2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$40,615 to $54,725

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(2 reviews)
2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Preview summaryImage

Ford redesigned the Explorer, one of the oldest nameplates in the midsize SUV category, for 2020. The new model year brings in two exciting new variants, the Explorer ST and Explorer Hybrid, to create this the most diverse Explorer lineup ever. The new Explorer Hybrid will go up against the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as well as popular midsize SUVs such as the Honda Passport, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, Chevy Traverse, and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The new Explorer pays homage to older Explorers, incorporating consistent styling elements like blacked-out front and rear pillars and body-color center pillars. A sloped roofline and shorter front end make the vehicle look more sporty than before. A set of 20-inch wheels finishes the look.

The Explorer Hybrid boasts a total of 318 horsepower from its 3.3-liter engine paired to a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. The transmission, a 10-speed modular hybrid unit, is also new. The EPA hasn’t certified fuel economy yet, but Ford anticipates that with rear-wheel-drive (RWD), the Explorer Hybrid will have a range of more than 500 miles.

The Explorer offers three rows of seating with generous space in each, with second-row sliding seats for easy access to the back. The new Explorer Hybrid offers the same cargo space as other Explorer models. The Explorer Hybrid, based on the midrange Limited trim, comes standard with 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, perforated leather upholstery with accent stitching, front- and second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, and active noise cancellation.

An 8-inch touchscreen enables access to Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system, which includes satellite radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and voice recognition. Options include a 10.1-inch touch screen and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Standard safety features include the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes forward-collision warning, pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic headlights and high beams. The Explorer Hybrid also includes a 360-degree camera with split view, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and evasive-steering assist.

The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid offers efficiency without compromise. This valuable new addition to the long-running Explorer lineup delivers midsize SUV comfort and capability in a more responsible package.

Cherise Threewitt
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Cherise Threewitt
Cherise is a Chicago-based automotive writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience covering the automotive industry. As the Features Editor, Auto at US News & World Report, Cherise loves writing about car culture and sharing common-sense car-buying advice. She owns a 2019 Subaru WRX Series.Gray, 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT, 2007 Genuine Buddy Italia 150, 2015 Honda Grom, and 1979 Boston Whaler Montauk.

User reviews for 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

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User rating:
by Bernie L
May 18, 2021
This is my 3rd Explorer and the transformation is great. I really like the roominess it still has. Still learning about all aspects of the Hybrid. All of the interior controls and features exceed my expectations and are comparable to European models of the similar type. The only feature I do wish it had is HUD. Other than that I will be enjoying it for years to come.. oh yea the sound system is awesome!May 18, 2021
by john f
Mar 09, 2020
Great handling, still coming up on gas mileage (about 22-24 mpg)-still short of the 26-28 rated. Very comfortable, and certainly not gutless. Lots of electronics to learn, well worth it.Mar 09, 2020

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$40,615 to $54,725
Price range
$20,128 to $23,822
Average price on CG
$20,310
YoY price change
$22,205 to $20,310

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.29 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: rubber · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73

Engine

Battery: heavy duty · EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 47 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 285 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 35-30-35 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 35 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: front · Trailer hitch: Class III

Wheels

Wheel covers: partial

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: dual speed

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear outboard seats · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: chrome · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.58

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 47 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 285 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 6.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 35 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: FordPass Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: 1.02 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear outboard seats · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: chrome · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.58

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 47 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 35 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 285 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 260 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 6.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Steering

Steering ratio: 17.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 35 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: FordPass Connect · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Run flat tires: puncture sealing compound with electric compressor · Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front passenger knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

See all trims (11)