It looks like Ford has found its new ace in terms of combining frugality and function as the EPA numbers for the 2020 Explorer Hybrid have just been released.
Based on official documents, the 2020 Explorer Hybrid registers 27 miles per gallon in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined for a rear-wheel-drive setup. In other parts of the United States where the all-wheel-drive is the go-to, mileage is at an estimated 23/26/25 mpg.
In comparison to the Explorer’s standard 2.3-liter turbo 4-engine, the rear-wheel-drive variant is better by 4 mpg, while the AWD is more efficient by 2 mpg. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid goes to as much as 500 miles before fill-ups.
The hybrid model is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 mated to a 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery and 35-kilowatt electric motor. If necessary, 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque will be readily available, both of which are larger figures compared to the 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque produced by the turbocharged 2.3-liter.
But while it does appear like the upcoming Explorer Hybrid is the most efficient SUV in Ford’s lineup, it’s still a little short when equated to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It’s edge over the league leader, however, is in the towing aspect. On paper, the Explorer Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds versus the electrified Highlander’s measly 3,500 pounds. Nevertheless, there’s still much to be seen from the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid. And until it arrives at dealerships, people can only speculate and base their judgment on estimations.
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