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.