Is the Ford Explorer a gas or diesel car?
The Ford Explorer is powered by gasoline engines, and Ford offers a hybrid variant that combines gasoline with electric propulsion. There is no diesel option in the U.S. market for the Explorer as of the latest model years.
Across model years, Ford has offered several powertrain choices. The base power comes from a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, with a larger turbocharged V6 available on higher trims, and a full hybrid option added to the lineup. Diesel engines have not been offered for the Explorer in the United States recently. This article explains the current options and what they mean for buyers.
Current powertrain options
Here are the main engine configurations you will see in recent Explorers:
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (standard on most trims).
- 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine (available on higher trims for extra power).
- 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine (a full hybrid that combines gasoline with electric power; not a plug-in).
All of these options run on gasoline, with the hybrid adding electric propulsion to improve efficiency. Buyers choose based on the balance of performance and fuel economy they want.
Hybrid specifics and driving experience
For buyers considering the hybrid variant, key points about how it operates and what to expect in daily driving are outlined below:
- Not a plug-in hybrid; the battery is charged through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking, with no external charging required.
- Combined output is typically around 318 horsepower, depending on model year and configuration.
- Hybrid generally offers better overall fuel economy than gasoline-only configurations, with exact numbers varying by year and drivetrain.
- The system blends electric motor assist with the gas engine to deliver smooth, quiet operation at low speeds and during steady highway cruising.
For many buyers, the hybrid provides a practical middle ground: improved efficiency without sacrificing the Explorer’s capability for towing and passenger space.
Is there a diesel option?
In the United States, there is currently no diesel-powered Explorer. Ford does not offer a diesel variant of the Explorer in the U.S. market for the latest generations. If you are shopping outside the U.S., check local specifications, as diesel variants have appeared on some Ford models in other regions.
Summary
The Ford Explorer remains a gasoline-powered SUV with a notable hybrid option that adds electric propulsion to boost efficiency. There is no diesel engine offered in the U.S. Explorer lineup as of the latest model years. Prospective buyers should weigh the desire for power versus fuel economy and confirm local availability with dealers.
