2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid: Review, Specs & More

Nov 13, 2025 by Alex Braham 56 views

2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid. This SUV isn't just about hauling the family around; it's about doing it with style, comfort, and a touch of eco-friendliness. So, buckle up as we explore everything this hybrid has to offer, from its performance and fuel efficiency to its luxurious features and tech.

Performance and Powertrain

Let's kick things off with what's under the hood. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of power for merging onto the highway or tackling those weekend adventures. The hybrid system works seamlessly, providing a boost of electric power when you need it most, like during acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes, making for a comfortable driving experience.

One of the standout features of the hybrid powertrain is its ability to run on electric power alone for short distances at low speeds. This is perfect for navigating city streets or parking lots, reducing emissions and saving fuel. The regenerative braking system also helps to recapture energy during deceleration, further enhancing fuel efficiency. The Explorer Hybrid is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, giving you the option to choose the setup that best suits your needs and driving conditions. Whether you're dealing with snowy roads or simply want extra traction, the all-wheel drive system provides added confidence and control. The transition between electric and gasoline power is virtually imperceptible, making for a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Ford has done an excellent job of integrating the hybrid system into the Explorer, resulting in a vehicle that feels both powerful and efficient. Overall, the performance and powertrain of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are impressive, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and refinement that is sure to please a wide range of drivers.

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

Now, let's talk about fuel efficiency, a major selling point for any hybrid vehicle. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid doesn't disappoint. It boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined for the rear-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive version comes in at a still respectable 23 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. These numbers are significantly better than the non-hybrid Explorer, making it a smart choice for those looking to save money at the pump. Beyond just the numbers, the Explorer Hybrid's eco-friendliness extends to its reduced emissions. By using electric power for short distances and incorporating regenerative braking, it helps to minimize its environmental impact. This is great news for those who are conscious about their carbon footprint and want to drive a vehicle that aligns with their values. The fuel efficiency of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is particularly impressive when you consider its size and capabilities. It's a large SUV that can comfortably accommodate passengers and cargo, yet it still manages to deliver excellent fuel economy. This makes it a practical choice for families who need the space of an SUV but don't want to sacrifice fuel efficiency. In real-world driving conditions, the Explorer Hybrid performs admirably. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates with the gasoline engine, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a road trip, the Explorer Hybrid will help you save money on fuel and reduce your environmental impact. Overall, the fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are major highlights, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid, and you'll be greeted by a spacious and comfortable interior. The Limited trim comes with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable steering column, ensuring a luxurious driving experience. The second-row seats are also heated, adding to the comfort of your passengers. Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable, no matter where they're sitting.

On the technology front, the Explorer Limited Hybrid is packed with features. The 8-inch touchscreen display is easy to use and provides access to Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. A premium Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, enhancing your listening experience. Other notable tech features include a 360-degree camera, which provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. Adaptive cruise control helps to maintain a safe following distance on the highway, while lane-keeping assist helps to keep you centered in your lane. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The interior design of the Explorer Limited Hybrid is both stylish and functional, with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The cabin is also surprisingly quiet, thanks to Ford's efforts to reduce noise and vibration. Overall, the interior comfort and technology of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are top-notch, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid boasts a bold and modern exterior design. Its sleek lines and muscular stance give it a commanding presence on the road. The signature LED lighting and chrome accents add a touch of sophistication. The Limited trim comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, which enhance its sporty appearance. A hands-free liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full.

Other notable exterior features include a panoramic sunroof, which provides ample natural light and fresh air. Roof rails allow you to carry extra cargo, such as bikes or kayaks. The Explorer Limited Hybrid also comes with heated side mirrors, which help to keep them clear in cold weather. The overall design of the Explorer is both stylish and functional, with a focus on aerodynamics and practicality. The sleek lines and sculpted surfaces help to improve fuel efficiency, while the spacious interior provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Explorer Limited Hybrid is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personal style. The exterior design of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is sure to turn heads, with its bold and modern styling. The sleek lines, muscular stance, and premium features make it a standout in the SUV segment. Whether you're driving around town or exploring the great outdoors, the Explorer Limited Hybrid will help you do it in style.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Ford has equipped the 2022 Explorer Limited Hybrid with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Standard features include:

Automatic emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane-keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control

These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Explorer Limited Hybrid has also earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), giving you added peace of mind. The advanced safety features of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are designed to provide a safe and confident driving experience. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes, helping to prevent or mitigate accidents. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when there are vehicles in your blind spots, making it easier to change lanes safely. The rear cross-traffic alert system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space or driveway. The lane-keeping assist system helps to keep you centered in your lane, preventing you from drifting into adjacent lanes unintentionally. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Overall, the safety and driver-assistance features of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are impressive, providing a high level of protection for you and your passengers.

Pricing and Value

The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid starts at around $50,000. While this is more expensive than the non-hybrid Explorer, the added fuel efficiency and hybrid benefits can help offset the cost over time. The Limited trim offers a great balance of features and value, making it a popular choice among buyers. When you consider the Explorer Hybrid's spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive fuel economy, it represents a solid value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is competitively priced compared to other hybrid SUVs in its class. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and fuel efficiency that makes it a worthwhile investment. The hybrid powertrain provides significant fuel savings compared to the non-hybrid Explorer, which can add up to substantial savings over the life of the vehicle. The Limited trim comes with a long list of standard features, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. These features enhance the overall driving experience and provide added comfort and convenience. The Explorer Hybrid also offers a spacious and versatile interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This makes it a practical choice for families who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Overall, the pricing and value of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid are competitive, making it a compelling choice for buyers who are looking for a fuel-efficient, well-equipped, and spacious SUV.

Conclusion

The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling blend of performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology. It's a great choice for families who want a spacious and versatile vehicle that's also eco-friendly. While it may not be the cheapest SUV on the market, its added features and hybrid benefits make it a worthwhile investment. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, be sure to give the Explorer Limited Hybrid a look! You won't be disappointed. It’s a solid choice in a crowded market, offering a little something for everyone. Happy driving, folks!