2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid Changes, Engine, Interior – Despite its ranking, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a refined SUV. It offers spacious luggage space, a smooth ride, controlled handling, and a potent powerplant. It can even traverse a dirt or sand trail without difficulty. On the other hand, Ford offers low fuel economy ratings compared to comparable hybrid SUVs. It also has a mediocre interior with cheap plastics, hard-to-use controls for the entertainment system, and not much space in the second and third rows for such a high base price.
There’s not much to recommend this Ford over other hybrids in its class. It’s not only more expensive than almost all of them, but almost every competitor has only city and highway mileage numbers. For example, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will save you roughly $500 in annual gas costs. If you don’t need a hybrid, the Ford Explorer, which is similar but more adaptable, is a good option.
2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid Redesign
Although the new Explorer looks almost identical to the current Explorer, it crosses some recognizable elements with pretty different proportions, headlined by a 7-inch longer wheelbase and a slightly more chiseled, squared-off truck design overall. The new Explorer goes the opposite, with a more horizontal, lower-and-layered instrument panel and warm, soft-touch (but dark-toned) materials used everywhere.
The new Explorer has a seating capacity of six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration, and is available in a combination of trim levels, ranging from the entry-level base and XLT models to the top Platinum trim as hybrid and performance-oriented ST models. Across the board, a power liftgate is standard.
Interior
The Ford Explorer hybrid’s interior is uninspiring, for lack of a better word. According to U.S. News, the vehicle’s inside is made of a lot of plastic, making it feel relatively cheap for a car that costs more than $50,000. Hard plastic materials are often seen in far less expensive vehicles, so the Explorer hybrid’s price tag leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
The Explorer hybrid makes up for its lack of premium materials with cargo room. After tucking down, the second and third rows provide a class-leading 87.8 cubic feet of space. Unfortunately, it does not lead to any passenger classifications. It can accommodate up to six passengers, although the third row will be cramped. Legroom is limited, seats are low to the ground, and the seats are uncomfortable.
Engine
This vehicle’s only powertrain consists of a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine and an electric motor. They have a combined output of 318 horsepower. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic. The Explorer Hybrid is robust in terms of pure power. It’s at its best at more incredible speeds, effortlessly passing other vehicles on the highway. Transitions from gas to electric power, on the other hand, are clumsy, and the engine generates a lot of noise when accelerating. In the background, the automatic transmission runs smoothly.
The Explorer Hybrid rides decently on pockmarked pavement, but it might seem nervous. This SUV might be nearly as sporty if it weren’t for some body roll. It has excellent handling, well-weighted steering, and dependable brakes. Four-wheel drive is optional. Rear-wheel movement is expected. The EPA estimates that this hybrid gets 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel drive, the city mileage drops to 23 mpg, and the highway mileage drops to 26 mpg. Almost every hybrid SUV gets more excellent gas mileage.
2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid released and priced.
The Explorer Hybrid has the class’s highest starting price, with a base MSRP of $50,795. Even the high-end Lexus RX Hybrid is less expensive.