More Than the Mach-E: Ford’s Compelling Hybrid Options

We have officially entered the age of Electric Vehicles, or EVs, as they’re fondly abbreviated. Thanks to major technological advances, more and more automobile manufacturers are equipping cars and even trucks and SUVs with a rechargeable battery pack. When you stop by DePaula Ford, your Ford dealer in Schenectady, NY, the atmosphere will be truly “electric” thanks to the recent debut of Ford’s newest creations: the Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and the Maverick.

But what about those “old-fashioned” hybrids? There are still quite a few vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor. In fact, Ford offers quite a few hybrid options that are not fully electric, seamlessly incorporated into their regular lineup of vehicles. Many drivers may be unaware that some of your favorite Ford vehicles have had a “hidden” hybrid option all along. Take a look at some of the 2021 model year hybrid options and their exclusive offerings.

2021 Escape Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Escape is a five-passenger SUV known for its impressive cargo space and highly customizable experience. Not only is the Escape offered as a standard hybrid, but a plug-in hybrid is offered as well. The standard hybrid pairs a 2.5L inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine with an 88kW electric motor. While the hybrid vehicles of the early 2000’s often stashed their enormous battery pack in the cargo area or conspicuously in the backseat, the Escape’s lithium-ion battery is no larger than a typical briefcase and lives outside the vehicle in the undercarriage. Together, this powertrain is capable of taking drivers quite a distance, with the ability to handle 44 MPG through the city and 37 MPG on highways.

The plug-in hybrid features a similar engine setup, with the benefit of the battery being easily charged at home. A Level 1/Level 2 AC charging port turns any 110-volt or 240-volt outlet into an opportunity to top off the battery.

Best of all, both versions of the Escape are offered in a variety of trims, including the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. Whereas some hybrid offerings are a single trim feature in a manufacturers lineup, Ford allows Escape Hybrid drivers the opportunity to choose the trim that best suits their needs. Not only do all Escape Hybrid drivers have the opportunity to enjoy standard features like sliding 60/40 split-folding second-row seating, selectable drive modes, and electronic Curve Control, but they can select features to meet their needs.

For example, the SE trim equips drivers with cloth bucket seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat, while the SEL adds a heated steering wheel and front seats. Those looking for the deluxe hybrid experience can check out the Titanium Escape, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless charging pad among its many goodies. For those who love everything an SUV can provide except for the high fuel costs, the Ford Escape hybrid and plug-in hybrid provide responsible, economical versions of a long-time favorite.

2021 Explorer Limited Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Explorer features seating for up to seven passengers and comes in several trims and configurations. Those who choose the Limited trim open up the possibility of a highly efficient and very fun to drive hybrid option. This hybrid offering combines a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor. Together, this duo produces 318 horsepower and offers the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It’s also equipped to head off-road, thanks to the durable battery casing.

The Explorer Limited hybrid comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which allows it to get an impressive 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. All-wheel drive is also available as an option, though it does slightly lower those numbers to 24 MPG in the city and 25 MPG highway.

Though the hybrid Explorer doesn’t offer an array of trim choices like the Escape, the features on the Limited trim are designed to provide significant comfort for many drivers. Ford offers optional packages to ensure drivers get exactly what they need. Standard features include three rows of automatic temperature control, four total 12V powerpoints, a rear view camera with its own washer, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 12 speakers.

The 2021 Explorer Limited Hybrid also provides all passengers with leather seating surfaces, and the second row captain’s seats are heated for long-distance comfort. For those who need additional cargo space, the third row features a 50/50 split-fold, as well. Hauling seven passengers can be a big responsibility, but the Ford Explorer’s hybrid option allows drivers incomparable fuel economy for a vehicle its size.

2021 F-150 Hybrid

The 2022 Ford Maverick is hybrid by nature, and the 2022 F-150 Lightning is fully electric, but there is an alternative for those who love the F-150 and are seeking an economical option: the F-150 Hybrid. There’s no mistaking this vehicle for anything but a classic F-150. With a body constructed of military-grade aluminum alloy and an incredibly strong steel frame, this truck is an F-150 from bumper to bumper, regardless of the engine selected.

However, those looking to save on fuel costs without losing any of the power found in the F-150 can look to the 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine. This system provides 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, the highest level of torque provided by any of the F-150’s engine options. As a result, the hybrid F-150 is able to tow up to 12,700 pounds and can manage a trip of up to miles on a single full tank of fuel.

Like the Escape, the hybrid system is available on multiple trims, including the SuperCrew XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. That means drivers can enjoy the economy and power of Ford’s PowerBoost full hybrid engine in a variety of settings, ranging from the all-business XL trim, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and automatic emergency braking, to the top-shelf luxury of the Limited trim, which includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless charging pad, and heated rear and front seats.

The Ford F-150 also offers over-the-air system updates for all vehicles. This means that the technology in your F-150 is always state of the art, courtesy of Ford’s technological advances. If towing and stowing are common events in your day, but the rising cost of fuel is putting a damper on your pickup truck pride, the hybrid Ford F-150 provides an option to keep you moving mile after mile without as many trips to the gas station.

Take a Step Towards the Future of the Industry

Given the current trends in the automotive industry, gasoline-powered vehicles may be extinct before too long. However, as we transition into the electric future, these hybrid options from Ford provide a fantastic stepping stone for those who love the idea of added economy but aren’t sure about the latest all-electric options. The Escape hybrid shows us that you don’t need to rely on fossil fuels to have a good time, with plenty of fun and function built-in. As the Explorer and F-150 hybrid options demonstrate, you don’t have to sacrifice power for the economy, as each can tow loads comparable to their gasoline-powered siblings.

While many drivers stay tuned to the new and exciting EVs Ford is developing, don’t forget about the equally fun and economical hybrid options already waiting for you at your local Ford dealership. With so many options currently available, it’s easier than ever to choose a hybrid Ford to meet your driving needs.