Not only does the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid offer a thrifty performance, but it also supplies best-in-class hybrid towing capabilities, top-of-the-line technology, and plush seating accommodations. Want to know more? Our buying guide has all the details on this mid-size crossover SUV.
Power & Performance
The Ford Explorer’s hybrid powertrain is the total package, because it balances impressive power with moneysaving fuel economy. Thanks to its 318 horsepower, this big crossover is pretty quick to go from zero to 60 mph. You’ll have no problem streaming right into fast-moving interstate traffic, that’s for sure.
From behind the wheel, the Explorer’s hybrid powertrain feels smooth and controlled. When you want an extra burst of power, it’s quick to deliver the goods. As it moves around tight turns, the Explorer Hybrid boosts your confidence with its cool composure. With optional all-wheel drive, this crossover feels right at home in off-road settings, something you don’t experience with a hybrid crossover.
Standard:
- 3.3L hybrid engine (318 hp, 322 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission with Selectshift
- Rear-wheel drive
- Trailer sway control
Optional:
- Intelligent 4WD
- Hill descent control
- Terrain Management System (normal, trail, deep snow/sand, slippery, sport, tow/haul, and eco modes)
Fuel Economy
When you’re shopping for any hybrid model, EPA ratings are important and we think you’ll be impressed with the numbers here. The standard Explorer Hybrid earns 27 mpg combined. With optional all-wheel drive, efficiency drops to 25 mpg combined, due to the extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system.
Tow Rating
Compared to other mid-size crossover hybrids, the Explorer Hybrid can tow the biggest boat or camper. Add the trailer tow package to tow max loads of 5,000 pounds.
Exterior
Outside, the Explorer Hybrid dazzles. This Ford crossover comes standard with a bevy of LED lights, chrome trim, and privacy glass. It’s also big on convenience, with standard power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, and automatic headlights. There are even a few optional features to make your daily drive a little more luxurious, such as flashier wheels and a hands-free, foot-activated liftgate.
Standard:
- 20-inch Premium painted aluminum wheels
- P255/55R20 all-season BSW tires
- Auto high beams
- Automatic LED low-beam headlamps
- Headlamps: Autolamp Auto On/Off, LED low beams, halogen reflector high beams
- LED fog lamps
- LED signature lighting
- LED taillamps
- Body-color door handles with Bright insert
- Body-color liftgate spoiler
- Dual chrome exhaust tip
- Grille, Bright Silver painted mesh insert with chrome bars
- Chrome liftgate appliqué
- Side View mirrors: power-folding with auto fold, power, and heated glass, LED turn signal indicators, security approach lamps, and Gloss Black caps
- Power liftgate
- Power Fold mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear bumper step pad - molded-in-color with Black
- Roof rack side rails - Satin aluminum with Black end caps
- Chrome bodyside cladding accent
- Front row side acoustic laminated glass windows
- Privacy glass for second row, third row, and liftgate
- Mini spare tire
- Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
Optional:
- 20-inch hand-polished aluminum wheels
- Self-sealing P255/55R20 all-season tires
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
Exterior colors:
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
- Atlas Blue
- Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Carbonized Gray
- Stone Gray
- Agate Black
- Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
- Iconic Silver
- Oxford White
Interior
The Ford Explorer Hybrid interior is an experience unto itself. With three rows of cushy seating, it’s an excellent family hauler. This particular Explorer comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, creating accommodations for up to six passengers. However, if you require an extra seat and space for seven, you can always choose the optional second-row bench seat.
The Explorer Hybrid also comes standard with lots of luxury features. The cabin is home to leather seating, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control. After dark, the multi-color ambient lighting system can be adjusted to match your mood. Options, including heated and ventilated front seats with massage settings, wrap you in even greater luxury.
Behind the rear seats, this thrifty crossover lays out 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Flip down the third row seats for 47.9 cubes. And you can fold both rear rows to create a maximum cargo hold of 87.8 cubes.
Standard:
- Leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and accent stitching
- Second-row captain’s chairs with Power-Assist Fold and E-Z Entry
- Heated first and second-row seats
- Third-row 50/50 manual split-folding bench seat
- Air filtration system
- Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
- Rear auxiliary climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Cargo hooks
- Configurable daytime running lights
- Dome/map lights in all three rows
- Black carpet and floor mats (front and second rows)
- First-row center floor console with wrapped armrest and storage bin
- Heated steering wheel
- Door-sill scuff plates, front and rear (Bright inserts, front only)
- Manual tilt/telescoping steering column
- Second-row sunblinds
- Overhead console with dome/map lights and sunglasses holder
- Passenger-assist grab handles (one for front passenger, two in second row)
- Power door locks
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Power windows, with one-touch-up-and-down driver/passenger window
Optional:
- Heated and ventilated first-row seats
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Second-row 35/30/35 split-folding-flat bench seat
- PowerFold third-row
Technology
Ford’s hybrid crossover also scores major points for its tech lineup. This thrifty family hauler comes standard with everything you need for smartphone integration, from USB charge ports to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And your music selection always sounds amazing, thanks to the 12-speaker B&O sound system.
Standard:
- Sync with Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
- FordPass Connect
- FordPass Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Wireless charging pad
- 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen
- SiriusXM
- Dual second-row Smart Charging USB ports
- Four 12V powerpoints (two first row, one second row, one cargo area)
Optional:
- Three 12V PowerPoints (two first row, one cargo area)
Safety & Security
When it comes to protecting your loved ones, the Ford Explorer Hybrid doesn’t miss a beat. As you’re driving around, a host of high-tech safety aids help you stay in the clear, including forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist technology. You’ll also be pleased to note that the Explorer Hybrid earned a perfect five-star rating for safety in government crash tests.
Standard:
- Remote start
- Integrated key fob
- Intelligent Access with push-button start
- MyKey
- Forward Sensing System
- Lane-Keeping System (includes Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert)
- Reverse Sensing System
- Rearview camera with washer
- AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- Belt-Minder
- Front passenger knee airbag
- LATCH (Lower anchors and tether anchors for children)
- Safety Canopy System
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- Battery Saver
- Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Perimeter alarm
- Remote keyless/illuminated entry
- SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
- SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
- Universal garage door opener
Trim Models
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is actually a trim model in the regular Explorer lineup, the Limited. The Limited is the only Explorer model currently available with the hybrid powertrain. Luckily for you, though, the Limited is an excellent trim model that’s loaded with luxury goodies, including leather seating, heated seats, and smart infotainment features.
Limited
- 3.3L hybrid engine
- Leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and accent stitching
- SYNC with Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
Available Packages
Trailer Tow Package - Class III
- Class III frame-mounted hitch and trailer connections
Ford Warranty
Your purchase of a Ford Explorer Hybrid includes lasting warranty coverage. If something goes awry within the terms of Ford’s warranty, you can take this crossover back to the dealership service department for a worry-free fix.
- 3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
- 5 years/60,000 miles Basic Powertrain Coverage
- 8 years/100,000 miles Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Unique Component Coverage
- 5 years/60,000 miles Safety and Emissions Limited Warranty
What Comes Next?
After a full redesign for the 2020 model year, we don’t expect to see any major changes in the near future. However, we’ll keep an ear to the ground and update this section accordingly!