2022 Ford Explorer hybrid SUV

The 2022 Ford Explorer originally comes with ten trims in total but only two of them come with hybrid engines. The Limited Hybrid and the Platinum Hybrid are almost similar as both of them offer a large set of the same features. However, there are a few differences between the two but most of them are regarding the features only. The two trims come with a 3.3L engine and intelligent 4WD drivetrains. There are also high-series brakes and a 10-speed automatic transmission with a range of advanced standard features. The Limited is priced at $52,375 making it the base trim and the Platinum is slightly more expensive with a price tag of $53,630. 

Packages

The trims come with several packages of different sizes and most of them have affordable price tags. More importantly, the Ford Co-pilot 360 Package is a built-in for the Hybrid options and does not cost any extra money. 

Premium Technology Package

• 10.1” LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Pinch-to-Zoom facility
• 980 Watt B&O Audio System from Bang & Olufsen 
• 14 Speaker sound with Subwoofer
• Costs $995

Class IV Trailer Tow Package

• Class IV Frame Mounted Hatch and Trailer
• Maximum towing capacity of $5600 lbs
• Costs $545

Cargo Area Management System

• Cargo Net
• Reversible Load Floor
• Cargo Rubber Mat
• Costs $165

Smoker’s Package

• Smoking bin
• Lighter
• Costs $70

Ford Co-pilot 360 Package

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Stop-and-Go
• Lane Centering
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Voice Activated Touchscreen
• Blind Spot Information System
• Lane Keeping System
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rearview Camera
• Automatic High Beam Lamps

We Recommend

Both the trims in this context have some similar excellent features and the pricing for them is only slightly different. However, the Platinum Hybrid trim is recommended here as it has a few extra features. The Premium Technology Package is a good choice to go with the trim and the Class IV Trailer Tow Package can be obtained according to the need of the driver. 

Release Date

The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is already available in the US markets. 

The engine of the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is a 3.3L naturally aspirated V6. The overall performance of the hybrid engine from Ford is smooth and it offers excellent control at high speed as well. The unique aspect of the Ford Explorer Hybrid is that it has a rear-wheel drivetrain but it offers an Intelligent 4WD drivetrain as well. The driver can choose according to his or her path of driving to extract better output from the SUV. The 10-speed Automatic Modular Hybrid transmission is another extraordinary factor for the 2022 Ford Explorer. The towing capacity of the 3.3L hybrid engine is 5,000 lbs for the Ford Hybrid SUV. The power output of the hybrid engine is 318 HP at 6,500 RPM while the torque generated in this case is 322 lb-ft at 2,500 RPM. These figures are much higher than its competitors in the market and the acceleration for 0 to 60 MPH takes only 5.2 seconds for the Platinum Hybrid.

The 3.3L V6 engine of the Ford Explorer Hybrid generates most power in the market and it has the highest maximum torque output as well. The swiftness of its automatic modular hybrid transmission is unmatched by the competition. The duration for a quarter mile is also the lowest among the rivals and its top speed of 146 MPH is quite higher than all the other SUVs in the same category. The Lexus RX 450h has the worst figure in acceleration and quarter-mile duration. The overall engine performance is extraordinary and it is arguably the most powerful in the market. 

Ride and Handling

The riding experience of the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is smooth and comfortable and the engine performance and braking make the SUV more attractive for a driver. The Hybrid SUV offers stability and reliability even when riding on rough surfaces and its swift control in acceleration and braking makes it an excellent hybrid vehicle. The hybrid powertrain along with the available Intelligent 4WD is a unique aspect that gives the SUV an extra edge in the competitive market. The smooth transmission and control over the handling make the Ford Explorer all the more desirable for a driver. The strut-type suspension in the front and the multi-link-type in the rear along with the shock absorber ensure comfortable riding during off-roading. The driving dynamics are appreciable for a Hybrid SUV and it maintains stable riding as well. 

Braking Performance

The braking capabilities of the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid are as great as the engine performance. The disc brakes in all the wheels and the anti-lock braking system are excellent choices to counter the quick acceleration and high top speed. More importantly, the braking system works great in rough terrains to enable the SUV to perform better. The brake rotor of the 2022 Ford Explorer in the front is 13.6 inches and the same in the rear is 12.6 inches. These figures are standard for the hybrid SUV and 4,969 lbs of curb weight is higher than its competitors but the braking system is appropriate for the weight and acceleration of the Ford Explorer. 

The Ford SUV being the heaviest in the lot justifies its larger brake rotors and they offer efficient braking. The Toyota Highlander has slightly smaller rotors in the front but the rear ones are better than the Explorer. The Lexus has the same rear rotors as the Toyota but its larger weight means it is not as efficient as the Highlander. The Hyundai Santa Fe has the smallest brake rotors in both front and rear but that is acceptable as it has the lightest body among the competitors. The braking distance from 60 to 0 MPH for the Ford Explorer is 121 ft while that of the Santa Fe is around 130 ft. 

The fuel economy is standard for the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid and there are prominent competitors who have better figures in this category. The mileage offered by the Platinum Hybrid is 25 MPG and 26 MPG respectively for the city streets and highways. The combined mileage for the same is 26 MPG as well. The Platinum Hybrid has a fuel capacity of 18.0 gallons which is still larger than its primary competitors. The range of the car is 450 miles, 468 miles and 468 miles respectively for the cities, highways, and combined. There are rivals with much better figures in this category as well. 

The Lexus Hybrid has some close figures in the fuel economy segment but it is still better than the Ford SUV. However, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Hyundai Santa Fe have a much better economy than the 2022 Ford Explorer. Both of those SUVs can put the Platinum Hybrid to shame with their incredible range and mileage with slightly smaller fuel capacities. However, there are other categories where the Ford Explorer Hybrid can overshadow its rivals to compensate for its fuel economy. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer does not have an interior to boast in terms of style and attractiveness but the overall space makes it a comfortable SUV nonetheless. It is understandable that the interior lacks the class and elegance apparent in the exterior but it is nothing to have second thoughts about it. The Platinum Hybrid is a standard seven-seating SUV and it has sufficient room inside the cabin. The 8-way driver seat and the 6-way passenger seats offer superior comfort and the dedicated armrests are enough to make it luxurious for all the passengers inside. The front and rear cupholders along with the full cloth headliner create more creature comfort as well. 

The trunk capacity of the Ford Explorer is 18.2 cu-ft which is the largest among the market competitors making it a spacious and comfortable SUV in this category. The primary competitors have almost similar figures but they are slightly behind in the space available in the first and second rows. However, there are massive differences between the cargo spaces of the competitors. The Ford Explorer offers the largest cargo space behind the first row and the space behind the second row is the highest in the Toyota Highlander. The Lexus has the smallest trunk capacity behind the third row with only 6.2 cu.-ft available.

Some of the key features are - 

• Bucket Folding Heated Captain Front Seats
• Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Leather Rear Seats
• Power Tilt
• Power Rear Windows
• 50-50 Bench Leather Rear Seats
• Heated Leather/Genuine Wood Steering Wheel
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Proximity Cargo Access
• Leather Door Trim Insert
• Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting

The bold and stylish exterior of the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is definitely more attractive than its interior and the overall features are great additions for the hybrid SUV as well. The 21" Bright Machined-Face Aluminum wheels with luster nickel-painted pockets increase the style of the exterior and the stylish paint options are excellent compliments for the chassis design. The metal grille, tinted glass, and attractive door handles are great additions to the overall style of the Ford Explorer. The LED lighting and roof racks provide a solid look for the hybrid SUV. The basic features like power-heated side mirrors with power folding and Heated Wiper Park and Defroster make the Explorer all the more desirable. The Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access along with the automatic high beam facility in the headlamps are great additions to the hybrid vehicles. The overall road presence is exciting and the exterior design is commendable as well. 

The curb weight of 4,969 lbs is the highest among the rivals from the same category and the overall structure is slightly bigger than all of them as well. The Hybrid SUV from the Ford Explorer has a length of 198.8 inches and the width of the car is 78.9 inches. The height of the SUV from the ground is 70.2 inches while the maximum ground clearance is 8.2 inches making it a better option for off-roads and uneven terrains. The wheelbase of the 2022 Explorer is 119.1 inches which are larger than the Toyota, the Lexus, and the Hyundai.

Some of the key features in the exterior are -

• Compact Spare Tire Mounted Under Cargo
• Clearcoat Paint
• Black Power Heated Side Mirrors
• Auto Dimming Turn Signal Indicator
• Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Wipers
• Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
• Lip Spoiler
• Headlights-Automatic High Beams
• Front Fog Lamps
• Roof Rack Rails

Infotainment System

The infotainment system is a standard yet advanced technology added to the car and it has several important features to increase the practicality and the attractiveness as well. The SYNC 3 communication system is definitely one of the biggest attractions while the 12-speaker audio with subwoofer is an exciting complement. The connectivity is excellent and the UI of the infotainment is pretty easy to access. The Explorer comes with a lot of standard aspects like Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility as well as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The 911 assist is an exclusive feature and the digital signal processor adds value to the technical prowess. 

• B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
• 12 speakers audio with subwoofer
• SiriusXM
• Radio Data System and Internal Memory
• Steering Wheel Controls
• SYNC 3 Communications & Entertainment System
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility
• 911 Assist
• USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• 2 Front LCD Monitors

The 2022 Ford Explorer has not been tested by NHTSA but the IIHS-HLDI has provided the highest ratings in most of the segments. There are plenty of safety features installed in the hybrid SUV that assure the driver and the passengers of its safety capabilities. The collision warning system and the pre-collision assist even makes a beginner play it safely on the road. The adaptive cruise control along with blind spot assist comes as standard with the Ford Hybrid SUV. The Evasive steering assist and reverse sensing system allows the driver to have better control of the car.

The key safety features of the Ford Explorer are - 

• Blind-spot assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Driver alert
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Pre-collision assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Evasive steering assist
• Reverse sensing system
• Pedestrian detection
• Reverse brake assist
• Lane centering

2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid vs. 2022 Lexus RX 450hL Hybrid

The 2022 Lexus RX 450hL Hybrid is the closest competitor of the 2022 Ford Platinum Hybrid with standard engine and braking performance. The control and handling of the Lexus RX are excellent and the competitive pricing is good enough to make it a primary rival. The overall interior is slightly smaller than the Ford Explorer but the mileage is better than its rival. Standard exterior and style along with the comfort make the Lexus a strong contender. The infotainment unit has some solid features and the safety segment is as great as any. However, the Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid from 2022 is still a better choice in this category. 

2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited is not as strong a competitor as the previous model in terms of power output or max speed. The acceleration and engine torque are higher than the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer has better braking performances as well. The fuel economy however is much better for the Highlander hybrid from 2022 and it can take on the Ford hybrid SUV on any day of the week. The interior and exterior are slightly smaller but they are standard nonetheless and the overall technology along with the safety features make it a primary competitor for the Ford Hybrid. However, the feature might not be enough for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and one might opt for the Ford Explorer for improved engine performance. 

2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid vs. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid is a weak rival when it comes to engine performance but it has several other factors to stand strong against the Ford Explorer. The riding experience is great and the fuel economy of the Hyundai Santa Fe is outstanding. The additional features in safety and technology make the Hyundai Hybrid SUV a strong rival in the category. The interior space is small in the Santa Fe but the pricing is much lower than the Ford Explorer Hybrid from 2022. Thus the price tag makes it a good option but the performance might not be impressive enough to topple the Ford Platinum Hybrid in the competition. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid is arguably the most impressive engine and the overall performance in acceleration, control, riding, and braking make the hybrid SUV an excellent choice in the market. There are some significant competition but the Ford Platinum Hybrid SUV stands tall over its rivals in most of the segments. It is true that the fuel economy does not have the stats to convince you properly but the interior aspects - both the design and the additional features are exceptional. The exterior design and road presence are alright while the safety features are commendable. The overall stability and reliability of the Explorer Hybrid SUV should be enough for you to take it home. However, the price range for the Ford Explorer might be an issue but considering all the features that come along with the Limited or Platinum Hybrid trim, the model is a good bargain for any driver. Most importantly, there is hardly any alternative in the market that offers similar performance and features at a better price.