2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid: Review & Specs
Hey guys! Let’s dive into the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid, a fantastic SUV that combines the practicality of a family vehicle with the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. This review will cover everything you need to know, from performance and fuel economy to interior features and technology. Whether you're considering buying one or just curious, buckle up for a detailed exploration!
Performance and Powertrain
The heart of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is its impressive powertrain. It combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides ample power for daily driving, making it easy to merge onto highways or pass other vehicles. The transition between gasoline and electric power is seamless, contributing to a smooth and refined driving experience. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensures that the engine is always in its optimal power range, further enhancing performance and efficiency. One of the standout features of the hybrid system is its ability to run solely on electric power for short distances at low speeds, reducing emissions and saving fuel in city driving. Ford has engineered this hybrid system to offer a balanced blend of power and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers who don't want to compromise on performance. Moreover, the Explorer Limited Hybrid comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but offers available all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring optimal grip and control. This makes the Explorer Limited Hybrid a capable and confident vehicle, regardless of the road conditions. The hybrid powertrain also incorporates regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and uses it to recharge the battery. This not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces wear on the braking system. Overall, the performance and powertrain of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are well-engineered and provide a satisfying driving experience, blending power, efficiency, and refinement seamlessly. With its responsive acceleration, smooth transitions, and available all-wheel drive, this SUV is well-equipped to handle a variety of driving situations, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid shines. It achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. These figures are significantly better than the non-hybrid Explorer, making it a great choice for those looking to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. The hybrid system works seamlessly to optimize fuel consumption, using electric power whenever possible to minimize gasoline usage. In city driving, the Explorer Limited Hybrid can often operate solely on electric power at lower speeds, further enhancing its efficiency. The regenerative braking system also contributes to fuel savings by capturing energy during deceleration and using it to recharge the battery. This not only improves fuel economy but also reduces wear on the braking system. Compared to other hybrid SUVs in its class, the Explorer Limited Hybrid offers competitive fuel economy, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious buyers. Its ability to achieve nearly 30 mpg on the highway is particularly impressive for a vehicle of its size and weight. This makes it a great choice for long road trips, where fuel costs can quickly add up. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also benefits from Ford's EcoBoost technology, which further enhances fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The combination of the hybrid system and EcoBoost technology results in a well-rounded and efficient SUV that is both fun to drive and easy on the wallet. Overall, the fuel economy and efficiency of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are among its strongest selling points, making it a compelling choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on gas. With its impressive EPA ratings and innovative hybrid technology, this SUV offers a winning combination of performance and efficiency.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid, you'll find a well-appointed and tech-rich cabin. The Limited trim offers leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system, creating a comfortable and luxurious environment. The layout is functional, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen display that houses Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, making it simple to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation features. In addition to the touchscreen, the Explorer Limited Hybrid also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information about the vehicle's performance and status. This digital display is customizable, allowing you to choose the information that is most important to you. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also comes standard with a range of advanced technology features, including a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree camera system, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. The wireless charging pad allows you to easily charge your smartphone without the need for cables, while the 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The driver-assistance technologies include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. The interior of the Explorer Limited Hybrid is also designed with comfort in mind. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them ideal for long drives. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they can be easily folded down to create additional cargo space. Overall, the interior and technology of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are impressive, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and advanced features that make it a pleasure to drive and ride in.
Safety Features
Ford has equipped the 2022 Explorer Limited Hybrid with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact. The lane-keeping assist system helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while the blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots. The rear cross-traffic alert system warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. In addition to these standard features, the Explorer Limited Hybrid also offers a range of optional safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control system can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while the 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The 2022 Ford Explorer has earned high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further demonstrating its commitment to safety. The NHTSA has given the Explorer a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS has named it a Top Safety Pick. These ratings are based on a series of crash tests and evaluations, which assess the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also features a strong and durable body structure, which is designed to absorb and distribute crash energy. The vehicle is equipped with a number of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, which provide additional protection for occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the safety features of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are comprehensive and effective, providing drivers and passengers with peace of mind. With its advanced safety technologies and high safety ratings, this SUV is a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike.
Pricing and Value
The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid typically starts around $50,000. While this is more expensive than the base Explorer, the hybrid offers significant fuel savings and a host of additional features that make it a great value for the money. When considering the overall cost of ownership, the Explorer Limited Hybrid can actually be more affordable than a non-hybrid model due to its superior fuel economy. Over the course of several years, the savings on gas can add up significantly, offsetting the higher initial purchase price. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Explorer Limited Hybrid also offers a range of standard features that are not available on lower trims. These features include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. These features add to the overall value of the vehicle and make it a more enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also holds its value well over time, making it a good investment. According to industry experts, the Explorer Limited Hybrid is expected to retain a significant portion of its original value after several years of ownership, which can be a major benefit when it comes time to trade it in or sell it. When compared to other hybrid SUVs in its class, the Explorer Limited Hybrid offers a competitive price and a compelling combination of features and fuel economy. It is a well-rounded and versatile vehicle that is suitable for a wide range of needs and lifestyles. Overall, the pricing and value of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are excellent, making it a smart choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and feature-rich SUV. With its superior fuel economy, advanced features, and strong resale value, the Explorer Limited Hybrid offers a great value for the money.
Conclusion
The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is a fantastic SUV that offers a compelling blend of performance, fuel economy, and features. It's a great choice for families who need a spacious and versatile vehicle that is also efficient and eco-friendly. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, the Explorer Limited Hybrid is definitely worth considering. It offers a comfortable and luxurious interior, a range of advanced technology features, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. With its impressive fuel economy and strong resale value, the Explorer Limited Hybrid is a smart investment that will provide years of reliable and enjoyable transportation. So, what are you waiting for? Go check it out!
