How much horsepower does the Ford Explorer plug in hybrid have?
The Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid delivers 318 horsepower, pairing a 3.3-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle gas engine with an electric motor to provide blended power for both city runs and highway overtakes.
Overview of the power figure
The main number that defines the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid’s performance is its combined system horsepower. Ford packages the Explorer PHEV with a 3.3-liter V6 engine that works in concert with an electric motor to produce a total of 318 horsepower. This setup is designed to offer strong acceleration for a three-row SUV while still enabling electric driving for short trips and reduced fuel use during daily commutes.
Powertrain details
The vehicle uses a hybrid architecture that integrates the gasoline engine and a front-mounted electric motor. When operating in electric mode, the electric propulsion can power the vehicle at modest speeds for short distances, while hybrid mode blends power from both sources for smoother torque delivery and improved efficiency. The 318-hp figure is the combined output, not a simple sum you’d see from a single engine alone, reflecting how the motor and engine work together.
Before diving into specs, it helps to keep in mind that the 318 horsepower represents the system’s peak capability. Real-world performance can vary with factors such as battery charge, temperature, terrain, and driving style.
- Combined horsepower: 318 hp
- All-electric range (EPA-estimated): ~21 miles
These figures position the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid as a practical option for families seeking a larger SUV with the ability to run on electricity for short daily trips, while still offering confident highway performance when needed.
What the numbers mean for daily driving
Electric range and efficiency considerations
All-electric range is a meaningful part of the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid’s appeal, especially for drivers who want to maximize EV-only trips. While the exact range varies with conditions, Ford and EPA estimates place the plug-in hybrid’s all-electric capability in the neighborhood of 21 miles per full charge. Once the battery needle dips, the system automatically transitions to hybrid operation to sustain propulsion with fuel from the engine and additional charging from regenerative braking.
As with most PHEVs, efficiency depends on how you use the vehicle. Short daily drives that stay within the electric range can yield the best fuel savings, particularly if you regularly plug in at home or at public charging stations. Temperature, driving style, and terrain can influence both the electric range and overall fuel economy in Hybrid mode.
Charging and practicality
Charging the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid allows you to maximize electric driving during routine trips. The vehicle supports Level 2 home charging and can be charged at public charging stations, enabling more EV-only driving between fills. The blend of electric capability with a capable three-row SUV body makes it a practical choice for families who want to minimize trips to the gas station while maintaining the flexibility to carry people and gear on longer journeys.
In practice, most buyers use the plug-in capability for daily commuting or school runs, then rely on the gasoline engine for longer trips, road trips, or when electricity is inconvenient to deliver. The result is a versatile SUV that balances efficiency with the reliability and space families expect from a Ford Explorer.
Model years and availability
Ford introduced the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid in the 2020 model year as part of the Explorer lineup’s expansion into electrified powertrains. Since then, the PHEV variant has remained part of the lineup in multiple trims, offering the same core 318-horsepower hybrid system with the added capability to drive on electric power for shorter trips. Availability can vary by market and year, so prospective buyers should check current dealer offerings and the latest Ford specifications for their region.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers evaluating a three-row SUV with modern electrified options, the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid offers a compelling combination of power, efficiency, and practicality. The 318-horsepower combined output ensures confident highway merging and overtaking, while the electric range helps reduce fuel use for everyday errands. If your routine includes frequent short trips and you have access to charging at home or work, the plug-in variant can deliver meaningful fuel savings without requiring you to change your driving habits significantly.
Ultimately, the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid aims to strike a balance between performance and economy in a large family SUV. Prospective buyers should consider their typical miles driven, charging availability, and whether they want the flexibility of electric driving for daily commutes paired with the familiar, roomy interior that the Explorer family provides.
Summary
The Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid delivers 318 horsepower of combined output, pairing a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. It offers an EPA-estimated all-electric range of around 21 miles, giving daily-drivers a practical EV option for short trips while preserving the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys. With this setup, the Explorer Plug-In Hybrid aims to provide efficient, confident performance in a spacious, family-friendly SUV. Always verify current model-year specs with a local dealer, as figures can vary slightly by year and trim.
