Does the Ford Explorer come in diesel?
No. The Ford Explorer is not offered with a diesel engine in the United States as of model year 2025. The lineup relies on gasoline EcoBoost engines and a hybrid system instead.
Current Explorer powertrains
For buyers in the United States, Explorer powertrains are gasoline EcoBoost engines and a hybrid option. Here are the main options available today.
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 turbocharged gasoline engine — about 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque; standard on base trims and many mid-range models.
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 turbocharged gasoline engine — about 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque; available on the Explorer ST and certain trims.
- 3.3-liter Hybrid V6 engine — about 318 horsepower combined (gasoline plus electric); hybrid-only option for efficient daily driving.
In short, the Explorer lineup focuses on gas and hybrid powertrains, with no diesel variant currently offered in the U.S.
Why no diesel in the Explorer
Ford has not extended a diesel option to the Explorer in the United States for several reasons, including consumer demand, emissions controls, and overall drivetrain strategy. Diesel powertrains historically offered efficiency gains but have become less common in family SUVs due to higher upfront costs, maintenance considerations, and evolving fuel options.
Global market considerations
Diesel availability varies by region. While the Explorer is sold in multiple markets, the U.S. lineup remains gasoline/hybrid-focused. If you’re shopping outside the United States, check local dealer specifications, as regional offerings can differ.
Summary
Bottom line: There is no diesel Ford Explorer available in the U.S. as of 2025. Available configurations include the 2.3L EcoBoost gas engine, the 3.0L EcoBoost gas engine (ST), and the 3.3L Hybrid V6. For buyers seeking diesel, other Ford models or markets may offer diesel options, but the Explorer does not.
Does Ford have a diesel SUV?
Yes, Ford has offered diesel SUVs, most notably the Ford Everest in markets outside the US and the now-discontinued Ford Excursion. The Ford Everest is available with diesel engines for off-road capability and towing, while the Excursion was a large, heavy-duty SUV from 2000 to 2005 that came with 7.3L or 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engines.
Current models
- Ford Everest: This SUV is available with a diesel engine, particularly in markets like Australia and the Caribbean.
- It offers a 2.0L EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine that provides torque for towing and off-road driving.
- An optional 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 is also available on some models.
Past models
- Ford Excursion: This large, heavy-duty SUV was produced from 2000 to 2005 and was available with diesel engines.
- It was offered with a 7.3L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine from 2000 to 2003.
- A 6.0L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine was available from mid-2003 to 2005.
Other markets
- Ford Kuga: While not available in the US, this compact SUV is sold in other markets like the UK and can be found with a 2.0 TDCi diesel engine on the used market.
Is the Ford Explorer gas or diesel?
Ford Explorer Specs & Features
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Engine Displacement | 2296 cc |
| Power | 299 hp |
Do Ford Explorers come in diesel?
There is no diesel engine option available in Ford Explorer.
What engines are available in a Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer offers several engine options, primarily a standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine and an optional 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine. A hybrid powertrain, which combines a 3.3L V6 with an electric motor, is also available for enhanced fuel efficiency.
This video reviews the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and its engine options: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
Engine options
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4: The standard engine for most Explorer trims, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It's a good choice for a balance of power and efficiency.
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6: A more powerful, optional engine available on select trims like the ST and Platinum, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It provides a significant boost in performance for those who need it.
- 3.3L Hybrid V6: This powertrain offers the best fuel economy in the lineup, pairing a V6 engine with an electric motor.
You can also watch this video to learn more about the engine options of the 2025 Ford Explorer: 58sJB ReviewsYouTube · Sep 13, 2024
Key features
- Transmission: Both EcoBoost engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (4WD) are available.
