Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid. This SUV has been making waves, and for good reason. It combines the practicality of a spacious family vehicle with the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. We're going to explore its performance, interior, technology, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right choice for you. Buckle up!

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid doesn't disappoint. It features a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you're cruising around town or hitting the highway. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates the electric motor, offering an extra boost of power when needed, while also improving fuel efficiency. The Explorer Hybrid comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth and precise gear changes. This transmission is designed to optimize both performance and fuel economy, making the most of the hybrid powertrain. One of the standout features of the Explorer Hybrid is its intelligent four-wheel-drive system. This system automatically adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels, depending on the road conditions and driving demands. This provides enhanced traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions like rain or snow. The Explorer Hybrid also offers a variety of drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Trail. These modes allow you to customize the vehicle's performance to suit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for maximum fuel efficiency or enhanced performance, there's a drive mode to match. In terms of fuel economy, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid delivers impressive numbers for its size. It achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These figures are significantly better than the non-hybrid Explorer models, making the hybrid a compelling choice for those looking to save money on fuel. The Explorer Hybrid also offers a respectable towing capacity, allowing you to haul trailers, boats, and other recreational equipment. With its powerful hybrid powertrain and advanced towing technology, the Explorer Hybrid is a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. Overall, the performance and powertrain of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are impressive. It combines power, efficiency, and versatility, making it a standout choice in the hybrid SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed interior. The Limited trim offers a range of premium features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. The seats are upholstered in leather, providing a luxurious feel and excellent support. Both the front and second-row seats are heated, ensuring a comfortable ride even in cold weather. The front seats also offer ventilation, keeping you cool and comfortable on hot days. The Explorer Hybrid offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven people. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, making them suitable for adults on shorter trips. When it comes to technology, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is packed with advanced features. It comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, which is the centerpiece of the infotainment system. This display is easy to use and offers crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen display. The Explorer Hybrid also features a premium sound system, delivering clear and immersive audio quality. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you'll appreciate the rich and detailed sound. In addition to the touchscreen display, the Explorer Hybrid also includes a digital instrument cluster. This cluster displays important vehicle information, such as speed, fuel economy, and navigation directions. The digital display is customizable, allowing you to choose the information that's most relevant to you. Other notable technology features in the Explorer Hybrid include a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree camera system, and a hands-free liftgate. The wireless charging pad allows you to 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 maneuver in tight spaces. The hands-free liftgate allows you to open the tailgate with a simple wave of your foot, which is especially convenient when your hands are full. Overall, the interior comfort and technology of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are impressive. It offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, packed with premium features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features include: Automatic Emergency Braking, this system uses sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time. Blind Spot Monitoring, this system alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes. Lane Keeping Assist, this system helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift. Adaptive Cruise Control, this system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear Cross Traffic Alert, this system alerts you when a vehicle is approaching from the side while you're backing up. In addition to these standard features, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid also offers a range of optional safety features. These include: Evasive Steering Assist, this system helps you steer around obstacles in an emergency situation. Reverse Brake Assist, this system automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision while you're backing up. Active Park Assist, this system helps you park the vehicle by automatically steering it into a parking space. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid has received excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Explorer Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. These ratings reflect the vehicle's strong performance in crash tests and its comprehensive suite of safety features. Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ technology is available and enhances safety even further. It includes features like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition, which automatically adjusts your speed to the posted speed limit. It also includes Lane Centering, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent safety ratings, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, you can feel confident that you're protected by the latest safety technology.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

One of the key selling points of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is its impressive fuel efficiency. As a hybrid vehicle, it combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, resulting in significantly better fuel economy compared to non-hybrid SUVs. The Explorer Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These figures are particularly impressive for a vehicle of its size and capability. In addition to saving money on fuel, the Explorer Hybrid also helps reduce your environmental impact. By using an electric motor to supplement the gasoline engine, it emits fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional SUVs. The Explorer Hybrid also features a regenerative braking system, which captures energy during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. This helps to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Ford is committed to sustainability, and the Explorer Hybrid is just one example of their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. They are investing heavily in electric vehicle technology and are committed to offering a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles in the future. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is a great choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the space and versatility of an SUV. Its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, combined with its advanced technology and spacious interior, make it a standout choice in the hybrid SUV segment. By choosing the Explorer Hybrid, you can save money on fuel, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy a comfortable and capable vehicle. It's a win-win situation for both you and the environment. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid not only saves you money at the pump but also contributes to a greener planet. It’s a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Pricing and Value

The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid offers excellent value for its price. While it does come at a premium compared to the non-hybrid Explorer models, the extra cost is justified by its improved fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and enhanced performance. The starting price for the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is around $50,000. However, the final price can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Some popular options include the Premium Technology Package, which adds features like a premium sound system and a 360-degree camera system. Other options include a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and a rear-seat entertainment system. When considering the value of the Explorer Hybrid, it's important to factor in the long-term cost savings associated with its improved fuel efficiency. Over the course of several years, the money you save on fuel can offset the initial price premium. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Explorer Hybrid also offers a range of other benefits that contribute to its overall value. These include its spacious interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive suite of safety features. The Explorer Hybrid is also backed by Ford's comprehensive warranty, which provides peace of mind for owners. The warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles, and the hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. When compared to other hybrid SUVs in its class, the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. It's a great choice for families who need a spacious and capable vehicle that's also fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, the value of the Explorer Hybrid depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient SUV with advanced technology and a spacious interior, the Explorer Hybrid is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features, performance, and value make it a standout choice in the hybrid SUV segment. Keep an eye out for potential incentives or tax credits that could further reduce the overall cost.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid? It's a fantastic SUV that successfully blends practicality, efficiency, and technology. Whether you're looking for a spacious family vehicle, a fuel-efficient commuter, or a capable weekend adventurer, the Explorer Hybrid has you covered. With its powerful hybrid powertrain, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, it's a standout choice in the competitive SUV market. While the initial price may be higher than non-hybrid models, the long-term savings on fuel and the reduced environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the available features and options allow you to customize it to perfectly suit your needs and preferences. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, be sure to give the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid a serious look. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress. Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. Happy driving!