Citing the popularity of non-hybrid models, Ford is axing the electrified Explorer and Lincoln SUVs for 2024
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Ford has decided to drop a pair of hybrid vehicles for the upcoming model year. The automaker says that for 2024, neither the Explorer nor its chassis mate, the Lincoln Aviator, will be offered with their hybrid powertrains.
For 2023, the Ford Explorer is offered with a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain that makes a combined 318 hp (237 kW/322 PS) and 322 lb-ft (436 Nm) of torque, making it the second-least powerful powertrain in the lineup. However, it’s the most fuel-efficient Explorer, returning a combined 27 MPG (8.7 L/100 km)
Meanwhile, Lincoln offers a 3.0-liter plug-in hybrid engine that features a 13.6 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. All in, the powertrain is good for 494 hp (368 kW / 501 PS) and 630 lb-ft (853 Nm) of torque while returning 21 miles (34 km) of EV-only driving, and a combined fuel economy rating of 56 MPG (4.2 L/100 km).
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Read: Ford Will Not Sell The Ranger PHEV In The U.S. Because It Already Has Enough Hybrid Trucks
However, at least in the case of the Explorer, the hybrid powertrain was not popular enough to live on. Ford told Car and Driver that demand for the 3.0-liter V6 and the 2.3-liter inline-four, as well as the hybrid version of the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, have encouraged it to discontinue the consumer-focused Explorer hybrid.
Lincoln has not yet provided a reason for discontinuing the plug-in hybrid Aviator Grand Touring. Since it is assembled at the same Chicago facility as the Explorer, the reasons may be related.
While Ford’s long-term plans have yet to be made clear, this specific decision will likely only impact the 2024 model year. Both brands are expected to give their respective models mid-cycle refreshes for 2025.
What specifically will power those models is not yet known, but Ford has indicated that it wants to double production of hybrid F-150s. That hybrid push may not extend to the rest of the lineup, as it recently announced that it will not sell the plug-in hybrid Ranger in the U.S., due to market saturation.
