Ford reveals new hybrid version of Explorer SUV for Europe

ABU DHABI: The mighty Ford Explorer is a popular family SUV in North America, but it was never available in any form of electrified format until now. At the 2019 North American International Show, Ford unveiled the all-new Explorer which will be available in two turbocharged variants as well as a hybrid version.

The new 2020 Explorer PHEV will debut in Europe and join its EcoBoost brothers along with the regular hybrid version (launched three months ago). Roelant de Waard, Vice President, Marketing Sales and Service for Ford Europe said “I am very excited about the iconic Ford Explorer coming to Europe. The all-new Explorer comes with unstoppable design and phenomenal specification. The most versatile SUV we have ever offered for customers in the region is able to carry seven adults in comfort, tow a 2,500 kg trailer with ease, and still deliver 40 km (25 miles) zero-emissions city driving range,”

Design wise, the PHEV Explorer is the same as its EcoBoost brothers. What you get are new front/rear bumpers and design cues borrowed from the Edge ST sibling. A new set of headlights with shorter overhangs at the front/rear and a sloping roofline complete the look, giving the new Explorer a bolder design.

Power in the Explorer PHEV is derived from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine (producing 354 PS) along with an electric motor. With this, the combined power output stands at a mighty 450 PS and 840 Nm of torque. To best use this power, various driving modes are available: Normal, Sport, Towing and Snow. A pure electric range of 40 km is achievable with the help of the 13.1 kWh battery. All-wheel drive is a standard affair, and so is the 10-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to the massive torque available, the Explorer PHEV has a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.

The Explorer has always been a great choice as a big family SUV and making it more efficient is like a cherry on the cake. Europe has been deprived of the Explorer, but the new PHEV version is a great way to kick things off, and it should find many takers.