Here’s Why the Ford Explorer Hybrid Got Dropped
Isn’t everything going electric or hybrid these days? So, why did the Ford Explorer Hybrid just get cut? Well, I asked Mike Levine to explain the decision behind cutting the Ford Explorer Hybrid and it makes a little sense.
Why did the Ford Explorer Hybrid get canceled?
According to my chat with Ford North America Vehicle Communications Manager, Mike Levine, the Ford Explorer Hybrid was cut to provide people with more affordability. Plus, it takes a little longer to produce the Explorer Hybrid.
So without it available to civilians, people can get their traditional internal combustion Ford Explorer models faster.
But this confused me a little. The 2023 Explorer Hybrid starts at $47,420, so it does feel slightly steep. However, the base model for the 2025 Explorer just got dropped.
The lineup now starts with the XLT trim. The 2024 Ford Explorer base model starts at $36,860 and the 2025 Explorer XLT is now called the Active and starts at $41,220. That’s a $4,360 increase to get started with a new Explorer.
The 2024 XLT starts at $38,670, so the price increase for this trim level year over year is $2,550. But it does come with a new look and upgraded tech features thanks to a mid-cycle refresh.
Also, Mike Levine shared that this decision was made because of all of the extra goodies and value that the Active model provides.
Features include a standard towing package, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a power liftgate, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and heated front seats.
Also, the Explorer Hybrid does still exist as a police inceptor model. It’s the most popular squad unit and the hybrid power allows the folks in blue to power electronics without burning gas.
The Explorer Hybrid helps police men and women save fuel as well. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg in the city.
The Chevy Tahoe is another popular police inceptor model but it gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and up to 18 mpg on the highway.
Mike didn’t let any clues slip about whether the Explorer Hybrid will return to the lineup, but he did share that a new off-roading oriented trim is in the works. Stay tuned for updates.
