Daily Slideshow: The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid is Ford's first hybrid third-row SUV in six years. The new platform compromises no cargo space, produces 318 hp, and tows over 5,000 lbs.
Ford’s New Cash Printer
Ford plans to release an onslaught of new vehicles in for 2020, starting with the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer. The new third-row SUV will enter into sales sometime this year into a very competitive market, however, with a new hybrid option, the Blue Oval won’t have any trouble reaching sales goals.
Performance Figures That Matter
The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid will boast impressive horsepower and fuel economy figures. The 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid produces 318 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powerplant mates to a 10-speed modular hybrid automatic. The SUV is projected to have a range of 500+ miles. Whether the long-distance range is due to a massive fuel tank or high fuel-economy figures has yet to be seen.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Rear Wheel Drive Platform
The 2020 Explorer is a RWD platform, meaning if you feel so inclined, donuts in a hybrid will be possible. However, the majority of the Explorers will be sold with Fords available intelligent four-wheel drive with front axle disconnect. The four-wheel drive system will effect fuel-economy, however, Ford has greatly improved up the rolling friction of the system to reduce the fuel economy impact as much as possible.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Battery Packs
The electric motor is tucked between the engine and the torque converter, making it possible for the vehicle to drive on electric power alone. The liquid-cooled battery packs have a capacity of only 1.5 kW-hr, resulting in only 47 hp. The system is not meant for sustained driving on electric power alone, however, it is meant as a power assist rather than a stand-alone set-up.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Towing
Towing is the 2020 Explorer Hybrid’s strong suit. Rated for over 5,000 pounds, the Explorer far out-tows its competition. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for example, is only rated for 3,500 pounds. A stark comparison. This will make it possible for those looking to tow their family boat twice a year to the cabin and back to also have great fuel economy through the rest of the year. I wouldn’t expect much in terms of fuel econ when towing, however.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Cargo Space
The 2020 Explorer platform was designed around the hybrid drivetrain, this means that the battery packs do not affect cargo space whatsoever. The battery packs are tucked under the front row and passenger second-row seats, meaning no truck space is dedicated to the batteries as in most other hybrid SUV’s. The overall cargo space of 87.8 cubic feet is the same in every configuration across the board.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Trim Level
The 2020 Explorer Hybrid will be only available in the upper-level Limited trim. The Limited trim package comes well equipped with high-level features, including leather seats, power front seats, heated rear seats, premium audio system, and even a wireless charging pad. Standard safety features include Ford’s Co-Pilot360. The system includes a wide gamut of safety features, including forward-collision radar with autobraking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring, lanes keep assist, cross traffic alert, even automatic high-beams are included.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Price Point
Ford has yet to announce pricing, but don't count on it coming cheap. According to our sister site CarsDirect, it's likely that the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid could set you back for about $54,000. You’ll have to drive a lot of very fuel-efficient miles to make back that difference between this and the current V6 Explorer Sport with an MSRP of about $47,000.
>>Join the conversation about Ford's new Explorer Hybrid right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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