Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

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2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

7.4/10 Expert Rating

2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV Rear Badge Shown

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2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review

byCameron Rogers^{Senior News Editor
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Sharp steering and stable handling for a SUV
Pleasing acceleration from the hybrid powertrain
Lots of cargo space

Cons

Hybrid model limited to a single upper-level trim
Elevated noise from wind and hybrid system
Lackluster second- and third-row interior space
Interior materials could be better

What's new

The Ford Explorer is fully redesigned for 2020
Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020

The 2020 Ford Explorer is fully redesigned. Conceptually, it's pretty similar to previous Explorer models. This is a midsize three-row SUV that can handle just about any task you throw at it, whether it be hauling around your family or towing a medium-size trailer. But the 2020 model brings some notable changes. Besides the subtle styling updates, you'll find improved handling abilities, new safety features, a roomier interior and new engines. The latter includes the Explorer Hybrid, which promises both quick acceleration and higher-than-average fuel economy.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

7.4 /10

Like the regular Explorer, the Ford Explorer Hybrid offers great handling, good looks and snappy acceleration. It's available in rear- or all-wheel drive, which is unusual but appreciated. But it also shares regular Explorer weaknesses such as average rear passenger and cargo space and lackluster interior materials. The hybrid powertrain isn't always smooth, and Ford's Limited trim-only marketing strategy makes the Explorer Hybrid frighteningly expensive.

Rated for you by America’s best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Explorer drive? The Explorer Hybrid feels eager and balanced. Much of this stems from a chassis that combines the dynamic benefits of a rear-wheel-drive foundation, an advanced four-wheel independent suspension, and lightweight unit-body construction. Its all-wheel-drive system can deliver power continuously in challenging conditions, something that can't be said of other AWD hybrids.

The engine holds up its end of the bargain when it comes to power, and it is a smooth highway cruiser. The trouble is that this hybrid powertrain doesn't feel as well sorted as it should. Acceleration isn't as smooth or predictable as what you get from other hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Clumsy is too strong a word, but the Explorer Hybrid's system could certainly use more polish.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the Explorer? The Explorer Hybrid rides similarly to other Explorer variations. If anything, it's actually a little smoother. We also like the Limited's front seats (so long as you avoid the massaging ones). But the middle- and third-row cushions feel flat and less accommodating.

We also found ourselves constantly monkeying with the automatic climate control system to maintain comfort, which shouldn't be necessary. There's more wind noise than there should be too, and it's the sort that stands out because of its gusty and localized nature. As for the hybrid system itself, it emits enough clunks, clicks, sighs and whirs than it should.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The front seat space is abundant and the driving position is nicely adjustable. It's generally easy to see out, too, thanks to the adequate glass area and good-size mirrors. But middle-row knee room and legroom aren't up to the standard set by others in the class, and the third row is unlikely to impress adults who are taller than average. Getting into the back can be clumsy in tight quarters if the doors can't be opened past the first detent because space is tight between the large door-map pockets and the prominent rear wheel arches.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Explorer Hybrid only comes in the Limited grade. As such, it comes not only with the 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3 infotainment, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone integration that all Explorers have but also with built-in navigation and a strong-sounding B&O premium audio system. Avoid the optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen because its skinnier proportions cause the displays for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the rearview camera to shrink too much.

You'll get a full complement of standard driving safety aids, including a forward collision warning system that can automatically brake for you if you don't react in time. It all works well, but the alerts for these various systems sound overly similar and the lane-centering system may falsely accuse you of taking your hands off the wheel.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The Explorer Hybrid's cargo hold is generous with any number of seats folded down. It's a bit tighter than some other SUVs with the third-row seats up, but you can still fit three, maybe four, rollerboard suitcases back there. There's a good amount of small-item storage up front for your odds and ends, and child seats are easy to install in the middle row.

The Explorer is especially well suited to towing, and the 5,000-pound maximum tow rating is quite good for a hybrid SUV. The optional Trailer Tow package comes with just about everything you'll need, including an easily accessed receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring, full support for an add-on electric trailer brake controller, a tow/haul transmission mode, and an enhanced blind-spot monitoring system that covers the length of the trailer.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive version of the hybrid is rated at 25 mpg combined (23 city/26 highway), which is only 2 mpg higher than a regular Explorer Limited with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Our test vehicle fell slightly short of that mark with an average of 23.3 mpg over 610 miles of mixed driving.

The AWD version of the Highlander Hybrid is better off at 28 mpg combined (29 city/27 highway). You can get a 28 mpg combined estimate with the rear-wheel-drive Ford Explorer Hybrid.

Value

6.0/10

Is the Explorer a good value? It's hard to pitch the Ford Explorer Hybrid as a good value. Available only in the Limited trim, it costs a lot more than it should. What's more, the build quality and interior materials don't live up to what you should expect for the price. To put this in perspective, a Lexus RX 450h L AWD hybrid costs less. This hybrid doesn't deliver anything like a sizable fuel economy benefit either, especially if you purchase the all-wheel-drive model.

Wildcard

7.5/10

Looks like the Explorer you already know, only better. As a hybrid, it's a particularly stealthy choice because it absolutely looks no different from any other Explorer. That's a good thing because this new Explorer has a strong stance and sleek proportions that suggest motion.

For the most part, this is no hollow promise because the driving experience exceeds that of any previous Explorer. It's quick, it has poise and balance, and it likes to be hustled through corners. This is the one to get if your daily drive includes mountain roads or interesting corners. The hybrid isn't quite as refined as its non-hybrid brethren when driven around town, but it still satisfies beyond city limits.

Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?

Unlike the regular model, Ford has restricted the Explorer Hybrid exclusively to the upper-tier Limited Hybrid trim. The Explorer Limited Hybrid comes well equipped with features such as leather seating, a 12-speaker sound system, keyless entry, and a suite of advanced driver safety aids. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for those who want it.

2020 Ford Explorer models

The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid is available in a single trim level: Limited Hybrid. All Explorer Hybrids come with a V6 engine and a hybrid system (318 total horsepower) paired to a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The Limited Hybrid comes fairly well equipped with standard features that include:

Full leather seating
Heated and ventilated front seats
A hands-free liftgate
LED lighting
A 12-speaker B&O sound system

You also get Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids that includes:

Traffic-adaptive cruise control
A lane keeping and centering system
Speed sign recognition
An automatic emergency evasive steering-assist system

Significant options for the Explorer Hybrid include:

A panoramic sunroof
A tow package
A rear-seat entertainment system

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid.

5(37%)

4(12%)

3(12%)

2(15%)

1(24%)

3.2

145 reviews

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Features & Specs

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Safety

Our experts like the Explorer models:

Lane Keeping System: Alerts the driver as the Explorer starts to drift out of its lane. Also applies pressure to the wheel to guide the car back into the lane.
Post-Impact Braking: Applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the effects of a secondary crash.
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains the distance between the Explorer and the car in front. Also includes a system that keeps the Explorer centered in the lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover14.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 2020 Ford Explorer

Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Overview

The Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid is offered in the following styles: Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A), and Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A). The Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid comes with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 10-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.

What's a good price on a Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid?

Price comparisons for Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid trim styles:

The Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited Hybrid is priced between $47,999 and$56,845 with odometer readings between 19617 and19617 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrids are available in my area?

Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Listings and Inventory

There are currently 2 used and CPO 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrids listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $47,999 and mileage as low as 19617 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a prew-owned vehicle from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a used or CPO vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid.

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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Ford Explorer?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

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2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Review

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Ford Explorer models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid Overview

What's a good price on a Used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid?

Which used 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrids are available in my area?

Can't find a used 2020 Ford Explorer Explorer Hybrid you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Ford Explorer?

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