Updated with additional photography by Dan Heyman
Ford today followed up last week's reveal of its redesigned Explorer with the announcement of two new versions of the mid-size utility: a gas-electric hybrid variant and an ST performance model. Ford says the latter is its "most powerful and fun-to-drive" utility ever.
Explorer ST uses a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine shared with lesser Explorer trims but tuned for 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, a bonus of 35 hp and 35 lb-ft. Ford says its top-speed target for the ST is 230 km/h.
A 10-speed transmission puts that power to all four wheels. Options will include ST Track and Street packages, both of which will wrap 21-inch wheels around larger brakes with red painted calipers. Explorer ST takes advantage of the new model's improved towing capacity with a standard Class III tow package.
Inside, all Explorer ST models will come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a heated, flat-bottom steering wheel and perforated leather seating with silver accent stitching and ST logos.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Explorer Hybrid, which matches a 3.3L V6 and 10-speed transmission with electric power for a total of 318 hp. Ford says a "specially-designed" lithium-ion battery lives under the second-row seat and doesn't intrude on interior space.
Explorer Hybrid will come in a single Limited trim level that will be standard with Ford's Co-Pilot Assist+ driver assist suite, perforated leather seating, heated second-row seats, 14-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging and 10-way electric front seats.
The 2020 Ford Explorer is set to go on sale this fall.
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