Ford Explorer Limited V6

The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited V6 Hybrid gets 318 horsepower, 28 mpg, and has a suite of extra features.
Written by Maxine Boyko
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you’re looking for the Ford Explorer that offers you the most bang for your buck, go for the mid-level Limited V6. The Limited’s 3.3-L 318-hp engine can go from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds and is the only hybrid in its class that can tow 5,000 pounds. 
Ford’s
do-it-all Explorer satisfies the needs of families and offroading fanatics alike. But if you’re looking to up the ante on this classic SUV, check out the
Ford Explorer Limited
V6—you’ll enjoy better performance and get to where you’re going quickly and with more power than the base model. 
If you’re curious about what the Ford Explorer Limited V6 is all about, you’re in luck—we're here to detail the features of this car, including fuel economy, speed, and even how it compares to other cars in its class wielding a V6. 
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2022 Ford Explorer Limited V6

Starting price: $51,000
Engine: Naturally aspirated DOHC hybrid V6 with aluminum block and heads
Horsepower: 318 hp at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 322 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm
0 to 60: 6.7 seconds
Ford took its standard ultimate exploration five-door SUV and turned it into a green machine. The standard Limited comes with a 2.3 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine—so if you’re looking for the V6, you’ll have to upgrade to the Limited Hybrid to get it. 
You’ll be delighted with the standard features of this trim, including polished aluminum 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, and rear-wheel drive with trailer sway control. If you upgrade to the optional 3.3 L V6 hybrid engine with the Trailering Package, your Explorer will also be fully capable of off-roading and towing loads up to 5,000 pounds. 
Other great features that come standard on the Explorer Limited V6 are: 
  • AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control: Among Ford’s suite of advanced driver assistance features is the ability to maintain control on various road conditions including ice, gravel, and rain. 
  • Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control: Individualized temperature settings, with heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats. Second-row heated captain’s seats also come standard, as does a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  • Premium infotainment system: Eight-inch user-friendly touch screen, 12-speaker B&O sound system, nine power ports, and SYNC voice-activated navigation system. 
Automatic high beams, remote keyless entry and push to start, and co-Pilot 360 driver-assistance features round out the long list of standard features on the Explorer Limited V6. 
Key Takeaway The 2022 Ford Explorer offers loads of additional features, including a Limited V6 that comes with premium driver assistance, infotainment, and luxury capabilities. 

How’s the fuel economy?

The Limited Hybrid Explorer offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup without sacrificing power. In comparison to the base 4WD’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the Limited V6 gets 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway
The Limited V6 is a surprising way to make slight positive changes to both the environment and fuel costs. While the standard 17.9-gallon fuel tank is an ideal size for drivers who are fuel-consumption conscious, the Limited Hybrid comes in at 18 gallons—but it still beats the King Ranch or Platinum trims’ 20.2 gallons.
If you’re curious about how far you can go on a full tank of gas, the Limited V6 Hybrid tank has a driving range of 500 miles

Which Ford Explorer models have the V6?

The 3.3L Hybrid V6 is only available on the Explorer Limited, which is an upgrade from the standard 2.3 L 4-cylinder. A 3.0 L EcoBoost V6 comes standard in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models. 
While the drivetrain and any other added features and packages will dictate the ultimate cost of the Explorer, the standard RWD ST is the cheapest model, starting at $49,040. If you’re gunning for the most expensive offering in the lineup, the 4WD King Ranch comes in at $57,290 alone, without add-ons. 
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How fast is the Ford Explorer V6? 

Even though the Ford Explorer V6 packs in decent fuel economy, its speed is not necessarily going to impress anyone by today’s standards and most average families are not planning to race their SUVs around the track. Nevertheless, the 3.3 L Hybrid V6 can reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and the 3.0 L V6 takes 5.6 seconds. 
In general, the hybrid powertrain system feels clunkier and the shifting and acceleration are less predictable than similar vehicles. Here are the 0 to 60 times for other zippy three-row family SUVs: 
Model
Engine
0–60 time (seconds)
Hyundai Palisade
3.8L V6
6.9
Honda Pilot
3.5L V6
6.3
Kia Telluride
3.8L V6
7.2
Mazda CX-9
2.4L 4-cylinder
7.1
Toyota Highlander
3.5L V6
6.7
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2.5L 4-cylinder
7.3
These vehicles are the most athletic among their class—but none of them can escape the fact that there are various trade-offs in power, speed, efficiency, and other performance measurements based on their unique engine configurations and capacities
While the Limited V6 can try and run with the best of them, these vehicles are simply not built for speed. Furthermore, even though the hybrid may save a marginal amount of fuel, the handling experience is not quite on par with its daily-driving counterparts. 
Key Takeaway The Explorer Limited is a great SUV as is but if you want to upgrade it to a V6, it is only available in a hybrid that doesn’t offer additional value. 

Which is better: Explorer Limited or ST?

When considering all of the factors, it’s tough to say which Explorer is the best. The ST Explorer comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, sport suspension, paddle shifters, sport front seats, and a digital instrument panel. While the ST focuses on performance, the Limited range offers many luxurious features as we described earlier. 
If we’re looking purely at performance, the ST is fast and powerful—the 400-horsepower engine will give you all the sporty feels you seek. And while the Limited Hybrid’s driver assistance features and flashy tech makes for an attractive alternative, consider that it doesn’t stretch the fuel efficiency much more than the other models. 
Both vehicles are close in price, so it comes down to what you’re looking for in an SUV. The Limited trim offers a wide array of standard features on its own, and upgrading to the hybrid may not be worth the extra cost. As for the ST, it’s the most athletic and powerful of the lineup, but if you’re buying a family-use car, you may not care about the slight performance boost.
Key Takeaway At the end of the day, your best bet is to go with the Explorer Limited, sans hybrid. It’s a nice step up from having the standard features, all at a reasonable price without going overboard. 
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Yes, the Ford Explorer Limited comes with a 3.3-liter V6 engine—but you must upgrade to the hybrid version; otherwise, the Ford Explorer Limited comes standard with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder.
Unfortunately, Ford Explorers have received a number of reliability complaints over the years, citing a
clunky drive and rough shifting
. That said, J.D. Power gives the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited an 81/100 quality and reliability rating, putting it at #4 in the upper midsize SUV class.
Intelligent 4WD is an available option for the Ford Explorer Limited model.
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