Ford drops hybrid option from Explorer and Lincoln Aviator lineups for 2024

For the 2024 model year, Ford has decided to discontinue hybrid powertrains for the Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator. The 2023 Ford Explorer came with a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain that produced 318 hp and was the most fuel-efficient variant in the lineup, offering a combined fuel economy of 27 MPG. Lincoln’s Aviator featured a 3.0-liter plug-in hybrid engine with a 13.6 kWh battery and electric motor, delivering 494 hp and 56 MPG combined.

Ford mentioned that the demand for non-hybrid powertrains, including 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, influenced its decision to discontinue the Explorer hybrid. Lincoln has not provided a reason for discontinuing the Aviator Grand Touring, but since it is assembled at the same Chicago facility as the Explorer, there might be related factors.

While Ford’s long-term plans are yet to be clarified, it’s likely that this decision will only affect the 2024 model year, as both brands are expected to offer mid-cycle refreshes for 2025. The powertrains for these refreshed models are still unknown. Ford has expressed a desire to increase hybrid F-150 production but hasn’t indicated whether this push will extend to the rest of the lineup. It recently announced that it would not offer the plug-in hybrid Ranger in the U.S. due to market saturation.