Ford Explorer VI (U625)
Returning to a sporty rear-wheel-drive CD6 architecture, the sixth-generation Explorer offers 5,600 lbs maximum towing capacity, 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and high-performance ST dynamics.
Generation Quick Facts: The Ford Explorer VI (U625) was manufactured from 2020 – present (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 model years) as a suv. Across 3 verified powertrains, power outputs range from 300 to 400 hp, with top fuel economy reaching 25.0 MPG combined (3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD).
Power range
300–400 hp
Quickest 0–100
5.2 s
Best combined
25 MPG
Length
5.05 m
01Decision support
Which Explorer VI (U625) suits you?
Daily driver · least fuel
3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD
25.0 MPG combined
It burns up to 20% less fuel per mile than the thirstiest Explorer VI (U625).
Performance · quickest
3.0L EcoBoost ST AWD
0–100 km/h in 5.2s · 400 hp
The straight-line choice of this generation.
Sweet spot · balance
3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD
318 hp · 25.0 MPG
Sits mid-range for power without paying the fuel or price tax of the flagship trim. Usually the best value on the used market.
023 powertrains (2 petrol · 1 hybrid)
Full specifications
| Specification | 2.3L EcoBoost AWDPetrol | 3.3L V6 Hybrid AWDHybrid | 3.0L EcoBoost ST AWDPetrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Engine code | EcoBoost 2.3 Twin-Scroll | Cyclone 3.3 MHT HEV | EcoBoost 3.0 Twin-Turbo |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | Petrol |
| Displacement | 2.3L (2,261 cc) | 3.3L (3,339 cc) | 3.0L (2,956 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated | Twin-Turbo |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 | V6 |
| Power & Performance | |||
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | 318 hp / 237 kW | 400 hp / 298 kW |
| Torque | 420 Nm / 310 lb-ft | 437 Nm / 322 lb-ft | 563 Nm / 415 lb-ft |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.0 s | 7.2 s | 5.2 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 190 km/h (118 mph) | 230 km/h (143 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | |||
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Modular Hybrid | 10-Speed SelectShift Automatic |
| Gears | — | — | — |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Emissions | |||
| City | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) |
| Highway | 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) | 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) |
| Combined | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) | 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) |
| Electric range | — | — | — |
| Battery | — | — | — |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — | — |
| Weight & Body | |||
| Curb weight | 1,970 kg (4,343 lbs) | 2,250 kg (4,960 lbs) | 2,132 kg (4,700 lbs) |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Model years | 2020-present | 2020-2023 | 2020-present |
03Then vs now
U625 vs. previous generation
| Metric | Change vs. U502 |
|---|---|
| Peak power | +35 hp |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | -0.7 s |
| Best combined MPG | +3 MPG |
| Average curb weight | +17 kg |
Why this matters
Versus the U502, the U625 is clearly more efficient, noticeably more powerful, quicker off the line. Used-car shoppers should weigh these shifts against the U502's typically lower asking prices.
View the U502 spec sheet0Exterior
Dimensions
Length
5,049 mm
198.8 in
Width
2,004 mm
78.9 in
Height
1,775 mm
69.9 in
Wheelbase
3,025 mm
119.1 in
Curb weight spans 1,970–2,250 kg depending on powertrain. Battery and AWD hardware add the most mass.
05Long-tail answers
Explorer VI (U625): questions answered
What engines and trims are available on the Ford Explorer VI (U625)?
The Ford Explorer VI (U625) lineup offers 2 petrol · 1 hybrid: 2.3L EcoBoost AWD (300 hp), 3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD (318 hp), 3.0L EcoBoost ST AWD (400 hp).
How quick is the Ford Explorer VI (U625) from 0 to 100 km/h?
The fastest trim, the 3.0L EcoBoost ST AWD, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2s, reaching a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) with the 3.0L EcoBoost ST AWD.
What is the most fuel-efficient Ford Explorer VI (U625) trim?
The 3.3L V6 Hybrid AWD delivers the highest fuel economy at 25.0 MPG (EPA combined). Across the 3 powertrains, fuel economy spans 20–25 combined MPG.
How does the U625 compare to the previous Ford Explorer?
Against the U502 predecessor it replaces, the U625 is clearly more efficient, noticeably more powerful, quicker off the line. Side-by-side technical specs are detailed in the comparison table below.
What model years are included in the Ford Explorer VI (U625)?
The Ford Explorer VI (U625) was produced from 2020 – present, spanning the following model years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Ford Explorer VI (U625)?
5049 mm long, 2004 mm wide, 1775 mm tall on a 3025 mm wheelbase (198.8 in overall length).
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Ford ExplorerCertification data, 2020–2026
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls, complaints and investigations2020 Ford Explorer, official safety record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Ford official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Guides worth reading before you choose
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines: Boost, Lag, Reliability & Fuel Economy
Factory turbos now dominate new cars, but naturally aspirated engines still have real advantages. A balanced look at power, economy and reliability.
August 29, 2026
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