Something surprising has disappeared from the online configurators for the popular 2024 Ford Explorer SUV and its Lincoln Aviator luxury cousin. What’s missing? The available hybrid powertrains.
Both models (which use mostly common parts) have long been available with hybrid-electric drivetrains. The more affordable Ford model used a 318-horsepower hybrid setup that combined a V6 engine with an electric motor, giving it fuel economy up to a combined 27 mpg in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) form and 25 mpg in all-wheel-drive (AWD) form.
The Lincoln had an even more impressive setup — a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form with an MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) of 56 and could travel up to 21 miles on electric power alone.
Both have disappeared from ordering systems.
Ford hasn’t yet answered our questions about the change. But a Lincoln spokesperson tells us that the 2024 Aviator “will only be offered with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gas-powered engine.”
But we suspect the change isn’t permanent. That same Lincoln spokesperson added, “We’ll have more to share on the 2025 Aviator in the future.”
They’re Probably Coming Back Soon
Both models are overdue for a major update. In fact, sources previously told us to expect it by now. Ford Authority reports the company has updated models ready to go and planned to release them as 2024 editions. However, the recently settled auto workers’ strike caused Ford and Lincoln to push their debuts into the 2025 model year.
Those are likely coming very soon. “Production of the 2024 model is expected to only last a total of two months,” Ford Authority says. The replacements could be rolling out factory doors as soon as March.
We have no confirmation the hybrids will return then. But Ford knows how the automotive business works and doubtless noted hybrid sales are surging. The highly public push into electric vehicles (EVs) at a time when the nationwide EV infrastructure is still in its infancy is pushing more Americans to consider a hybrid instead.
Ford and Lincoln will likely bring the hybrids back as soon as they have 2025 models to show us — which could be any day now.
