If You're Buying An SUV, Do YOU Want A V8?

With the launch of the 2020 Ford Explorer now behind us, looking at the landscape there's essentially several competitors. That would include the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

All of which include a V8 as an option.

The 2020 Explorer ST, on the other hand, bucks Ford's latest trend. It opts for an EcoBoost, turbocharged six-cylinder. Remember, to much noise, Ford Performance equipped the GT and F-150 Raptor with EcoBoost sixes.

The reasoning? According to Ford's Global Chief Engineer, the Blue Oval believes that no one in the class is actually left wanting a V8. To clarify, they want the performance but it doesn't NEED to be from a V8.

So, I am left wondering: Is he RIGHT or WRONG?

Before I editorialize, I was curious what the Spies think of this assessment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST is the biggest, heaviest, and (ironically) the quickest ST model yet. To make this happen, the Explorer ST also had to be the most powerful, as well. Its 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque from an 3.0L EcoBoost V6 is enough to scoot the 4,701-pound Explorer ST from 0-60 in a “conservative” 5.5 seconds...

...It’s not like Ford doesn’t have a great eight-cylinder power unit, so we asked Bill Gubing, Global Chief Engineer of the 2020 Explorer, for the reasoning behind the decision.

“I don’t think anyone (shopping) in this class right now is saying ‘I want a V8,'” said Gubing. “We’re to the point of wanting it to be effortless, and fun..."

 

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 7:58:48 AM

+3 Boost

A V8 is a lovely thing, but not needed. A Shelby Explorer with the GT350s engine would be a delight though.

PUGPROUD - 6/20/2019 8:37:51 AM

+2 Boost

V8's rule for torque, sound and character. They may seem overkill and not environmentally the best but they are reliable, powerful and with the latest computer controlled systems more economical than ever before.

PUGPROUD - 6/20/2019 10:34:09 AM

+1 Boost

Technically correct though the performance and drivability of a V8 in a heavy vehicle like an SUV are far superior to a four or six cylinder engine in the same vehicle with the same amount of torque, to my mind at least.

dumpsty - 6/20/2019 11:51:32 AM

+2 Boost

The weight of the average 8-cyl engine isn't necessarily needed in today's midsize & large SUV's. Reducing the size, volume & adding turbo/supercharging components is more than adequate today. And the average driver would barely notice anyway. Maybe at the pump for comparison fuel consumption.

The TT EcoBoost engines are fairly powerful, especially when paired with battery power in an electric-gas hybrid vehicle. If the interior design is upscale & tech feature list is generous, then the need for a V8 is reduced drastically. It's just not a prerequisite for the mainstream SUV market.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/20/2019 8:42:53 AM

+2 Boost

I don't think mainstream car makers need to spice up regular offerings an mimic AMG or M cars or trucks. The world does not really need an Explorer ST or a Sport Camry. Stay in your lane and do it better than anyone else.

trboaccord - 6/20/2019 10:09:47 AM

+2 Boost

NOPE! Most V6 today have enough power but a Turbo 6 is considerably better as it will get you the fuel economy along with the performance

OneOfOne - 6/20/2019 10:17:18 AM

+2 Boost

unless its a work truck which the vast majority of non cars are not the V8 is just a lovely idea that isnt necessary. its like comparing the TT-S or RS to a corvette. yestertech

Foncool - 6/20/2019 11:30:15 AM

0 Boost

Don’t need V8s, need more Jerrari type SUVs!

Moo1 - 6/20/2019 1:50:26 PM

+3 Boost

Nope, a V6 or turbocharged V6 would be good enoug

YoCarFanto - 6/20/2019 4:50:07 PM

+3 Boost

Some six cylinders sound fantastic.

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 5:35:37 PM

0 Boost

I'd rather have a V6 than an I6.

Truthy - 6/20/2019 6:28:18 PM

0 Boost

Mustang or Camaro, I'd want a V-8. Otherwise, a turbo 6 can be fantastic. Just drove the Stinger TT6 and it is responsive and fast.

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 6:48:09 PM

0 Boost

"Just drove the Stinger TT6 and it is responsive and fast." Welcome to my world.

As for the Mustang, I'd be tempted to put the V6T Ecoboost out as an option in the GT.

TomM - 6/20/2019 8:08:53 PM

+2 Boost

No, of Course not
WHy take something less than a V-12?
THey are faster and even more responsive and Kia does not offer one

valhallakey - 6/20/2019 11:53:04 PM

+2 Boost

It seems like Ford would want to recoup the cost of development of some of those V8s across more platforms than the Mustang. I think an Explorer Raptor or something along those lines would be great with a hot V8.

MDarringer - 6/21/2019 9:34:39 PM

+1 Boost

Given that the next Mustang will be CD6, a V8 will obviously work in the platform.