The lower trims traditionally come with a 2.3 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine that gets 300 horses. This engine handles well, and is surprisingly uppity, unfortunately it does not come with the four exhausts pipes we like to see on the Explorer but it does live up to every other expectation. The upper trims have the significantly more powerful 400 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine with twin turbos. This is the engine that most Explorer aficionados want, and for good reason. Acceleration in this powerful SUV is fun, and at times surprising. Recently a hybrid joined the lineup. This is the largest engine at 3.3 liters with 6 cylinders and the electric motor with 318 horses. Across the lineup rear wheel drive is standard, but all wheel drive is optional on some trims. Ford’s famed 10 speed transmission is also available on all trims. These engines make the Explorer into a performance SUV, turning heads not just because of the exterior, but because of how quick this SUV can get going.

This is a question we find many consumers asking. First let's look at the main numbers that people search when we talk about hybrids, the fuel economy. The main two powertrains that consumers look at on the Explorer are the more powerful V6 engines, whether that be paired with an electric motor or not. The traditional gas engine gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The hybrid powertrain gets 27 in the city and 28 on the highway. Next let's talk about the next figure to consider, price. The hybrid engine is available on the Limited trim as an option for an additional $5,000 for a total of $52,000. It also comes standard on the Platinum trim which starts at around $53,000. The more powerful gas engine comes standard on the ST trim starting at $50,000. (Not to mention the standard engine that gets 20 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the highway and starts at $37,000). While the hybrid option is not much more than its fast V6 alternative, the hybrid engine does have a markedly improved gas mileage over its combustion engine contemporary. Although the base engine does get you numbers close to that of the hybrid engine, this is only on RWD options.