The Car Guide’s 2020 Best Buys: Ford Explorer
Every year, The Car Guide publishes its Best Buys in nearly 30 different vehicle categories. Today we continue our review of the 2020 winners with a look at midsize SUVs, a market segment often dominated by the Japanese. Well, surprise, an American model trumps all of them this year.
The next-generation Ford Explorer (MSRP from $45,199) boasts a sleek new design that still manages to look familiar, a technologically advanced cabin with an available 10.1-inch touchscreen powered by a user-friendly infotainment system, fantastic front seats and standard Co-Pilot360 safety suite.
- Also: 2020 Ford Explorer: Five-pronged Attack
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The Explorer further stands out in the powertrain department. The base engine is now a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower. There’s also a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with up to 400 horsepower (Explorer ST) and even a new hybrid system rated at 318 horsepower. All models are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Last year’s Best Buy winds up in second place for 2020. The Honda Pilot (MSRP from $41,290) offers a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to eight people and features modern, family-friendly gadgets like CabinControl and CabinTalk. We also like the solid 280-horsepower V6 and the Pilot’s good reliability record overall.
Deserving a tie is the Honda Passport (MSRP from $42,490), a new five-passenger SUV introduced last year with the same architecture and powertrain as the Pilot. Comfortable and versatile, the Passport is a bit more adventurous and sportier than its big brother.
As for third place in the midsize SUV segment, the two Korean cousins share the honour. Both the Hyundai Palisade (MSRP from $38,699) and Kia Telluride (MSRP from $44,995) won us over with their distinguished exterior, spacious and ergonomic interior, generous cargo capacity, high value and healthy 291-horsepower V6. The former is priced to please and the latter amazes with high levels of quality.
The Car Guide’s 2020 Scores
- Ford Explorer – 81%
- Honda Pilot/Passport – 80%
- Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride – 77%
