Here’s What You Need to Know About Ford’s Next Gen Hybrids
Ford’s 2020 Escape and Explorer hybrids share similar technology but have very different mission statements.
When the second generation Ford Escape ended its production run in 2012, it marked the end of an era for the Blue Oval, which had debuted the world’s first 4×4 hybrid utility vehicle with the 2005 Ford Escape. The company has gone seven years without selling a hybrid vehicle capable of sending power to all four wheels. But this year Ford will introduce two new models in an effort to make up for lost time. Those vehicles? The sporty 2020 Ford Escape and the lighter, leaner 2020 Ford Explorer.
The two long-running and extremely popular vehicles have received complete redesigns this year, along with some innovative powertrains. These new hybrids are aimed at improving fuel efficiency without any loss of capability. And with the Nissan Rogue hybrid going the way of the dodo bird, Ford has a real chance to reclaim some market share in the compact hybrid utility segment.
These new hybrid powertrains are interesting not just because of their novelty, but also due to their differences. While the new Escape boasts a hybrid system that builds on what Ford offered in the Escape, Fusion and C-Max, the 2020 Explorer does things a bit more differently. Overall, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of Ford’s hybrid program, especially if you’re in the market for one.
When the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid arrived at American dealerships in 2004, it earned the distinction of being the world’s first 4×4 utility vehicle, and the first ever hybrid from Ford. It paired a 2.3 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder gasoline engine with a 70 kW (94 horsepower) electric motor that by itself could propel the Escape up to 25 mph. When combined, the hybrid boasted 155 total horsepower. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) then delivered power to the wheels. There was no mechanical differentiation between the hybrid and non-hybrid four wheel drive system, although the hybrid model was limited to a 1,000 pound towing capacity. The 2005 Escape Hybrid weighed about 300-400 pounds heavier than its gasoline counterparts.
Fast forward to the 2020 model year and the fundamentals have remained the same while efficiency has improved significantly. Ford’s next-generation hybrid system is all-new and employs a 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a planetary gearset. The result is a transmission that operates in a similar manner to a continuously variable unit. Ford is claiming a total output of 198 horsepower for the Escape’s hybrid model, which places it smack dab in the middle of the gasoline engine lineup. As for weight, Ford says the hybrid will be about 250 pounds heavier than the standard model. All wheel drive is once again being offered and it follows its predecessor by using a mechanical prop shaft to drive the rear wheels.
Like the Escape Hybrid, the Explorer can propel itself solely on electric power, gasoline power, or a combination of the two. The Explorer Hybrid will also be available with the same all wheel drive system that is available in gas models.
Ford is also introducing a plug-in variant of the hybrid model as well. The company has sold plug-in models under the Energi moniker since 2013, but the new system boasts a much bigger battery pack and more horsepower. Like the regular hybrid, the plug-in battery sits underneath the floor. While the regular Ford escape hybrid is equipped with a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the plug-in has a 14 kWh pack. The plug-in is rated at 209 horsepower, which is an impressive figure that beats the standard hybrid 198 horsepower figure and the current generation Energi models, which are rated at 188 combined horsepower. Unfortunately, all wheel drive is not available with the plug-in. By Ford’s estimate, owners should get 30 miles of electric-only power before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Ford decided to do things differently with the 2020 Explorer. Unlike the Escape, the Explorer’s hybrid system uses the same transmission as the gasoline models. The 10 speed automatic retains 90 percent of the parts used in the non-hybrid transmission, including the torque converter. A 35 kW (44 horsepower) electric motor is built into the transmission and there’s a disconnect clutch at the hub. That motor is paired to Ford’s 3.3 liter V6, which currently serves as the base engine for the F-150. Total output is rated at 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Like the Escape Hybrid, the Explorer can propel itself solely on electric power, gasoline power, or a combination of the two. The Explorer Hybrid will also be available with the same all wheel drive system that is available in gasoline models. Towing is rated at 5,000 pounds. The Explorer’s battery will also be situated under the seats, and Ford opted for a 1.5 kWh unit.
In an added twist, there will be a plug-in Explorer, but not for Americans. That version will use Ford’s 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 paired with an electric motor for an estimated 25 electric-only miles. Output is estimated at 450 horsepower and 622 Ib-ft of torque, which is an incredibly high figure that even tops the ST model. Ford’s Lincoln sibling, the Aviator, will be available with this powertrain in America. It is also extremely likely that the new hybrid systems in the Explorer and Aviator will find their way into Ford’s other rear wheel drive vehicles, as Ford has promised a hybrid F-150 and hinted at other electrified performance models.
In all likelihood the Explorer Hybrid will deliver decent but not earth-shattering fuel economy numbers. That’s because Ford engineered the system with towing in mind. They also designed the system to be efficient at idle in order to appeal to police departments looking to cut down on fleet wide fuel costs. According to Ford, the new Police Interceptor Utility will return 24 mpg combined on the EPA cycle. That is a significant improvement compared to the old model, which is estimated at 17 mpg combined. Even if municipalities don’t receive all the fuel economy benefits that Ford says they will, they’ll still be saving a decent amount of money without sacrificing any cargo room or all weather capability.
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The same goes for anyone shopping for the Escape Hybrid and civilian Explorer Hybrid. If the Escape Hybrid can achieve the 38 combined rating it will be a real contender in the compact hybrid segment, especially because Nissan cancelled the Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the only other hybrid utility with a mechanical all wheel drive system. And the Explorer sits in a segment all on its own, as no other three row crossover offers a hybrid system with a conventional automatic that can tow 5,000 pounds. Ford should be proud of what they developed, as it continues the company’s tradition of producing extremely capable vehicles that can get the job done, without any compromises.
Photos: Edward Snitkoff for FTE; Ford
