About the Ford Explorer Hybrid

The Ford Explorer Hybrid was introduced in the 2020 model year with a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor which combine for 318hp. In the 2020 and 2021 model years, the Explorer Hybrid was only available in the Limited trim level. For 2022, the hybrid powertrain was expanded to the more exclusive Platinum trim level. The hybrid powertrain has been eliminated for the 2024 model year.

What are the advantages of the Ford Explorer Hybrid?

• Slightly better fuel economy than the conventional V6
• Upscale Ford Explorer interior design and materials
• Large passenger and cargo capacity, with room for up to seven passengers

What is the best Ford Explorer Hybrid model year?

The Ford Explorer Hybrid was only available for three model years with no major mechanical changes, so there’s no great advantage of one year versus the next. What is a consideration is the trim level: The 2022 model year introduced the hybrid drivetrain to the Premium trim level, which includes unique styling inside and out, but also has adaptive headlamps, power heated mirrors, Active Park Assist 2.0, Reverse Brake Assist, and Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating with Accent Stitching as standard equipment.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Explorer Hybrid?

The Explorer Hybrid’s greatest disadvantage is that it didn’t significantly improve fuel economy with its added complexity and the concern for hybrid battery replacement cost in future years. With the 3.0-liter V6, the EPA estimated that an all-wheel drive Explorer could turn in 21 MPG combined, with 26 MPG on the highway. The same model year Explorer Hybrid topped out at just 23 MPG combined, and highway fuel economy was actually worse than the conventional engine at 24 MPG. Over the course of a year, the EPA estimated that the Explorer Hybrid only saved about $100 in fuel cost, hardly enough to make the hybrid drivetrain attractive.

Comparison: Is the Ford Explorer Hybrid better than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

If you’re buying a hybrid drivetrain to save fuel, the Ford Explorer Hybrid doesn’t come close to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which provides an EPA estimate of 35 MPG across the board, city, highway and combined. Over a year’s worth of average mileage, the Highlander Hybrid saves $600 per year in fuel costs versus the Explorer Hybrid. Depending on the year, the Highlander also has better standard advanced safety features. The Explorer wins on the 10-inch LCD touchscreen.

Is the Ford Explorer Hybrid a reliable car?

The Ford Explorer Hybrid appears to be well below the average number of complaints for a vehicle of this vintage. There have been no recalls from NHTSA for the Explorer Hybrid.

Is the Ford Explorer Hybrid worth the cost?

As a new vehicle, we’d have responded with an emphatic no. The least expensive Explorer Hybrid available in the 2023 model year was $55,005, nearly $13,000 more than the competitive Highlander, which is between a 10 to 12 mile per gallon advantage depending on the driving condition. On the used market, though, it’s a different story, with low-mileage examples priced in the mid-$30,000 range.