Ford offers a range of hybrid products, including the Escape and Explorer hybrid crossovers. But the Blue Oval does not yet offer a hybrid version of its full-size hybrid SUV. But because it does offer a hybrid version of the F-150 that the Explorer shares its chassis with, a hybrid full-size SUV from Ford might be on the horizon.
Ford’s hybrid crossovers
2021 Ford Explorer Platinum | Ford
What is a crossover? A capable vehicle, often as tall as an SUV, that shares its unibody construction technique with cars. Its this construction technique that differentiates it from true SUVs such as the Ford Expedition which shares a ladder frame with the F-150 pickup truck.
If you want a Ford hybrid crossover, you can choose an Escape or an Explorer. The Escape has seating for 5 and shares its 2.5-liter I4 hybrid powertrain with the Maverick compact pickup truck. The EPA estimates the Escape hybrid gets 44c city/37 highway mpg.
The latest Ford Explorer is a front engine, RWD crossover. The Ford Explorer’s hybrid powertrain features a 3.3-liter V6. It makes 318 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, depending on how it’s configured. The EPA puts the Explorer’s fuel efficiency at 23 city/24 highway mpg.
Does Ford Make a Full-Size Hybrid SUV?
You cannot buy a full-size hybrid SUV at present. Ford’s full-size, full-frame SUV is the F-150-based Expedition. And while Ford offers the PowerStroke hybrid drivetrain in its F-150, it is not yet installing this option in any Expedition SUVs.
2022 Ford Expedition Timberline SUV | Ford
Ford launched its PowerBoost hybrid F-150 drivetrain for the 2021 model year. This powertrain features the beloved 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 as well as an electric motor/generator hooked up to a lithium-ion battery. The result makes 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. A PowerBoost F-150 can even tow up to 12,700. It’s no wonder this hybrid powertrain is considered one of the F-150’s premium engine options.
The Ford Expedition, its Expedition MAX variant, and even the Lincoln Navigator already come with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. It would be relatively easy for Ford to offer these full-size SUVs with the hybrid version of this engine.
In the 2WD F-150, bumping the engine from a regular EcoBoost up to a PowerBoost hybrid improves the fuel efficiency from 18 city/24 highway mpg (20 combined) to 25 city/25 highway mpg (25 combined).
Will Ford ever make a hybrid SUV?
The Ford Motor Company setting stricter and stricter fleetwide mileage goals, it is only a matter of time before it begins offering the F-150’s PowerBoost hybrid drivetrain in its Expedition, Expedition MAX, or Lincoln Navigator. Its hybrid crossovers, the Explorer and Escape are already selling well.
Ford dealership sign | KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images
Ford will give its Expedition an extensive redesign in 2024, and we’re betting the SUV gets a hybrid engine option for that model year. There’s a slight chance Ford is about to unveil a hybrid 2023 Navigator or Expedition before the redesign, but the chances are slim.
There is also a slight chance Ford reserves the more powerful PowerBoost hybrid for certain trim levels of its full-frame SUV. This could look like the PowerBoost included in every Expedition MAX and Navigator L. Or it could be the PowerBoost becoming an upgrade option on the Lincoln Navigator.
Next, read about Toyota’s hybrid full-frame Sequoia or see a one year review of owning a F-150 PowerBoost in the video below:
Keyword: Does Ford Make a Full-Size Hybrid SUV?