What Ford Explorer has twin turbo?
At a glance, the Ford Explorer with twin turbo is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that powers the high-performance Explorer ST. The rest of the lineup uses the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with a single turbo. This article explains which models have twin turbo, what it means for performance, and how to identify them.
What makes an Explorer twin-turbo?
The term twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine that uses two separate turbochargers to spread forced-induction across the engine's RPM range. In Ford's Explorer, the twin-turbo configuration is used exclusively on the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. That engine first appeared with the current, redesigned generation in 2020 and is widely associated with the Explorer ST. By comparison, the base 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses a single turbo (often with a twin-scroll design) but is not a twin-turbo setup.
Explorer ST: the twin-turbo flagship
The Explorer ST is Ford's high-performance variant in the current generation. It uses the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with two turbochargers, delivering about 400 horsepower and around 415 lb-ft of torque, depending on the model year and drivetrain. The ST also features sport-tuned handling and distinctive styling cues.
- Explorer ST (2020–present): 3.0L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo, roughly 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, AWD on most configurations.
In recent years, Ford's 3.0L EcoBoost V6 has been offered as the twin-turbo option mainly for the ST, with other trims typically equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost. Availability of the 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo on non-ST trims has varied by model year and market.
Why buyers care about twin turbo in the Explorer
Power and acceleration are the headline benefits. The twin-turbo 3.0L engine provides a substantial boost over the 2.3L EcoBoost, especially at higher speeds and when passing on highways or towing. However, fuel economy is typically lower and the price is higher. For most buyers who need a practical family SUV, the 2.3L EcoBoost remains an excellent choice; for those seeking performance, the Explorer ST is the clear twin-turbo option.
Summary
The Ford Explorer that features twin turbo is the Explorer ST, powered by Ford's 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with two turbochargers. This setup debuted with the redesigned Explorer in 2020 and represents the sportier end of the lineup. If you specifically want a twin-turbo Explorer, look for the ST badge and verify engine specs on the model year you’re considering, as some years may bundle the 3.0L EcoBoost in other trims or markets.
Summary: The twin-turbo Explorer is the Explorer ST, powered by the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with two turbochargers. For most buyers, this is the primary route to the twin-turbo experience; always check the exact engine configuration for the model year you’re evaluating.
