Used 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid Consumer Reviews
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Lots of BUGS, but generally a Good truck.
M King, 04/29/2021
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
40 of 43 people found this review helpful
High level takeaway- it’s fine. Comfortable, plenty of power when you need it, lots of room for a family of 5 road tripping and the hybrid system gets decent mileage. It’s not “fun” to drive, but it’s comfortable and confident on the road. With more than 2,500 miles in 2 months the average mpg has settled at 25mpg of both highway and local driving. I drive in the eco mode 90% of the time. The hybrid function feels clunky compared to the standard turbo 4 or the 6. Not a big deal, and it’s nice when the engine shuts down for a few miles of the low speed/low rpm driving. Cons - I returned the truck 3 times in the first 3 weeks I had it. It spent 18 of its first 30 days at the dealership. They finally figured out the amp was bad and cutting all audio (gps, radio, phone, etc). The electronics have issues occasionally- I’ve learned to never plug in my phone until the onboard computer has warmed up - and just stop working. It’s like an old PC that you have to pull over, shut down, wait and then restart. Pro- The seats are very comfortable, lots of room fir the kids and adults can sit in back without a problem. Storage is better than our MDX, even though they are similar in size. Conclusion- I wouldn’t buy it again, but it will be good for a couple of years and then I will happily trade in for a plug in hybrid. And if they don’t have the bugs of those worked out yet, I’d just go with the turbo 4 Limited or platinum.
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In Love with my Explorer Hybrid
Doug G., 08/23/2021
updated 08/29/2024
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
Shopping for a good SUV I've always held Explorer near the top of my list from past experience — and because no one (other than the VW Atlas) seems to give the driver enough basic space. Explorer's do. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the Hybrid. This car is smooth, quiet, fuel efficient, runs like a dream, well built, and all around great. That means I get really mad when I see the reviews which didn't like it. Seems that the reviewers are one dimensional — where EVERYTHING is about the highest possible gas mileage. I am particularly confused by all the reviewer argument about noise. Perhaps it's our hybrid version in particular. But this is the quietest care I've ever driven including some Cadillacs. What I wanted was a great car with roominess and style and solid gas mileage without having to accept lackluster HP like in the Toyota lines. This SUV delivers it. Drove 300 miles yesterday with about half on backcountry roads and half at 70 mph on the freeway. Net MPG: 28.1. Personally, I recommend — and it's time to ignore the professional reviewers. They seem to be stuck in a rut. As an update on 2/24/2023... we have also added winter tires and used the vehicle for a great deal of snow driving — over passes and the like. It is incredibly sure-footed. Our pleasure with the SUV continue. Update: 8/2024. Continue to fund the Explorer an exceptional car to own and drive. Even my wife loves driving it (and her car is a BMW X3).
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2021 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 128 listings
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $23,9964 mi away
- Platinum 4dr SUVMSRP: $35,29938 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $23,33513 mi away
See all 128 listings
I REALLY want to like this SUV
Jon, 06/02/2021
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
19 of 23 people found this review helpful
I shopped the replacement for my Expedition EL, hard. After three of them, i didn't want to go that big and do not believe that the EB can last in such a large SUV. The rising gas prices had me concerned so i went with the Limited Hybrid. I test drove one model that wasn't equipped like i wanted. It drove smooth and great. Then, the dealer ended up having what i wanted. I should've driven it first. It had 189 miles on the clock and within a day, started shaking and hunting for gears. There was a window recall that they remediated, before i bought it. They had me bring it in and cleared out the software that learns how you drive. It was good for two days and started acting up again. The drivers window stopped working and then, after sitting, cleared itself up. This thing would be different with every trip. Jerky operation. Then shaking at 40 MPH, even while coasting. Then a little smoother and hunting for gears. It's like three different cars. Then, the AC started acting like it does when the car is at a light with the engine off, but the engine is running and the AC is poor. Oh, holy cow. I am starting to wonder if they'll get it right. The mileage is good, but YIKES. My wife had a 2009 Escape Hybrid that was bulletproof. Had it for nine fuel sipping years with very minimal trips to the dealer. Maybe 3. The auto writers all say that the new Escape Hybrid is the one to own.
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13.5 MPG When Supposed To Get 27/28
Chill, 02/03/2022
updated 10/03/2022
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Since day one have I not been able to get decent gas mileage. I bought this car when gas went up to $3.74 a gallon hoping I would save money. This car has never gotten even close to the average mileage. Then if you need to get your car fixed, which I did, the appointment wait was 2 weeks. And there were no loaners. So you mean to tell me you want me to pay my $1000 a month car payment. Then rent a car for 2-3 weeks for $1000-$1500. That’s ridiculous. Crappy car. No customer service. I loved my Chevy Tahoe. I would of kept my Chevy Tahoe with gas prices at $1.70. By the way. It’s a Hybrid. 13.5 miles per gallon. UPDATE: Horrible gas mileage. Car breaks down a lot and acts like a pine all machine. Dash board goes through all the warnings. I’ve had 2 recalls which the first one had to be done twice and the second one needs to be done again.
Looks stylish, nothing much else
PB, 05/26/2021
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I had a 2018 Explorer Platinum that was excellent. Once the lease was up, I decided to go with the 2021 Hybrid Limited model. INitial test drive was nice and trusting my prior experience with the Explorer, decided to go for this model. Boy did I ever make a mistake. A 50K car shouldn't rattle with only 500 miles on the tach. Rattles everywhere, the electric to hybrid transition is rough, and a very cheap feeling with all the plastic in the interior. Don't buy. Waiting for more issues down the line.
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