Cars

2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review: Towing, MPG, and Specs

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review: Towing, MPG, and Specs

The 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid continues to solidify its place in the competitive midsize SUV market, combining the rugged versatility of the Explorer lineup with improved fuel efficiency and eco-conscious engineering. As gas prices remain a concern for many drivers and automakers pivot toward electrification, Ford’s hybrid version of its popular three-row SUV offers a practical alternative without sacrificing performance. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid, examining its towing capacity, fuel economy (MPG), engine specs, trim levels, technology, safety features, and overall value proposition.

Overview of the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid builds on the success of previous generations by integrating a powerful hybrid powertrain into one of America’s favorite SUVs. The Explorer has long been praised for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong towing capabilities. With the addition of hybrid technology, Ford aims to attract environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking lower fuel costs without compromising on utility.

This model is part of Ford’s broader push to electrify its lineup, joining the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and other hybrid variants. Unlike the all-electric models, the Explorer Hybrid maintains the flexibility of a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, making it ideal for long-distance travel, towing, and daily commuting.

Engine and Powertrain: What Makes the 2025 Explorer Hybrid Unique?

At the heart of the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, creating a robust hybrid system that delivers both power and efficiency. This combination produces a total system output of approximately 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs in its class.

The electric motor works in tandem with the gasoline engine, providing instant torque at low speeds and assisting during acceleration. The system uses a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, strategically located under the rear cargo floor to preserve interior space. While the Explorer Hybrid is not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), its intelligent regenerative braking system helps recharge the battery during deceleration and braking, ensuring optimal electric assist.

Power is sent through a standard 10-speed automatic transmission and available Intelligent AWD (all-wheel drive), which adapts to driving conditions for improved traction and efficiency. The hybrid system is engineered to seamlessly switch between electric-only, hybrid, and engine-only modes depending on load, speed, and battery charge levels.

Performance and Driving Experience

Drivers will appreciate the smooth and responsive performance of the Explorer Hybrid. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.8 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size. The hybrid powertrain delivers strong low-end torque, making city driving effortless and highway merging confidence-inspiring.

Despite its hefty weight—around 5,200 pounds depending on trim—the Explorer Hybrid handles well thanks to its independent suspension system and precise electric power steering. Ford has tuned the ride to balance comfort and control, absorbing bumps while maintaining stability during cornering.

For drivers who enjoy off-roading or adverse weather conditions, the available Timberline and 4WD trims offer enhanced ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, even the standard hybrid model performs admirably on rough roads and slippery surfaces thanks to Ford’s Terrain Management System, which allows drivers to select drive modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Trail.

Fuel Efficiency: What MPG Can You Expect?

One of the standout features of the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid is its improved fuel economy. While traditional gas-powered SUVs in this segment typically average around 20–22 MPG combined, the hybrid version delivers significantly better efficiency.

The EPA estimates the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid to achieve:

These numbers represent a substantial improvement over the standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder (20 MPG combined) and even the 3.0L V6 non-hybrid version (19 MPG combined). For families who drive frequently or cover long distances, the fuel savings can add up quickly—potentially hundreds of dollars per year compared to gas-only models.

Real-world driving may vary based on load, driving style, and terrain, but most reviewers report achieving close to EPA estimates under mixed driving conditions. The SUV has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, giving it an estimated driving range of over 540 miles on a full tank—ideal for road trips without frequent refueling.

Factors That Influence Real-World MPG

Several factors can impact the actual fuel economy you experience:

Despite these variables, the Explorer Hybrid consistently ranks among the most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs on the market, outperforming rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (26 MPG combined) and Kia Telluride Hybrid (25 MPG combined).

Towing Capacity: Can the Explorer Hybrid Haul?

A common concern with hybrid SUVs is their towing capability. Many assume that electrification sacrifices hauling power—but the 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid defies that notion. With the proper configuration, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds when equipped with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package.

This makes it suitable for:

Ford engineers optimized the hybrid powertrain to maintain strong performance under load. The electric motor provides extra torque when accelerating from a stop or climbing hills, reducing strain on the gasoline engine. The transmission’s 10-speed gearing allows for better control at various speeds, while the integrated trailer sway control enhances safety.

It’s important to note that towing will reduce fuel economy. Under heavy loads, expect the Explorer Hybrid to average around 20–22 MPG, depending on terrain and trailer weight. However, this is still competitive with other hybrid and non-hybrid midsize SUVs in the same towing class.

Towing Features and Technology

The 2025 Explorer Hybrid comes equipped with several towing-friendly features:

These technologies make the Explorer Hybrid one of the most user-friendly SUVs for towing, especially for novice trailer users.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid retains the bold, athletic styling of the standard Explorer lineup. It features a muscular front grille, available LED lighting, and a sleek roofline that improves aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. While visually similar to non-hybrid models, the Hybrid badge on the rear quarter panel and unique wheel designs help distinguish it.

Key exterior dimensions include:

The SUV offers ample ground clearance (about 8.2 inches) and a commanding driving position. Available features like hands-free liftgate, power-folding mirrors, and panoramic sunroof enhance convenience and curb appeal.

Interior Space and Comfort

Inside, the 2025 Explorer Hybrid offers seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The second row features a 60/40 split bench, while higher trims offer captain’s chairs. The third row is best suited for children or shorter adults but provides easy access thanks to available power-folding second-row seats.

Cargo space is generous:

Materials and build quality are competitive for the segment. Base models feature cloth upholstery, while higher trims like Limited and Platinum offer leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ambient lighting. The hybrid model does not sacrifice interior space for the battery pack—the cargo floor remains flat and usable.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 Explorer Hybrid comes standard with Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, cloud-based navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Additional tech highlights include:

Ford’s SYNC system is praised for its responsiveness and intuitive interface. Over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure the software stays current with new features and security patches.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority in the 2025 Explorer Hybrid, which comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™ 2.0. This advanced suite includes:

Optional safety upgrades include:

The 2025 Explorer Hybrid is expected to earn top safety ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), continuing the strong safety record of previous Explorer models.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid is available in several trim levels, each offering a balance of features, performance, and value: