2023 Ford Explorer Platinum HEV RWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Hybrid Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDRear-Wheel Drive
City
25
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Combined
26
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic 10-spd
Regular Hybrid
City
25
Hwy
26
Comb
26
Fuel cost: $2,600/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,600

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

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-1,000

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 5/10
GHG Score: 5/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
342 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
11.4 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$2,590/yr
California
$5.957/gal$3,437/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,243/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,386/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,609/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,602/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,226/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,664/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,506/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,566/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 26 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov)
Overall Safety Rating
5/5
2023 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD

Crash Test Scores

Front Crash — Overall
Front Crash — Driver Side
Front Crash — Passenger Side
Side Crash — Overall
Side Crash — Driver Side
Side Crash — Passenger Side
Side Pole Crash
Rollover
Rollover Probability15.1%

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning: Standard & OptionalLane Departure Warning: Standard
92
Owner Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Investigations

Recall History14

Source: NHTSA

Owner-Reported Problems92 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 92 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Explorer Platinum HEV RWD. Top reported issues include steering, electrical system and engine. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Steering
12
Electrical System
11
Engine
10
Suspension
10
Power Train
10
Structure
9
Visibility / Wipers
9
Advanced Safety (ADAS)
8

2023 Ford Explorer Platinum HEV RWD problems by category: Steering: 12 complaints, Electrical System: 11 complaints, Engine: 10 complaints, Suspension: 10 complaints, Power Train: 10 complaints, Structure: 9 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 9 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 8 complaints.

11
Crashes Reported
3
Fires Reported
11
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

SteeringFiled: 04/14/2025ODI#11654443
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering system failed completely while the vehicle was in motion. It is currently at the Ford se…
Locks & LatchesFiled: 08/30/2024ODI#11611836
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the expressway in the center lane, the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged, and the vehicle came to an abrupt s…
Power TrainFiled: 11/29/2023ODI#11557544
Every time i was traveling in sport mode, shifting was delayed & was very rough transition to next gear. Car was not accelerating or decelerating properly. Burning smell came from the engine. Car’s el…

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

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