Ford Motor Co. has unveiled the latest version of its popular Explorer SUV, but there is one notable omission: the hybrid powertrain option. While the automaker aims to boost hybrid sales, the 2025 Explorer will not be offered in a gasoline-electric version for general consumers. Instead, the hybrid edition will be limited to law enforcement fleet buyers, specifically for the Police Interceptor squad car.
According to Craig Patterson, Ford's SUV marketing manager, the decision to reserve hybrid powertrains for police vehicles is based on the demand that Ford has observed in that market segment. However, this move is in contrast to Ford CEO Jim Farley's strategy, as he seeks to quadruple hybrid sales over the next five years by offering hybrid powertrains across the company's lineup.
Despite a 25% increase in hybrid sales for Ford last year, the company still lags behind competitors such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda in the US hybrid market. In an effort to revive its gas-electric offerings, General Motors CEO Mary Barra recently announced plans to bring plug-in hybrid technology to US models.
The hybrid Explorer's lackluster fuel efficiency has played a significant role in its limited popularity. Last year, Ford sold fewer than 7,500 hybrid Explorers, representing just 4% of the SUV's overall sales. Critics have pointed out that the hybrid Explorer fails to match up against competitors like the Highlander, which offers a significantly higher MPG rating of 36 compared to the Explorer's 27.
Ford's hybrid lineup, on the other hand, has seen success with models like the Maverick and the hybrid F-150 pickup, which collectively sold over 100,000 hybrid-powered trucks last year. The Maverick hybrid boasts an impressive average MPG of 37, while the hybrid F-150 achieves around 25 MPG, as certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Nevertheless, Ford seems to have plans for a hybrid Explorer in the future. AutoForecast Solutions predicts that the hybrid version will make a comeback as early as 2026 to help Ford comply with stricter federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. These regulations are pushing automakers to reduce emissions and promote cleaner technologies.
In the meantime, the 2025 Explorer offers a refreshed front-end design and an expanded interior with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The new infotainment system, developed in partnership with Alphabet Inc.'s Google-parent company, provides a seamless user experience. The starting price for the gasoline-only version of the Explorer has also increased to around $41,000.
While Ford prepares to release an all-electric three-row SUV next year, sales of pure electric vehicles are expected to slow down in 2022. Factors such as high prices and a lack of charging infrastructure for electric models have led to buyer hesitation. However, analysts predict that the demand for hybrid vehicles will continue to grow steadily.
Though the hybrid option is momentarily absent from the Explorer lineup, Ford remains committed to meeting evolving market demands and enhancing its offerings in the hybrid and electric vehicle sectors. As the automotive industry adapts to stricter emissions regulations, Ford will likely reintroduce the hybrid Explorer to keep up with the changing landscape and ensure compliance with environmental standards.