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Why we didn't buy an Explorer ST, and other various thoughts
- Thread starter BlkGS
- Start date
There are about a dozen different conversations going on in this thread! I'm trying to ascertain whether their are indeed big differences between the 3.0 lincoln and the ST, you are looking at 2.7 vs 3.0, unbroken is fielding questions on both, and the original poster thankfully missing!
This is from a post from last year from Adam at ZFG Racing which is making me confused, the entire thread has a lot of info plus pics of the ST longblock
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/turbo-upgrade-market-research.375/post-7145
This is from a post from last year from Adam at ZFG Racing which is making me confused, the entire thread has a lot of info plus pics of the ST longblock
https://www.explorerst.org/threads/turbo-upgrade-market-research.375/post-7145
The ST is compared to the SRT since they're both the "sporty" version of their family.
In reality, the ST is closer direct comparison to the RT, price point, power wise, options, etc. But the ST annihilates the RT in practically everything but towing, sound and "fit and finish".] So they rather compare it to the next one.
In reality, the ST is closer direct comparison to the RT, price point, power wise, options, etc. But the ST annihilates the RT in practically everything but towing, sound and "fit and finish".] So they rather compare it to the next one.
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The squeaky interior of my BIL's SRT would like to have a word with you. Great initial interior quality? Sure. 2 years in? My interior is holding up WAY better and I even have 3 kids let loose in the back compared to his 1. His leather has creases EVERYWHERE, the carpet is pilling, there are phantom plastic rubbing noises coming from 4 different directions... I will actually be one to stand up for the Explorer's interior quality and build quality. My particular truck (sample size 1 of 1) has been absolutely perfect in every way. Sooooo glad I didn't buy an SRT Cherokee. Plus, post mods, I'm faster than one of those anyways. Hence my license plate--purchased purely to piss him off.
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Hence my quotation marks. I like the Explorer's interior but there are pretty obvious misaligned areas as well as cheap plastics, most noticeable by the start button. The Durango just presents it better. How well it holds up with time is a different story.
Im still fighting with the wind sound on my rear passenger side, probably the 2nd most annoying thing on my Explorer next to the blue camera. But its not too bad vs other cars haha
Im still fighting with the wind sound on my rear passenger side, probably the 2nd most annoying thing on my Explorer next to the blue camera. But its not too bad vs other cars haha
OP
Thread Starter
#68
Thread Starter
#68
I think that's reasonable, and part of my issue. I want an srt competitor, the RT is fine but the SRT is better. Ford could have given us that for virtually no money.
That said, you gloss over the benefits of Durango pretty quickly. For people like me, that towing difference is a BIG difference maker. It's the difference from "I can probably tow my boat but I'm maybe a bit over the limit with people and gear" and "no problem towing the boat and stuff on top of it".
Durango also has more interior space, the option for better brakes, better infotainment, and a few little neat tricks like the storage bins in the floor.
That said, ST beats it on features, has a 40hp difference (which is kinda BS because the same motor makes 390hp in a ram). I'm not sure on outright performance numbers, but I suspect they're close with the ST having a clear advantage due to power and weight.
Heres my issue, Ford could have neatly split the difference between srt and rt Durango for next to nothing. Heck, they could have directly completed with srt for virtually no cost, it's just a tune and trans upgrade away, maybe some better brakes. Low cost, big rewards.
That said, I think that the St is compared to an srt Durango at all is a big compliment. It's punching above its weight class and price point, and it's just a disappointment to me Ford didn't go whole hog.
That said, you gloss over the benefits of Durango pretty quickly. For people like me, that towing difference is a BIG difference maker. It's the difference from "I can probably tow my boat but I'm maybe a bit over the limit with people and gear" and "no problem towing the boat and stuff on top of it".
Durango also has more interior space, the option for better brakes, better infotainment, and a few little neat tricks like the storage bins in the floor.
That said, ST beats it on features, has a 40hp difference (which is kinda BS because the same motor makes 390hp in a ram). I'm not sure on outright performance numbers, but I suspect they're close with the ST having a clear advantage due to power and weight.
Heres my issue, Ford could have neatly split the difference between srt and rt Durango for next to nothing. Heck, they could have directly completed with srt for virtually no cost, it's just a tune and trans upgrade away, maybe some better brakes. Low cost, big rewards.
That said, I think that the St is compared to an srt Durango at all is a big compliment. It's punching above its weight class and price point, and it's just a disappointment to me Ford didn't go whole hog.
OP
Thread Starter
#71
Thread Starter
#71
Depends on perspective. Some people will pay for better interiors and the like. That's why some people buy a Lincoln vs a Ford.
Ford's struggles with poor quality on this gen explorer are well known and documented. I imagine when they do a mid cycle refresh that should vastly improve it.
Ford's struggles with poor quality on this gen explorer are well known and documented. I imagine when they do a mid cycle refresh that should vastly improve it.
I take it if the ST had at least 450hp, this thread wouldnt even made? Performance numbers, the ST sits between the RT and SRT, closer to the SRT actually.
Far as more interior space, believe it or not, the Explorer has more cargo space, seats up or down especially behind the 3rd row seat.
Try more like 25-30k for the deal I got mine lol I never considered the SRT for the MPG alone. To me, the Explorer is balanced, not amazing interior but not horrible, not huge but not small, not super fast but fast enough, etc. I wished it towed more, wished it had better infotainment, wished it had more power, etc But I would be just nitpicking which every car has its ups and downs. Overall, the Explorer was the better SUV vs the rest for me. I would still take an Aviator though and was close on jumping for one, the interior alone would be worth the price.
Far as more interior space, believe it or not, the Explorer has more cargo space, seats up or down especially behind the 3rd row seat.
Try more like 25-30k for the deal I got mine lol I never considered the SRT for the MPG alone. To me, the Explorer is balanced, not amazing interior but not horrible, not huge but not small, not super fast but fast enough, etc. I wished it towed more, wished it had better infotainment, wished it had more power, etc But I would be just nitpicking which every car has its ups and downs. Overall, the Explorer was the better SUV vs the rest for me. I would still take an Aviator though and was close on jumping for one, the interior alone would be worth the price.
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Starting at $6k more, the heavier Aviator is a second slower with the same engine as the ST and has more subtle body lines. Not what I was looking for.
I see the ST as the perfect balance of price, performance, styling, interior design and mpg. Towing is a non issue for me.
I've owned high perfromance coupes/sedans (traded from a Stinger GT AWD). If the ST didn't exist, I probably wouldn't have bought any SUV. Lol
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Not sure where you got a second slower? MT did a test on two Aviators, one had the Hybrid engine. Hybrid clocked the same 1/4 mile but faster trap speed vs the ST. The other Aviator was 2-3 tenths of a second slower vs both, which is almost nothing, still a drivers race.
Both similar priced or 5-6k difference, ill take the Aviator any day. However, those dont exist, at least not near me.
Both similar priced or 5-6k difference, ill take the Aviator any day. However, those dont exist, at least not near me.
I said "with the same engine", no dice comparing hybrid to the 3.0L. Seems you missed the Car & Driver tests that I researched. Here they are:
https://www.caranddriver.com/lincoln/aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label AWD
3.0-liter V-6 400 hp/415 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 98 mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a28789910/2020-ford-explorer-st-by-the-numbers/
2020 Ford Explorer ST
3.0-liter V-6 400 hp/415 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
¼-mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
Not even close to being a driver's race. The $5-$6k extra to go a second slower is a no-go for me.
https://www.caranddriver.com/lincoln/aviator
2020 Lincoln Aviator Black Label AWD
3.0-liter V-6 400 hp/415 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.0 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 98 mph
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a28789910/2020-ford-explorer-st-by-the-numbers/
2020 Ford Explorer ST
3.0-liter V-6 400 hp/415 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
¼-mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
Not even close to being a driver's race. The $5-$6k extra to go a second slower is a no-go for me.
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OP
Thread Starter
#78
And I said 5-6k more aka Reserve. As I stated, MT tested two Aviator vehicles. A black label is 20k+ more and weights more. You're comparing a heavier more expensive vehicle. And yes, a drivers race....
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2020-lincoln-aviator-reserve-and-plugin-hybrid-first-test-review/
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2020-lincoln-aviator-reserve-and-plugin-hybrid-first-test-review/
Last edited:
And my comment stands. As I posted, C&D tested both vehicles and one thing I've learned through research is never try to use test results from different sources if you can stay with one testing source. You're not doing that, so no, not a driver's race....
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/
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