Ford Explorer ST horsepower is 400 hp, with 415 lb-ft of torque, from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 and a ten-speed automatic. The ST arrived with the sixth-generation Explorer for 2020 and carries the same rating on the 2025 refresh. It started with all-wheel drive only, and a rear-wheel-drive ST joined for the 2022 model year.
Ford Explorer ST horsepower and engine specs
| Engine | 3.0 L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Ten-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive added for 2022) |
| Towing | Listed up to about 5,600 lb (2,540 kg) with the 3.0 V6; confirm for your model year |
How the ST compares with other Explorers
The standard Explorer uses a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, with a towing rating of about 5,300 lb. The ST’s V6 adds substantially more power and a higher towing figure. The 2025 refresh updated the styling and added a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster across the range, while trims became Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum.
Do not confuse it with the older Explorer Sport of 2013-2019. That trim used a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft and was offered with four-wheel drive only.
Performance and fuel use
Ford’s own acceleration claims vary, and we did not find an official 0-60 time for the retail ST in the sources we checked, so treat independent instrumented tests as the best guide. With a 400 hp twin-turbo V6, expect higher fuel use than the four-cylinder Explorer. Check the Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption guide for the exact L/100 km rating.
What to check before buying an Explorer ST
- Model year and drivetrain, since rear-wheel drive is only offered from 2022.
- Towing rating on the specific build and whether a trailer package is fitted.
- Service history and tire condition on used examples, as performance-oriented SUVs wear tires and brakes faster.
- Open recalls by VIN on Transport Canada’s website.
For other three-row SUVs, see our Lincoln Navigator specs guide and 2026 Honda Pilot guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ford Explorer ST have?
400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6.
Does the Explorer ST have all-wheel drive?
It launched with all-wheel drive, and a rear-wheel-drive ST became available for the 2022 model year.
What transmission does the Explorer ST use?
A ten-speed automatic.
How much can the Explorer ST tow?
The 3.0-litre V6 is listed at up to about 5,600 lb (2,540 kg). Check the figure for your exact model year and equipment.
What engine does the regular Explorer use?
The standard Explorer uses a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder with a towing rating of about 5,300 lb.
Was there an Explorer ST before 2020?
The 2013-2019 Explorer Sport was the performance trim then, with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 making 365 hp.
