The SUV has overtaken the sedan as the most popular body style in the Arkansas car market. With more space, a higher clearance and a more capable drivetrain, SUVs take Arkansas drivers further and meet a versatile set of needs. Yet, there seems to be one massive downside to driving an SUV: poor gas mileage. Compact cars and sedans consistently outperform SUVs in fuel economy. It makes sense. The benefits Arkansas drivers find in SUVs — size and capability — negatively affect their ability to consume fuel efficiently.
Ford is seeking to remedy that problem in its 2022 SUV lineup with hybrid offerings. A hybrid engine is available in both the 2022 Ford Escape and the 2022 Ford Explorer. Let’s take a look at some of the most pressing questions you may have about hybrid SUVs so you can see if a Ford hybrid is a good choice for you.
How much of a difference does a hybrid engine make?
Hybrid engines make SUVs much more fuel efficient. While standard-fuel SUVs have become more fuel efficient in recent years, they still lag behind their more compact counterparts. A hybrid powertrain closes that gap. The 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid gets 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. This is a massive upgrade from the SUV’s standard 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway fuel economy. The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, on the other hand, sees a more modest increase. Its standard fuel economy is 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Its hybrid offering boosts that to 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Does a hybrid engine negatively impact power and capability in an SUV?
The short answer is no. A hybrid engine does not negatively impact the amount of power which an SUV can produce. Yet, the answer is slightly more complex. Hybrid engines utilize a combination of gas and electric power (thus the name, hybrid). When the electric component of the engine is fully charged, both the 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid actually produce more horsepower than their gas counterparts. When the electric components of their engines are not fully charged, then they produce slightly less horsepower. This means that if you are driving a hybrid SUV in the city, where the electric component of the engine is charged through more frequent braking, then the engine will produce more power than it would on the highway.
How can I purchase a 2022 Ford Hybrid SUV?
If you’re looking to purchase a new Ford SUV with great fuel efficiency, then a hybrid is your best option. Heartland Ford in Heber Springs, AR is fully equipped to help you figure out if a hybrid is right for you and to help you make that purchase. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about hybrid SUVs. We would also be happy to help you order a Ford Hybrid SUV directly from the factory. When it arrives at our dealership, we’ll deliver it to your house, anywhere in Arkansas, free of charge. Fill out a contact form to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you!