Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

It's difficult to get beyond the shift to RWD and RWD-biased AWD in terms of the benefits of the 2020 Explorer compared to the last generation. On the other hand, that shift should have improved the towing capacity of the Explorer significantly. At 5300 lbs it's a measly 300 lbs more several of its rivals and more than a ton less than the Dodge Durango. Zonk! And while the 2.3L Ecosport engine is fine for a non-GT Mustang, that vehicle has a curb weight of 3500 lbs or so. The new Explorer weighs in at more than 1000 lbs more! There's a reason that almost every other rival in the segment offers a standard or optional V6. Each and every one available with a V6 at a lower MSRP than the four cylinder Explorer. In fact, the XLT is the Explorer's lowest trim level and even moderately optioned it has a higher MSRP than the top trims of virtually every other rival! Physics is physics and propelling a two and a half ton vehicle with a 2.3L turbo motor has to raise questions about durability especially if its tuned to compete with V6 engines in terms of performance. As Raini implies, every Ford dealer in the country is desperate to move each and every 2019 model off their lot before the 2020's arrive and the sticker shock for the Explorer becomes even more glaring. The MSRP for the lowest trim moderately optioned 2020 Explorer quickly tops $50,000. Want a naturally aspirated V6? That's only available on the hybrid model and the price climbs several thousand more. Want a non-hybrid V6? That's only available on the ST and the Platinum trim levels and the MSRP of the former (moderately optioned) nears $56,000 or more and the fully loaded Platinum version starts at $58,000. Ford will sell lots and lots of new Explorers. That's a guarantee based on the fact that about third of all Explorer sales are to fleets, especially to thousands of police and other public agencies. But without HUGE discounts on the 2020 model the average consumer is better off looking elsewhere for much more vehicle at a much lower price.
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@moose_tracks41 Again, I'm not questioning the initial performance of the 2.3L Ecoboost engine in the Explorer. I agree it's adequate. The issue is the durability of a small displacement, highly boosted engine in a vehicle weighing when loaded around 3 tons, or so.
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@moose_tracks41 The 2.3L Ecoboost is a fine engine in a 3500 lb Mustang that seats up to 4 passengers, most likely 2 adults and 2 children. A Ford Explorer has a curb weight averaging half a ton more and seats up to 7 adults and luggage/gear that adds another half ton or more. There's no question that a small displacement boosted engine can be designed to yield prodigious HP and torque and with an appropriate transmission can yield impressive performance. But physics is physics and the stress on that engine is far greater than a larger displacement naturally aspirated or low boost V6 and stress impacts durability, an issue Ford has to worry about for only the relatively short warranty it provides for the Explorer.
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@moose_tracks41 I doubt Ford is concerned about it, either. After 50K miles or after the vehicle is sold to a second owner the warranty on the engine and drive train expires.
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