12 MPG in 10 Years: Ford Explorer Hybrid's Fuel Economy Figures Come to Light

Barring the development of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the slow march towards better fuel economy, especially in larger vehicles, has been just that: slow. Yet incremental improvements continue, and the latest large family vehicle to see a darker shade of green is Ford’s new-for-2020 Explorer.

Now bearing rear-drive architecture it shares with the Lincoln Aviator, the Explorer drives into its sixth generation with a hybrid and high-performance model in tow. The greenest of the bunch, unlike the Aviator, is not a plug-in proposition, so fuel economy gains are limited. It’s up to buyers to decide if the just-released EPA numbers are worth the extra coin.

In rear-drive guise, the 2020 Explorer Hybrid earns an EPA rating of 27 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Contrast that with the 21 mpg/28 mpg/24 mpg figure applied to its gas-only sibling.

Available as a Limited model but not as an entry-level XLT, the Explorer Hybrid carries a 3.3-liter V6 mated to an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic, the same tranny carried by all 2020 Explorers. Power amounts to 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Ditch the hybrid element, and a regular Explorer Limited fields a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder good for 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. So, on paper at least, the Explorer Hybrid packs a slight power edge, though its on-board battery (nestled below the rear seat) and larger engine may saddle it with a bit more weight.

We’ve yet to stage a 0-60 run between Explorer Limiteds of both stripes.

Add four-wheel drive to the equation and the hybrid model’s economy drops to 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, versus the gas-only model’s 20/27/23 rating. Clearly, those who do the most city driving stand to benefit the most from the Explorer Hybrid’s assisted V6.

Despite not breaking the 30 mpg barrier, Ford’s pretty proud of its achievement, claiming the hybrid allows for a 500 miles of driving without stopping for gas while also offering the same towing capacity (5,000 pounds, when properly outfitted) as a 2019 3.5-liter Ecoboost model. Indeed, it’s leaps and bounds ahead of Explorers of yesteryear. A rear-drive 2000 Explorer equipped with Ford’s 4.0-liter V6 returned a miserable 16 mpg on the combined cycle (15 mpg when equipped with four-wheel drive).

A decade later, nothing had changed.

It’s worth noting that 10 years ago, a non-hybrid Escape didn’t come close to 28 mpg combined. A 2010 Focus matched the 2020 Explorer Hybrid’s combined economy. And while better available MPGs is always nice, would-be buyers will probably reach for the calculator before signing on. Starting at $52,780 after destination, an Explorer Limited Hybrid is not exactly a thrifty runabout, as its gas-electric powertrain adds $3,555 when compared to a Explorer Limited.

An all-wheel drive Toyota Highlander Hybrid is capable of garnering 1 extra mpg for less money, but it falls behind in both power and towing capacity. 1,500 pounds behind, when Ford’s Class III Tow Package enters the room.

[Images: Ford]