2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid: A Detailed Overview
The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid aimed to blend the practicality and capability of the popular Explorer SUV with the fuel efficiency benefits of a hybrid powertrain. This generation marked a significant redesign for the Explorer, introducing rear-wheel drive as standard and offering a more car-like driving experience, which translated into the hybrid variant as well.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The heart of the 2020 Explorer Hybrid is its 3.3L V6 Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers a healthy 318 combined horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup offers a notable improvement in fuel economy over its gasoline-only counterparts, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their fuel costs.
- Safety Features: Ford equipped the 2020 Explorer Hybrid with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard or available, designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Key features include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert: BLIS monitors the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected. Cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot.
- Lane-Keeping System: This technology helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing steering input if it detects unintentional lane departure.
- Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when in reverse.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (optional on some trims): This system maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts it to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Trims: The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid was available in two primary trims, offering distinct levels of features and luxury:
- Limited: This mid-tier trim provided a strong balance of comfort and technology, typically including features like leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and a premium audio system. It represented a well-appointed and comfortable option for most families.
- Platinum: As the top-tier offering, the Platinum trim elevated the luxury and sophistication. It often included premium Nappa leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic sunroof, enhanced interior trim accents, a more advanced infotainment system, and additional driver-assistance features as standard.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard: A significant change for the 2020 model year, RWD became standard across the Explorer lineup, including the hybrid. This contributed to improved handling and a more engaging driving experience compared to the previous front-wheel drive platform.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Available: While RWD was standard, AWD was an optional upgrade for those who frequently encountered inclement weather or sought enhanced traction.
- Spacious Interior: The Explorer Hybrid offered a comfortable and spacious interior for up to seven passengers, with a third row that was reasonably usable for children or shorter adults. Cargo space was also generous for everyday needs and road trips.
- Towing Capability: Even with the hybrid powertrain, the Explorer Hybrid maintained respectable towing capabilities, making it a practical choice for those who occasionally tow trailers or boats.
What to Expect
Owning a 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid typically involves a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The transition between the gasoline engine and electric motor is generally seamless, providing quiet acceleration and a refined ride. Fuel economy is a key selling point, with the hybrid powertrain offering significantly better MPG than its non-hybrid counterparts, leading to fewer stops at the gas pump.
Maintenance: Routine maintenance for the Explorer Hybrid is similar to other SUVs, involving oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks. However, the hybrid system itself has fewer moving parts than traditional powertrains, which can potentially lead to reduced long-term maintenance needs for certain components. It's crucial to follow Ford's recommended maintenance schedule to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of both the gasoline engine and the hybrid system. Hybrid-specific components, like the battery, are generally designed to last the life of the vehicle, but it's wise to be aware of potential warranty coverage.
Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid will vary depending on factors such as your driving record, location, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim. Generally, hybrid vehicles can sometimes have slightly higher insurance premiums due to the advanced technology and potentially higher repair costs for specialized components if an accident occurs. However, the safety features present in the Explorer Hybrid may also contribute to lower premiums with some insurance providers. It's always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
Potential Considerations
- Performance Feel: While the combined horsepower is respectable, some drivers might find the power delivery of the hybrid system to be slightly less immediate or engaging compared to a purely gasoline-powered performance SUV. The Atkinson-cycle engine is optimized for efficiency, which can sometimes result in a less aggressive acceleration feel.
- Battery Placement and Cargo Space: The battery pack is typically located under the floor of the cargo area. While Ford did a good job of integrating it, it can subtly impact the overall cargo volume or floor height compared to a non-hybrid Explorer.
- Complexity of Hybrid System: Although designed for reliability, the hybrid powertrain involves more complex technology than a conventional engine. In the unlikely event of a major component failure within the hybrid system, repairs could potentially be more specialized and costly than those for a standard gasoline vehicle. However, this is mitigated by the warranty on hybrid components.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the infotainment systems offered in the 2020 Explorer were generally well-featured, some users reported occasional instances of sluggishness or lag in the system's responsiveness.
Overall Summary
The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid presented a compelling package for families and individuals seeking a capable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV. It successfully integrated a robust hybrid powertrain with the established strengths of the Explorer platform, including a spacious interior, refined driving dynamics thanks to the new RWD architecture, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. While potential buyers should be aware of the typical considerations associated with hybrid technology, the 2020 Explorer Hybrid offered a well-rounded and attractive proposition for those prioritizing both utility and improved fuel economy in their SUV choice.