The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid has made its official debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today, completing the newly revamped Explorer lineup.
Powering the Explorer hybrid is a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with a built-in electric motor. The battery, which is of unknown capacity, is “a specially designed liquid-cooled lithium-ion,” unit that is “built into the Explorer chassis below the second-row seats to preserve cargo and passenger space.” Ford’s staying tight-lipped with regards to performance and fuel economy, but promises up to 500 miles forof range between fill-ups.
Both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive Explorer Hybrids will be offered as well, with rear-wheel drive models returning superior range and fuel economy, obviously.
Details on trim levels and pricing are slim for now, but it sounds as though the Explorer Hybrid will only be offered in well equipped Limited trim from launch. The Explorer Limited includes standard features such as Active Noise Cancellation, leather seats with micro-perforated accents, first and second-row heated seats, a 14-speaker B&O premium sound systema wireless phone charging pad and 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats.
It will also come with the suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driver-assist technologies as standard, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, a lane-keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting.
The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid joins the standard Explorer and the 400 hp Explorer ST in the updated SUV’s lineup. There’s no word on availability yet, but we’re expecting the Explorer to go on sale sometime later this year, possibly by mid year. Hybrid and ST model variants may arrive after the regular versions, which will sell in much greater numbers, but Ford should make things clear in coming months.
Stay tuned for more 2020 Ford Explorer news as it becomes available.
Comments
Please have a video/audio of all the sounds hybrid Ford vehicles make (and electric) I have a Corsair and it makes a jingle sound up to 20 mph. My son-in law has last years Escape which makes a duck quacking sound when backing up and hopefully this will change. It would be very interesting to see Ford and Lincoln strategy. Nothing is mentioned in my owners manual for Corsair and I have asked several people at dealership but no response.