4 Ford Models You Didn’t Know Were Available as Hybrids
Ford is moving quickly to electrify its fleet. Buzz-worthy new Ford EVs include the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E. But Ford didn’t just take the plunge into EVs without first manufacturing hybrids. In fact, there are several popular Ford models that you may be surprised have hybrid variants.
1. Ford Escape Hybrid
If you like the Ford Escape, you can try out the Ford Escape Hybrid or the Plug-in Hybrid. The SUVs comes with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, CVT automatic transmission, and a single motor setup that produces 200 hp.
The base model starts at $27,500, and while current fuel economy numbers are not available on Ford’s website, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) notes that the 2022 Escape Hybrid is rated for 44/37 mpg city/highway.
The 2023 hybrid version includes the same attractive features that make the regular Escape a compelling offering. Just shy away from the base model S, which only comes with a 4.2-inch infotainment display and radio. Go a trim level higher, and you’ll get an 8.0-inch display integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among other features.
Every trim gets Co-Pilot 360, Ford’s suite of advanced safety systems, which includes automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring.
And for those looking for a PHEV, Ford also offers an Escape PHEV that starts at $38,500, produces up to 221 hp, and gets 105 mpg-e combined.
2. Ford Explorer Hybrid
The popular Ford Explorer also gets the hybrid treatment, with a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine option available on all trims. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, your Ford Explorer Hybrid will generate 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. 2023 numbers aren’t available yet, but the DoE rates the 2022 model for 27/28 mpg city/highway, respectively.
The Explorer Hybrid rides on 18-inch wheels and comes with RWD, though 4WD is available. And if you opt for the base model, the MSRP will start at $36,760 in this seven-seat SUV. Inside, you’ll find 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 if you drop the back row down, and 87.8 if you fold down both the second and third rows.
The base Explorer Hybrid trim is equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatibility. Co-Pilot 360 is also standard here, along with a rearview camera for parking assistance and rear parking sensors.
3. Ford F-150 Hybrid
While the Ford F-150 Lightning is seeing its fair share of press right now, the F-150 also comes in a hybrid version. The Ford F-150 starts at $33,695. And you can opt for the 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V-6 engine on any F-150 trim, including the base model XL.
With this hybrid option, you’ll get 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, along with a DoE rating for the 2022 version of 25 mpg in the city and on the highway. RWD is standard, and 4WD is optional. But when you choose that option, your fuel economy drops by two mpg in the city and on the highway.
Still, these numbers are better than those of the conventional gas-powered version, which only gets 14-18 / 12-24 mpg city/highway, depending on the powertrain option.
And in addition to five non-hybrid powertrain options, you also get three cab options and three bed configurations. Depending on the powertrain, cab, bed, and drive choice, you can tow as much as seven tons with a Ford F-150. It also comes with some solid technology and safety tech, similar to the features found in the Escape and Explorer.
4. Ford Maverick
If you’re looking for a less expensive truck than the F-150, the 2023 Ford Maverick is also a solid offering with a hybrid option. The Ford Maverick starts at $22,195 and gets better fuel economy numbers than the F-150. The DoE notes that the hybrid option gets 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which will certainly save you some money in the long run.
Like other Ford models, the Maverick comes with multiple powertrain options. Its hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.1 kWh battery with a single motor and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This option is paired with a CVT automatic and paired with FWD. There’s also an available towing package that can help the Maverick haul up to two tons.
As with the F-150, the Maverick’s tech setup is similar to that of the Escape and Explorer. There’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a WiFi hotspot that can support up to 10 separate devices. And CoPilot 360 also comes standard.
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