2022 Ford Explorer hybrid

There’s more than one reason to drive home in one of these three-row midsize crossover hybrids. For starters, the Explorer Hybrid’s thrifty engine helps you save on the cost of fuel. But it’s also up for adventure, providing plenty of speed and adventure-ready qualities, such as optional all-wheel drive and impressive towing performance.

Inside, the Explorer Hybrid is equally enticing. Since this three-row hybrid crossover is only available as one of two upscale trim models, you can count on a cushy ride with leather upholstery and lots of interior upgrades. And each of these crossovers is brimming with driver safety aids, from forward collision mitigation to adaptive cruise control.

Unlike competitors, the Explorer Hybrid aims to please drivers who want to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing sporty capabilities. Depending on equipment, the Explorer Hybrid earns up to 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway). But it also offers a swift, dependable ride, with 318 horsepower. And the Explorer’s standard rear-wheel-drive setup helps it tow more than most hybrid competitors, too. Properly equipped, this sporty crossover can tow a boat or camper weighing up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer hybrid powertrain includes:

• 3.3L Hybrid engine (318 total horsepower)
• Rear-wheel drive
• Terrain Management System
• Trailer sway control
• Optional all-wheel drive
• 10-speed automatic transmission

There are only two Explorer trim models available with the hybrid powertrain: the Limited and Platinum. Besides being sporty and efficient, these trim models are known for their swanky exterior style and rich interior comfort. The Platinum is slightly more accommodating than the Limited, adding to the Limited’s list of upscale features with upgraded leather seating, active noise cancellation, and an available 14-speaker sound system, among other features.

Limited features include:

• 20-inch Premium-painted aluminum wheels
• LED Lunghamer Lighting
• LED fog lamps
• Leather-trimmed seats with micro-perforated inserts and accent stitching
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated second-row seats
• Tri-zone automatic temperature control
• Second-row sunblinds
• Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Wireless charging pad
• Remote start
• 360-degree camera with split-view
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
• Optional twin-panel moonroof
• Optional hands-free, foot-activated liftgate

Platinum features include:

• 21-inch Bright machined-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
• Adaptive headlamps with LED Lunghamer Lighting
• LED fog lamps
• Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
• Multicontour front seats with Active Motion
• Tri-diamond perforated leather seating surfaces
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column
• Tri-zone automatic temperature control
• Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Multi-color ambient interior lighting
• 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Remote start
• Wireless charging pad
• Active noise cancellation
• 360-degree camera with split-view
• Pedestrian Alert Sounder
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package
• Optional twin-panel moonroof
• Optional 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Optional Active Park Assist 2.0