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Forward Lighting
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Exterior Lighting
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Interior Lighting
2020 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Size
The 2020 Ford Explorer arrived as a ground-up redesign that moved to a rear-wheel-drive CD6 platform and transformed the Explorer from a predictable family hauler into something genuinely exciting to drive. The 2020 Ford Explorer headlight bulb size is H11 for the low beams, 9005 for the high beams, and H11 for the fog lights. The Base trim shipped with halogen headlights, while the XLT and higher trims received factory LED assemblies.
Ford added the Explorer ST for 2020, packing a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 under the hood and giving the three-row SUV legitimate performance credentials. Whether you own the base model or the ST, the headlight bulb fitment remains the same H11/9005 configuration. Upgrading to 2020 Ford Explorer LED headlights on the halogen-equipped Base trim closes the gap with the factory LED trims at a fraction of the cost of swapping entire headlight assemblies.
Headlight Upgrade Options for the All-New 2020 Explorer
The 2020 Explorer's redesigned headlight housings feature updated internal optics that pair well with aftermarket LED bulbs. An H11 LED kit drops into the low-beam position with the same twist-lock motion as the stock halogen, and the 9005 LED covers the high beams. From the first click of the headlight switch, you get a wide, bright 6000K beam that illuminates road edges, signs, and pedestrians far better than the yellowish halogen output.
HID xenon kits deliver the greatest raw beam intensity for drivers who push the 2020 Explorer hardest after dark — night towing, long highway trips, or rural roads without streetlights. The ballast for each side fits neatly behind the housing, and most owners finish the full installation in under 40 minutes.
All HID Nation kits include free shipping and a lifetime warranty. There is no expiration date and no fine print — if it fails, we replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headlight bulb does the 2020 Ford Explorer use?
The 2020 Ford Explorer uses H11 bulbs for the low beams, 9005 bulbs for the high beams, and H11 bulbs for the fog lights. The Base trim has halogen projector headlights that accept LED and HID conversion kits. XLT and above trims received factory LED headlight modules that are not bulb-replaceable in the traditional sense.
Did the 2020 Explorer redesign change the headlight housing from the 2019?
Yes. The 2020 Explorer uses an entirely new headlight housing that is narrower, more angular, and positioned differently on the front fascia compared to the 2019 model. However, the actual bulb sockets remain H11 for the low beams and 9005 for the high beams, so the same bulb sizes fit both generations even though the housings are not interchangeable.
Does the 2020 Explorer ST come with LED headlights?
Yes, the 2020 Explorer ST comes standard with factory LED headlights as part of its premium trim equipment. The factory LED modules are integrated into the housing and are not standard replaceable bulbs. If you own a halogen-equipped Base model, LED conversion kits from HID Nation give you comparable brightness at a much lower cost than upgrading to the factory LED assemblies.
How do I tell if my 2020 Explorer has halogen or factory LED headlights?
Turn on your headlights and look at the color of the beam. Factory halogen bulbs produce a warm, yellowish light, while factory LEDs produce a bright, cool white light. You can also check by trim level: the 2020 Explorer Base came with halogen headlights, while the XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum trims included factory LEDs. Only the halogen-equipped models accept standard LED or HID bulb conversion kits.
Is the installation different on the 2020 Explorer compared to older models?
The process is fundamentally the same — reach behind the headlight housing from inside the engine bay, twist and remove the old bulb, and plug in the replacement. The 2020 Explorer's engine bay layout provides adequate clearance on both sides for accessing the bulb sockets. Most owners report the job takes about 15 to 20 minutes per side, comparable to the 5th-generation models.