2024 Ford Explorer Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
The Explorer has almost as much brand cachet as the Mustang in Ford's portfolio, and the folks at the Blue Oval introduced a hybrid model as part of the sixth-generation redesign. This is a six-cylinder hybrid, which means it has more power and towing capacity than most but doesn't provide the best fuel economy in the three-row hybrid segment . Considering the 2020 redesign, we had hoped the Explorer Hybrid could survive to see a midcycle refresh for 2024 to add a larger infotainment screen, updated styling, and the latest driver assists. Instead, the Explorer Hybrid has been discontinued.
Although the Explorer Hybrid has left Ford's lineup, the hybrid powertrain lives on in the updated Police Interceptor Utility coming to a precinct near you.
Performance and Efficiency
The Explorer Hybrid employs a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V-6 paired with an electric motor. Total system output sums to 318 hp and a 10-speed automatic delivers power for RWD or AWD.
Our test results show the electrified Ford reaching 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, making it quicker than the Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. That performance comes at a cost, though. Fuel economy is 23-27/24-28 mpg city/highway, with RWD Limited examples offering the best numbers. With AWD, driving range is 450 miles in combined city/highway driving, which is at least a commute or two longer than you'll get in other non-hybrid Explorers.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety ratings rarely change with a new model year or midcycle refresh, and that's great for the Explorer. The Explorer Hybrid earns a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and because it earned a Good rating on the tricky updated side test, it will almost certainly carry that rating into 2023 and 2024. The 2021 Explorer Hybrid got a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (newer models haven't received an overall rating as of this writing).
From 2020 to 2023, Ford made tons of Co-Pilot360 driver assists standard on the Explorer Hybrid. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assist are all included, as are adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior dimensions rarely if ever change with a midcycle refresh. The Explorer is about on par for the segment compared to the Highlander and Sorento, and this hybrid model doesn't sacrifice any space for batteries or motors.
Technology
So far, Ford has only offered the sixth-generation Explorer with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been standard, and navigation has been included on ST-Line variants and above. We're hoping Ford will add its 12.3- or 15.5-inch touchscreen displays as part of a 2024 refresh.
Recommended Trim
Between the Explorer Hybrid's two trim levels—Limited and Platinum—we'd go for the more affordable Limited. Sure, the Platinum has big, flashy wheels and perforated leather upholstery, but the Limited is well equipped to begin with. You get all the driver assists Ford offers, plus premium audio and heated/ventilated front seats.
