2021 Ford Explorer HEV RWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Hybrid Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDRear-Wheel Drive
City
27
MPG
Highway
28
MPG
Combined
27
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic (S10)
Regular Hybrid
City
27
Hwy
28
Comb
27
Fuel cost: $2,500/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-500

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 6/10
GHG Score: 6/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
324 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
11.0 barrels

Specifications

Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
Transmission
10-speed Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 2-3 (6,001–10,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
3.3L, 6-cylinder
Induction Type
Direct Injection
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,494/yr
California
$5.957/gal$3,309/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,160/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,298/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,512/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,506/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,106/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,566/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,413/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,471/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 27 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems4 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 4 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer HEV RWD. Top reported issues include power train, electrical system and wheels & tires. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Power Train
2
Electrical System
1
Wheels & Tires
1
Steering
1
Structure
1

2021 Ford Explorer HEV RWD problems by category: Power Train: 2 complaints, Electrical System: 1 complaints, Wheels & Tires: 1 complaints, Steering: 1 complaints, Structure: 1 complaints.

4
Crashes Reported
0
Fires Reported
3
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

Electrical SystemFiled: 11/24/2023ODI#11556636
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a burning odor present. The message "Pull Over Possible Powertrain Damage" was displayed. …
Power TrainFiled: 11/20/2023Crash1 InjuryODI#11556088
A Police Officer's Ford Explorer Interceptor Hybrid SUV while driving had a vehicle malfunction where the rear wheels began to wobble/vibrate and while driving in a straight line with front wheels fac…
Power TrainFiled: 01/12/2023ODI#11501484
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic "lift gate ajar" warning was activated; however, the liftgate was not open. The ve…

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

Ford Explorer HEV RWD MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year

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