2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, more handsome than its competitors like the Land Rover Discovery. The latest model refined its upscale, utilitarian design by slimming down the body panels and giving it a lower, more athletic appearance. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge created a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The switchgear felt solid, and the aluminum speaker covers and white stitching helped break up the monotony, but overall, it lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, boxy design that fans had missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights gave it a familiar and purposeful look. The Defender's design was both classic and functional, with features like step plates on the front fenders and a ladder on the back hatch, although these were now more for show than function. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, but it was designed for durability and ease of cleaning. The Defender's design inspired a sense of adventure, making it a vehicle you wanted to take off-road.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis that provided better weight distribution than the previous front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth, uninterrupted power and impressive handling, with precise steering and flat cornering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 hp. Towing capacity varied from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine. The Explorer's seven drive modes allowed for optimal performance in various conditions.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This mild hybrid system provided consistent power and quick restarts. The Defender's off-road performance was exemplary, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could handle steep angles and deep water with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Defender's towing capacity was an impressive 8,200 pounds. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was also comfortable on pavement, with a quiet and plush ride.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, with comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the third row. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, making it feel like first class. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches for the climate and stereo. However, the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras created unnecessary blind spots.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for durability and ease of use, with a minimalist interior that prioritized functionality. The two-door 90 model could seat six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 model offered an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied from 16 to 58 cubic feet in the 90, and 34 to 79 cubic feet in the 110. The Defender's controls were simple, and the new infotainment interface reduced clutter. The standard panoramic moonroof on the 110 and folding fabric roof on the 90 let in plenty of light. The Defender's ladder made it easy to access the roof, and its towing capacity was 8,200 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package for ST and Platinum models included a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen was well-organized and high-res, but the instrument panel felt unfinished, with wasted space and limited customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was available but not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which was a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It had two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air software updates. The interface was easier to use, but some user interface problems remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras that showed the ground underneath the front hood, a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen, and various off-road readings. The standard analog gauges with a seven-inch display could be upgraded to a 12-inch digital instrument panel. The base Defender 110 came with steel wheels, manual seats, and a basic stereo, but higher trims offered more luxury features.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. A passenger front knee airbag was standard. The Explorer scored Acceptable in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side, but the NHTSA had not yet tested it.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by any U.S. crash testing agency and was unlikely to be rated due to its price and limited volume. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. Rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts upon exiting the vehicle were optional.