Hybrid SUVs

With environmentalism moving to the front lines every year, it's no surprise that Ford has released a new lineup of hybrid SUVs. Beyond getting good gas mileage, these vehicles have been designed to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet's atmosphere. However, they still offer all the performance, comfort, and reliability that you expect of a Ford. Here at Kings Ford, we offer a solid selection of hybrid vehicles, including Ford's new hybrid SUVs.

As of now, Ford offers the Escape Hybrid, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, and the Explorer Hybrid. Although seeing Ford's popular compact crossover manufactured in eco-friendly hybrid variants is not surprising, the Explorer Hybrid was quite a shock for many people. As a large three-row SUV capable of hauling families around town and exploring the wild outdoors, the Explorer Hybrid is something most people never thought they'd see. But why are hybrids becoming more commonplace these days, and what kind of performance will you get out of these innovative vehicles? Let's find out!

The front half of a red 2020 Ford Escape is shown.

Why Do Hybrids Have Such a Prominent Role?

Not only are hybrid vehicles good on gas and better for the environment, but they may become the only new options available in the coming years. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed an executive order effectively banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. While this is only happening in one state currently, and it won't be enforced immediately, similar actions may soon become common to encourage drivers to switch to hybrid and electric vehicles.

Unlike battery electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles have a gasoline engine as well as batteries and electric motors. This means that you will never have to worry about running out of battery power in a hybrid since you can always pull into a gas station to refuel. However, unlike traditional gasoline vehicles, hybrids get exceptional gas mileage, protecting both the environment and your wallet. Modern hybrids are also quite powerful, often offering better performance than gasoline versions of the same vehicle.

Plug-in hybrids take things a step further with much larger battery backs and the ability to recharge from a power outlet or charging station. While they still have gasoline engines, they can operate off battery power alone for dozens of miles. This makes plug-in hybrids perfect for city drivers who still need the independence that comes with a gasoline engine for the occasional longer journey.

Whichever eco-friendly model you choose, you can rest assured that it will go a long way in helping to save the planet. The amount of pollution a modern car puts out is almost directly proportional to the amount of gasoline it burns. Because hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles burn so much less gasoline, they produce dramatically less pollution than traditional gasoline vehicles. And of course, burning less gasoline has the added benefit of saving you money at the pump.

A classic Ford hybrid SUV, a blue 2020 Ford Escape, is shown driving on a dirt road in a rocky area.

Ford Hybrid SUV Lineup

First in the Ford hybrid SUV lineup is the Escape Hybrid. As a compact crossover, this model was relatively easy to convert to hybrid technology. As an eco-friendly and sporty ride, the Escape Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Coupled with the hybrid system, this puts out 200 hp - noticeably more than the 181 hp found in the standard Escape. You also have the choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing you to tackle bad weather with confidence.

But that performance doesn't come at the expense of fuel economy. The Escape Hybrid is rated for no less than 41 MPG combined and can achieve up to 44 MPG in city driving, where the vehicle can take full advantage of its regenerative braking system. If you want to cut back on your gasoline bill and help protect the environment while still having the performance and versatility that you require, then the Escape Hybrid is an unbeatable choice.

Moving on to the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, things are a bit different. Although it uses the same gasoline engine and electric motors as the Escape Hybrid, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid includes a much larger 14.4kWh battery pack and the ability to plug the vehicle into a power outlet and recharge the battery. With a Level 2 charging setup, you can be fully recharged in just 3.5 hours.

As long as you aren't traveling more than 37 miles at a time, you can drive this SUV without burning any gasoline at all. But if you do need to go further, then you still have a gasoline engine to fall back on. These attributes give the Escape Plug-In Hybrid all of the advantages of both traditional hybrids and battery electric vehicles and make it a great option for anyone who isn't quite ready to make the jump to an all-electric car.

The final model in the Ford hybrid SUV lineup is the Explorer Hybrid. This three-row SUV pairs a large V6 engine with a hybrid system. This powertrain may not be as efficient as the Escape Hybrid, but at 28 MPG combined, it is still rather good for such a large vehicle. Overall, the Explorer Hybrid puts out 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, giving it impressive performance that (like the Escape Hybrid) is actually better than in the base gasoline vehicle. If you have a large family and are looking to cut back on your gasoline usage, then it is difficult to beat the Explorer Hybrid.

A group of friends are fishing and camping next to a lake and a red 2020 Ford Escape.

Service Ford Hybrid SUVs at Kings Ford

One of the main concerns some folks have about purchasing a hybrid is the maintenance. But contrary to popular belief, hybrids do not actually cost any more to maintain a hybrid than it does a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. In fact, a modern hybrid can even be less expensive to maintain since the hybrid system puts less stress on the engine and brakes. Battery replacement is also no longer a concern, with recent Ford hybrid battery packs demonstrating hundreds of thousands of miles of reliable service.

But, like all vehicles, even a Ford Hybrid will require routine maintenance. And when that time comes, the certified technicians here at Kings Ford to help you out. While modern hybrids have proven themselves to be reliable and affordable, they are still more complex than older vehicles. It is always best to have them maintained at a fully trained and equipped Ford dealership. Whether you need a routine oil change or something more complex, the Kings Ford service department can get you back on the road quickly. You can even schedule an appointment online at your convenience.

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