Ford offers a hybrid Explorer, not a fully electric one
Ford does not currently make a fully electric Explorer. What Ford does offer is a hybrid version of the Explorer — a gas-electric model that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy. This hybrid Explorer has been available since the 2020 model year and remains in production today.
The distinction matters because "hybrid" and "electric" are different technologies. A hybrid vehicle still burns gasoline but uses the electric motor to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A fully electric vehicle runs on battery power alone. If you are looking for a three-row SUV that runs entirely on electricity, Ford does not currently have one in that size class.
Ford has announced plans for an all-electric three-row SUV called the Explorer EV, but it is not yet available for purchase. The company has not released a firm launch date, though it is expected sometime in the coming years. Until then, the hybrid Explorer is the most efficient option Ford offers in this vehicle category.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer Hybrid combines a gas engine and electric motor to improve fuel economy compared to the standard gasoline model.
- Hybrid Explorers are available now in multiple trim levels, whereas a fully electric Explorer is still in development.
- The hybrid system recovers energy during braking and uses it to power the electric motor, reducing the amount of gasoline needed.
- Fuel economy for the hybrid Explorer varies by model year and trim, but generally ranges from the mid-30s to low 40s miles per gallon combined.
How the hybrid system works in the Explorer
The Explorer Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system, meaning the gasoline engine and electric motor can work together or separately depending on driving conditions. At low speeds or during light acceleration, the electric motor can power the vehicle alone, burning no gasoline. During harder acceleration or highway driving, the gas engine engages, and the two power sources work in tandem.
When you brake, the hybrid system captures the energy that would normally be wasted as heat and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery. This process, called regenerative braking, is one of the main reasons hybrids use less fuel than traditional gas vehicles. The battery itself is relatively small compared to a fully electric vehicle — it stores enough energy for short electric-only driving, but the gas engine is always available as a backup.
The Explorer Hybrid does not need to be plugged in to charge. The battery charges itself through regenerative braking and excess power from the gas engine. This is different from a plug-in hybrid, which has a larger battery and can be charged from an outlet, allowing for longer all-electric driving before the gas engine kicks in.
Fuel economy and real-world performance
The EPA fuel economy rating for the Explorer Hybrid varies depending on the model year and trim level. Recent model years have achieved combined ratings in the range of 37 to 42 miles per gallon, though the exact figure depends on whether the vehicle is front-wheel or all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models typically see slightly lower fuel economy than front-wheel-drive versions.
Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits and conditions. City driving, where the hybrid system can use the electric motor more often, typically yields better results than highway driving. Stop-and-go traffic actually favors hybrids because regenerative braking captures energy that would be lost in a traditional vehicle. Highway driving at steady speeds tends to favor the gas engine, reducing the hybrid advantage.
Compared to the standard gasoline Explorer, the hybrid version uses noticeably less fuel — typically 20 to 30 percent less depending on driving patterns. However, the hybrid Explorer costs more upfront than the gasoline model. Whether that extra cost is worth it depends on how much you drive and local fuel prices.
Trim levels and features available
The Explorer Hybrid is offered across multiple trim levels, matching the lineup of the gasoline Explorer. Common trims include Base, XLT, Limited, and Platinum, though the exact names and availability vary by model year. Each trim level adds features like upgraded interior materials, technology packages, and comfort options.
All Explorer Hybrid models come standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The hybrid system itself is standard on all trims — you cannot remove it or downgrade to a gas-only engine within the hybrid lineup. Technology features like Ford's Sync infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver information features are available depending on trim and option packages.
Seating capacity is the same across all Explorer trims: three rows with room for up to seven passengers. Cargo space is also comparable to the gasoline model, though the hybrid battery takes up a small amount of space under the vehicle.
Cost comparison with gasoline and other options
The Explorer Hybrid typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 more than the equivalent gasoline model, depending on the trim level and current market conditions. That price difference is the main barrier for many buyers, even though the hybrid will save money on fuel over time.
To determine whether the hybrid makes financial sense for you, calculate how many miles you drive per year and your local fuel prices. If you drive 15,000 miles annually and fuel costs $3 per gallon, the fuel savings from a hybrid might be $300 to $500 per year compared to the gasoline model. At that rate, it would take five to ten years to recover the upfront price difference through fuel savings alone.
If you are considering a fully electric vehicle instead, options are more limited in the three-row SUV category. Tesla offers the Model X, which is significantly more expensive than the Explorer. Other manufacturers like Volkswagen and Kia have announced electric three-row SUVs, but availability and pricing vary. The hybrid Explorer remains the most affordable way to reduce emissions in a three-row Ford SUV today.
Maintenance and reliability of the hybrid system
The hybrid system adds complexity to the vehicle, but modern hybrid technology has proven reliable over millions of miles. The electric motor and battery are built to last the life of the vehicle, and Ford backs them with a warranty. The specific warranty coverage for the hybrid components varies by model year and state, so check your owner's manual or contact a Ford dealer for exact details.
Routine maintenance for the hybrid Explorer is similar to the gasoline model: oil changes, tire rotation, and filter replacements follow the same schedule. The hybrid battery does not require regular maintenance or replacement under normal conditions. Brake pads may last longer on a hybrid because regenerative braking does much of the stopping work, reducing wear on the friction brakes.
Repair costs for hybrid-specific components can be higher than for traditional parts, but repairs are infrequent. Most hybrid owners never need major work on the battery or electric motor. If you are concerned about long-term reliability, hybrid Explorers from the 2020 and 2021 model years have now accumulated enough real-world miles to show a solid track record.
When to choose the hybrid Explorer versus other options
The hybrid Explorer makes the most sense if you want a three-row SUV with better fuel economy than a gas-only model, but you are not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle. It is a practical choice if you drive mostly in urban or suburban areas where the hybrid system can use its electric motor frequently, or if you want to reduce fuel costs over the long term.
The hybrid Explorer is less ideal if you drive primarily on highways at steady speeds, where the gas engine does most of the work and the hybrid advantage shrinks. It is also not the right choice if you need a vehicle that can be charged at home — the hybrid does not plug in, so you cannot take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
If you have access to home charging and want the lowest operating costs, a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle might be better. If you want the lowest purchase price and do not prioritize fuel economy, the gasoline Explorer remains the most affordable option. The hybrid Explorer sits in the middle: higher upfront cost than gas, but lower than electric, with fuel savings that accumulate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug in the Explorer Hybrid to charge it?
No. The Explorer Hybrid is not a plug-in hybrid. It charges itself through regenerative braking and excess power from the gas engine. If you want a Ford SUV that plugs in, Ford offers the Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which is smaller than the Explorer but allows for all-electric driving on short trips.
How long does the hybrid battery last?
The hybrid battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle under normal conditions. Ford backs the battery with a warranty that typically covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, though coverage varies by state. Most hybrid owners never need to replace the battery.
Is the Explorer Hybrid worth the extra cost?
That depends on your driving patterns and fuel prices. If you drive 15,000 miles per year and fuel costs $3 per gallon, the hybrid might save $300 to $500 annually. Calculate your own savings based on your local fuel price and annual mileage to decide if the upfront cost difference makes sense for you.
When will Ford release a fully electric Explorer?
Ford has announced an all-electric Explorer EV, but no official launch date has been confirmed. The company has indicated it is coming in the next few years, but availability and pricing details are not yet public. Check Ford's official website for updates on the timeline.
Does the hybrid Explorer have the same towing capacity as the gas model?
The hybrid Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is slightly less than some gas-only configurations. If towing capacity is important to you, compare the specific trim levels you are considering, as towing limits vary by model year and drivetrain.