As Ford Authority reported earlier this week, the 2024 Ford Explorer is carrying over mostly unchanged ahead of a refresh for the 2025 model year, but there is at least one big update coming for the popular crossover – it’s dropping the 3.3L V6 hybrid powertrain from its lineup. However, that apparently isn’t the case with that model’s law enforcement counterpart – the 2024 Ford Police Interceptor Utility – which will retain this powerplant for the new model year, as it remains in high demand, which is reportedly one of the reasons FoMoCo decided to drop it from the regular lineup.
In fact, the 2024 Ford Police Interceptor Utility will continue to be offered with the 3.3L V6 hybrid engine as its standard powertrain, and the rest of that model’s engine lineup remains unchanged as well. That means the naturally-aspirated, non-electrified 3.3L V6 is available as an option, as is the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 EcoBoost. Regardless of powertrain, the Police Interceptor Utility continues to be sold in all-wheel drive configuration only.
It’s currently unclear if the hybrid – or another electrified combination – will return as part of the Explorer’s 2025 refresh, which was recently pushed back a model year after it was originally slated to launch for 2024. However, we already know quite a bit about what we can expect from the revised model when it does make its long-awaited debut. For starters, the crossover will feature revised styling on the outside, at least as it pertains to the front and rear fascias. Interestingly, this seemingly doesn’t apply to the Timberline, however, which was recently spotted with the same front end as the current model, though that could change given the model’s recent delay.
Meanwhile, the new Active trim will be added to the Explorer lineup, which may replace the XLT, while the high-performance ST will continue to be offered. Inside the cabin, the refreshed Explorer is set to receive a host of updates as well, which include a larger, standard touchscreen, as well as a revised center stack and dashboard. Production of the 2024 Ford Explorer is expected to only last a total of two months – January and February of next year, while production of the 2025 model is expected to commence in late March 2024 – however, as is always the case, these dates are subject to change.
We’ll have more on the 2024 Ford Police Interceptor Utility soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Explorer news and comprehensive Ford news updates.
Comment
So the problem is just like the Maverick hybrid they can’t build enough of them. Ford wise up people want hybrids! I had an Escape hybrid and averaged 41+ mpg. Now have a Santa Fe Limited Hybrid PHEV and getting 75+ mpg.