicle. Sad GM has not had anything in this segment since the Trailblazer SS (GMT360) ten years ago. The Explorer may be a very viable option when I get my next SUV next year.
People cross shop the Tahoe/Durango now. They will definitely be more similar when GM gets the new generation IRS setup.
Body on frame just means it might tow a bit more when properly equipped.
There is extremely minimal cross shopping between Tahoe and Durango. Durango is most often crossed with Traverse… cross sale report is your friend… but what you’re saying is a fallacy.
Chevy should’ve made the new for 2018 Equinox the Captiva instead, save the Equinox name for the 2019 Blazer, and then offered a Colorado-based IFS/IRS Blazer/Trailblazer sized similiar to the Grand Cherokee, Approx. 115″ wheelbase, approx. 195″ long, then Chevy could offer a ZR2 and an RST (with available RST performance pkg, or bring back the SS).
One rumor has that when ford announced the new aviator 3.0 400 hp 400 Tq engine it wasn’t said that it’s lincoln exclusive. I would bet that engine will be found in the ST maybe scaled down a couple ponies to differentiate them.
Who needs a true performance SUV/Crossover when your two main rivals will now offer one? Another in a long line of examples of GM leaving money on the table. It’s really hard to be a GM guy when they don’t offer the products you are looking for and their main rivals do.
Lets just be honest. GM basically has no Niche Product. They have the Camaro and Vette and that is pretty much it.
No Raptor Fighter
No Wrangler Fighter
No Real Tesla fighter. Not even from Cadillac
No Roadster
No Luxury Convertible let alone a roadster
No Hot Hatch
No Civic/Corolla fighter now
No performance CUV’s. Not even from Cadillac
I would add the Colorado zr2 as a niche product. It’s a shame the won’t even do more niche variants of existing cars. How hard would it be to put in a lt4 or lt5 in a silverado/sierra? Or to put the 2.7l 4cyl in the canyon Denali?
True the Colorado Zr2 is a niche vehicle. My bad.
Wasn’t that Buick’s angle? “Fill in the white spaces?” (aka ‘niche’)?
So LaCrosse, Verano, gone. On deck: Regal, Cascada, Envision (depending on politics).
So instead of a ‘fill in the gaps nicely’ marque, they could conceivably be down to two models in the US in short order.
The ‘new’ LaCrosse was outselling Lexus when it launched in 2010. (Granted, Lexus was going through their unintended acceleration problems).
But still – other than Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade, and trucks, it’s hard to see how GM competes in this market.
Not to sound like a jerk but what vehicle does Buick offer that is a Niche vehicle?
Maybe the Regal as it has a hatch?
You forgot no Benz S/BMW 7 Rival
Very true.
I forgot….No Four Door Coupe either.
GMA posters
“GM should do its own thing, stop trying to copy BMW, Toyota, Land Rover etc etc etc …..”
Same posters
“OMG GM isn’t making the exact same car that this other company is making at this very minute…..why are they so stupid. They’re going to go bankrupt tomorrow AUGHHHHHHH!!!!”
This place is funny, its like watching a bi-polar person on crack argue with themselves while they punch themselves in the face……..
They are missing a few profitable opportunities that others are exploiting. I hope it is not another situation in the future we have already seen; Too many products right on top of each other that lead to “too many mouths to feed”. Witness Oldsmobile, Pontiac, etc.
Yeah we are the ones that are wrong huh? There is a Formula to all of this. Especially in the Luxury World.
How well is GM doing vs. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, and Honda again? Obviously excluding Trucks.
GM turned into a Truck Company again. And the new Silverado interior is a complete Joke. The Ram 1500 almost outsold it last month in sales. Missed by a couple hundred units. Let that sink in for a little bit. The Ram 1500 almost outsold the Silverado. GM is in a bad funk and they need to snap out of it or become irreverent again.
Start by offering Niche models to make more money and get people intrigued by your product again.
Then for their Futures sake, make better quality interiors. Hard Plastics will not cut it anymore. Period!!!
GM posts quarterly sales. Where did you get their sales figures from last month?
You do realize there’s entities that keep track of such things correct? Silverado is just not up to par and everyone here knows it no matter how much we do not want to admit it.
They went all out on the exterior (well except for not offering a Panoramic Roof like the competition does for some stupid reason, we all know why though) and put almost no effort in the interior as far as design goes and especially materials used.
So, where did you get them?
If I remember correctly it was Autoline. So don’t worry it wasn’t on some site that isn’t reputable. Everyone here Deep Down knows that the new GM 1500’s are not up to par with the Ram 1500. It is sad to say and admit. I expected much more from GM but the Beancounters that are running the company again won out once more. GM better start listening and do things right,
Very well said. GM manufactures the Tahoe, Yukon and Suburban. Those three vehicles have ancient chases and they ride like it. I forgot the Escalade but it is the same drive chases. The Chevy Traverse is out dated and sells poorly. That leaves the Equinox, a good seller but it trails the Ford Escape.
GM doesn’t care about the new Explorer.
GM now builds cars for China.
If they can sell them to Americans, that’s icing on the cake for them.
Bingo – GM is basically a Chinese car company now … China is calling the shots now.
Yet the Traverse is not sold in China. There goes that theory.
GM is focusing in trucks and SUVs.
Nice.
But no Wrangler-fighter.
No Raptor-fighter.
No performance SUV.
Bizarre Silverado HD.
Bizarre 1500 interior.
What should we expect?
I thought Mary Barra said GM was focusing on electrification and autonomous vehicles. I’m pretty sure she said that right after she announced she was canceling GM’s electric-hybrid Volt and their only autonomous car; the CT6 SuperCruise. She didn’t say anything about trucks. No focus there.
Mary Bara is focused on sucking d i c ks
How does one get banned here?
Asking for a friend……
Seriously, are the no admins or moderators here, do we have to tolerate 12 year old bs?
MrR, I agree with you on that one. Just a bit far.
I can’t think of a GM car that I want as a viable family hauler.
Besides the Tahoe, and the Vette, what car does GM make that is class leading hands down?
No viable competitor? Shouldn’t that omission fall on leaderships plate? I guess somewhere at GM Mary and her band of gutless cronies are preparing a statement telling us we don’t like a vehicle like this and showing us another FWD crossover made in China.
I would have never thought the day would come that Ford wins the truck wars and now the SUV wars.
GM was always the auto innovator now Mary is letting GM fail . Mary and her cronies must go . GM now is caught with their pants down and everyone else is gaining ..
GM needs a type of CEO who can act the part in public like Bara does but behind closed doors will not allow the Bean Counters to completely run everything within the company.
You mean a guy like Bob Lutz was.
Yes behind closed doors but as much as I loved Bob Luz he was a little too outspoken with the Media. I personally do not mind that but there has to be someone that is in the meddle. GM desperately needs someone like that.
This is another mistake by General Motors CEO Mary Barra.. this latest lapse demonstrates that Barra simply doesn’t know the business and GM’s Board of Directors need to do what is necessary, fire Barra and hired someone who understands the business and knows what products should be built.
And yet when I commented on here months ago that I was hoping the Blazer would be that vehicle, a body on frame SUV with some offroading prowess, a small third row, and an available small diesel, basically more like the Blazer Colorado, I received a ton of thumbs down.