No. The Ford Explorer does not use a CVT. In its current generations, Ford has equipped the Explorer with a traditional automatic transmission—primarily a 10-speed automatic—for gasoline variants, and a similar automatic-type setup is used in the hybrid version. CVTs are not used in the Explorer lineup in the United States as of 2024–2026.
CVTs are common in some smaller crossovers for efficiency, but Ford has chosen multi-speed automatics for the Explorer to support towing, performance, and smooth power delivery. The following outlines the transmission setup across the latest Explorer models.
Current transmission setup in the Explorer
Overview of what you’ll typically find under the hood in recent Explorers.
- Gasoline models (2.3L EcoBoost I4 and 3.0L EcoBoost V6) use a 10-speed automatic transmission (Ford 10R80).
- Explorer Hybrid uses a hybrid powertrain paired with an automatic-type transmission as part of Ford's hybrid system; it is not a CVT.
In practice, this means a CVT is not part of the Explorer lineup in current markets, with the focus on multi-speed automatics for performance and capability.
Historical context and market notes
For context, Ford introduced the 10-speed automatic with the 2020 Explorer redesign, replacing earlier 6- and 9-speed units that were used in previous generations. In the U.S. market, the Explorer has not offered a CVT option across gasoline or hybrid variants.
What this means for buyers
If you’re shopping for a new or used Explorer, you should expect an automatic transmission with multiple gears (10-speed in current gasoline models) rather than a CVT. This aligns with the vehicle’s towing capacity, acceleration feel, and transmission tuning by Ford.
Summary
The Ford Explorer does not use a traditional CVT. Modern Explorers rely on a 10-speed automatic transmission for gasoline models and a compatible automatic-type setup for hybrids, providing strong performance, towing capability, and consistent gearing behavior without a CVT. Buyers should verify the exact transmission on a given trim, as earlier pre-2020 models used different automatic configurations, but CVTs have not been part of the Explorer lineup in recent years.