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2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid MPG, Towing, & More

Last updated June 27th, 2023

The iconic Ford Explorer was completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. During this redesign, the much anticipated Ford Explorer Hybrid was released to the public during this redesign. Since then, the Ford Explorer Hybrid has been miles ahead of its competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander. Below, we’ll dive into the performance, fuel economy, safety features, as well as internal and external features. 

The 2023 Ford Explorer delivers outstanding fuel economy, towing power, and high-tech features. If you've been wondering about the Ford Explorer Hybrid's performance and features, the numbers are in, and they're impressive.


Fort Dodge, IA residents who have been shopping for a three-row SUV that delivers a spacious interior and confident driving experience will want to learn more about the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The same can be said of Fort Dodge residents looking for something that’s got impressive fuel economy without sacrificing performance.  Let’s take a look at the exciting Ford Explorer Hybrid.

2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid - Impressive MPG

For the 2023 model, Ford offered an Explorer with a Hybrid powertrain for the first time. The Ford Explorer Hybrid will provide up to 28 mpg combined, putting it right at the top when it comes to hybrid SUVs in terms of gas mileage. Especially considering its powerful engine and large interior, the 2023 Explorer Hybrid is a truly unique model. However, there are other Ford Explorer models that also offer excellent gas mileage. 

The all-gasoline 2023 Explorer also offers excellent fuel economy from its base engine, making a combined 24 mpg. Those are impressive numbers for a large, three-row SUV with as much power as it has under the hood.

2023 Hybrid Ford Explorer - Outstanding Performance

One of the things you may have heard about the Ford Explorer Hybrid’s gas mileage is that it does not compare favorably with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. However, there’s an important nuance to this issue that explains the detail almost laughably. Toyota made a decision when making the Hybrid Highlander to prioritize its fuel efficiency.

To us, it wasn’t a good one. In making a vehicle that pumps out more miles per gallon, they significantly sacrificed performance in areas where Ford shines. 

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for example, earns more mpg but has a measly 243 horsepower. That’s comparable to the power of a midsized sedan… On the other hand, Ford knows that fuel efficiency is only useful if the vehicle is also capable. That’s why the Ford Explorer Hybrid’s gas and electric motor with a 10-speed automatic transmission has 318 horsepower. If you’ve ever thought that an electric motor wouldn’t have the juice, Ford proves you wrong with the Ford Explorer Hybrid. Fuel economy only gets you so far, especially when you have something important you need to tow. That’s where the Ford Explorer Hybrid model shines above all others in its class; the perfect blend of fuel efficiency and power.

2023 Ford Explorer - The Best Towing Experience From a Crossover

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When it comes to towing, most Iowa shoppers will head straight for a traditional body-on-frame truck. One reason is that most unibody crossovers use front-wheel drive, and even when equipped with all-wheel drive send most power to the front wheels. The 2023 Ford Explorer made significant changes and has come standard with rear-wheel drive ever since. Rear-wheel drive drastically improves the towing experience, whether optioning your Explorer with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

When it comes to towing capacity, the 2023 Ford Explorer with a gas engine offers a max capacity of 5,000 lbs, while the Explorer Hybrid variant ups towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. You might not imagine a hybrid SUV pulls more than its cousin with a gasoline engine, but that’s part of what makes Ford a leader in the automotive industry. These numbers still won't compete with the Ford F-150, but they are plenty strong for the Explorer. By making the rear wheels the primary driver of the 2023 Explorer, Ford has created the best towing experience from a unibody SUV; a feat not easy to accomplish!

2023 Explorer Hybrid Features

2023 Ford Explorer Exterior

With the redesign in 2023, the Ford Explorer is looking more incredible than ever. With a sleek updated body, it retains many of the body features everyone has come to know and love about the Explorer, with added updates for aerodynamics and style. The 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid is available in a variety of colors as well; these include Agate Black, Stone Blue, Stone Blue, Carbonized Gray, Forged Green, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red Metallic, Star White Metallic, and Jewel Red Metallic.

Another thing you’ll notice about all Ford Explorers is the distinctive size. It’s perfect. It’s not too big that it’s a difficult vehicle to get in and out of parking spots (and even easier with the included tech). It’s also large enough to fit three rows of seating with ample cargo space. This balance of form shows from the outside as the perfect-sized crossover SUV.

2023 Ford Explorer Safety Features

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Ford's redesign of the 2023 Ford Explorer has brought all-new standard features, including Ford's Co-Pilot360 system. Ford Co-Pilot360 comes standard on all 2023 Explorer models and includes driver aides like:

  • Automatic high beams

  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

  • Lane departure warning & mitigation

  • Collision warning with pedestrian detection & automatic emergency braking

All Explorer owners in Iowa will have peace of mind knowing they have Co-Pilot360 on board.

That’s not all, though. The Ford Escape is loaded with safety features. These include but are not limited to intelligent adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, adaptive headlights, and even a rearview camera to complement the Co-Pilot 360 system. It’s clear why the Escape has earned excellent safety ratings; not only is it loaded with features, it’s safe all around. 

The Explorer Hybrid also gets a remote start, leather interior, ventilated front seats, heated second row, and power-folding 2nd & 3rd row. When it comes down to convenience features, it takes a lot of work to beat the 2023 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid.

2023 Ford Explorer Interior

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There’s plenty of interior space in any SUV with a third row. Luckily, the rear seats don’t take up too much space in the hybrid version or any version of the Explorer, as they’re all identical in size. Inside the Explorer, you’ll find a heated steering wheel, a digital gauge cluster, and plenty of cargo space behind the second and third rows without sacrificing passenger space. There’s so much cargo space packed into the Ford Explorer that it’s a challenge to reach maximum cargo capacity in day-to-day use.

It’s undeniable that Ford’s cabin space is better than the competitors. This is due to factors other than Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are standard in many vehicles today. Instead, it’s due to the usage of space, the 10.1-inch infotainment system running Ford’s proprietary SYNC software for ease of use, and many ways to integrate your navigation system and driving experience seamlessly. The Ford Explorer Hybrid is, to some degree, defined by its use of interior materials.

With leather seating and trim even back to the second and third rows, you’ll be cruising in style.

Fort Dodge Ford: Your Local Home of the Ford Explorer

Test Drive the 2023 Ford Explorer in Fort Dodge, IA

If you want to test drive the 2023 Ford Explorer, there's no better place to do it than Fort Dodge Ford in Fort Dodge, IA. We have a great selection of Ford Explorer Hybrid models, so you can experience all the standard features, powertrains, and refined driving experience the 2023 Ford Explorer Hybrid has to offer.

If you've been shopping for three-row SUVs and want to compare the Explorer to the competition, we also offer the Ford Expedition and Toyota Highlander, both popular three-row SUVs in Fort Dodge. Our staff likes to provide honest, friendly advice to shoppers, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Easy Financing at Fort Dodge Ford

There’s nothing easier than financing your next Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Hybrid, or any Ford at Fort Dodge Ford. Our financing department is here to help! Are you looking to take care of all the financing ahead of time? Use our payment calculator to get pre-approved and get those details out of the way. Just brainstorm to figure out what works for you to help find the Ford of your dreams. Check out our payment calculator and play around to find exactly what may work for you.

Fort Dodge Ford, Iowa: The Right Choice

We’re proud to serve Iowans the best Fords available on the market today. That’s why we remain a family-owned dealership ready to make your dreams come true. There’s nothing like the feeling of driving a Ford. Whether it’s a Ford Explorer Hybrid, or any other of their fantastic models, we hope you can experience your next Ford soon at Fort Dodge Ford!

  

Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota

2723 5th Ave. South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
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