Ford Explorer MPG by Year & Engine (EPA)

EPA fuel-economy ratings for every rated Ford Explorer model year from 1984 to 2026 — each engine and transmission with its official city, highway and combined figures. Over these years the Explorer has been offered with 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl powertrains; the most efficient version is the 2002 (up to 39 MPGe combined). Data: U.S. Department of Energy & EPA, fueleconomy.gov; prices are live medians from VehiSales listings.

Ford Explorer fuel economy by year

YearCombined MPG / MPGeEnginesMedian used priceFor sale
2026 19–24 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $48,175 39,977 listings
2025 20–24 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $40,494 3,961 listings
2024 20–24 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl $31,995 1,392 listings
2023 20–27 3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $31,500 5,266 listings
2022 19–27 3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $28,995 3,573 listings
2021 19–27 3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $24,595 1,979 listings
2020 19–28 3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl $22,494 3,173 listings
2019 18–22 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl $18,746 977 listings
2018 18–22 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl $16,745 1,759 listings
2017 18–22 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl $14,600 1,838 listings
2016 18–22 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl $12,995 1,177 listings
2015 18–23 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl $10,995 687 listings
2014 18–23 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
2013 18–23 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
2012 19–23 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
2011 19–20 3.5L 6-cyl
2010 15–17 4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
2009 15–17 4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
2008 15–16 4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
2007 15–16 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2006 15–16 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2005 14–16 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2004 15–16 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2003 15–17 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2002 14–39 Electric, 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
2001 15–39 Electric, 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
2000 15–18 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
1999 14–18 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
1998 14–17 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
1997 14–18 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
1996 14–18 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
1995 15–18 4.0L 6-cyl
1994 15–18 4.0L 6-cyl
1993 16–18 4.0L 6-cyl
1992 15–17 4.0L 6-cyl
1991 16–18 4.0L 6-cyl
1988 24–28 1.9L 4-cyl
1987 25–28 1.9L 4-cyl
1986 22–26 1.9L 4-cyl
1985 24–26 1.6L 4-cyl
1984 23–25 1.6L 4-cyl

2026 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2026 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 24 MPG. Used 2026 models currently list for a median of $48,175 on VehiSales (39,977 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 29 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer Tremor AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 23 21 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer Tremor AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 17 22 19 MPG

2025 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2025 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 24 MPG. Used 2025 models currently list for a median of $40,494 on VehiSales (3,961 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 29 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 20 MPG

2024 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2024 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 24 MPG. Used 2024 models currently list for a median of $31,995 on VehiSales (1,392 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 26 21 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 22 21 MPG
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 20 MPG

2023 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2023 Explorer was EPA-rated in 17 versions (3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 20 to 27 MPG. Used 2023 models currently list for a median of $31,500 on VehiSales (5,266 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 27 28 27 MPG
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 25 26 26 MPG
Explorer HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 23 26 25 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 23 24 23 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 28 23 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 26 22 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 26 21 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 22 21 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 21 20 MPG
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 17 25 20 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 24 20 MPG

2022 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2022 Explorer was EPA-rated in 15 versions (3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 27 MPG. Used 2022 models currently list for a median of $28,995 on VehiSales (3,573 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 27 28 27 MPG
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 25 26 26 MPG
Explorer HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 23 26 25 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 23 24 23 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 28 23 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 26 22 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 22 21 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 26 21 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 21 20 MPG
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 16 24 19 MPG

2021 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2021 Explorer was EPA-rated in 10 versions (3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 27 MPG. Used 2021 models currently list for a median of $24,595 on VehiSales (1,979 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 27 28 27 MPG
Explorer HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 23 26 25 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic 10-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 19 23 21 MPG
Explorer RWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 26 21 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 16 23 19 MPG

2020 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2020 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (3.3L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 28 MPG. Used 2020 models currently list for a median of $22,494 on VehiSales (3,173 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer HEV RWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 27 29 28 MPG
Explorer HEV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 23 26 25 MPG
Explorer RWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.0L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 18 24 20 MPG
Explorer FFV AWD 3.3L 6-cyl Automatic (S10) Regular 16 23 19 MPG

2019 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2019 Explorer was EPA-rated in 7 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 22 MPG. Used 2019 models currently list for a median of $18,746 on VehiSales (977 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 19 27 22 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 19 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2018 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2018 Explorer was EPA-rated in 7 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 22 MPG. Used 2018 models currently list for a median of $16,745 on VehiSales (1,759 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 19 27 22 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 19 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2017 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2017 Explorer was EPA-rated in 7 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 22 MPG. Used 2017 models currently list for a median of $14,600 on VehiSales (1,838 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 19 27 22 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 25 21 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2016 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2016 Explorer was EPA-rated in 7 versions (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 22 MPG. Used 2016 models currently list for a median of $12,995 on VehiSales (1,177 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 19 27 22 MPG
Explorer AWD 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 26 21 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2015 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2015 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 23 MPG. Used 2015 models currently list for a median of $10,995 on VehiSales (687 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2014 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2014 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 23 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 20 28 23 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2013 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2013 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 18 to 23 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 24 20 MPG
Explorer AWD FFV 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 16 22 18 MPG

2012 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2012 Explorer was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 23 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 20 27 23 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer AWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG

2011 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2011 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (3.5L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 19 to 20 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer FWD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 18 25 20 MPG
Explorer 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 17 23 19 MPG
Explorer 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 17 23 19 MPG

2010 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2010 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 15 21 17 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 15 21 17 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG

2009 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2009 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 15 21 17 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 15 21 17 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG

2008 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2008 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.6L 8-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 16 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 20 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG

2007 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2007 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 16 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 20 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 20 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG

2006 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2006 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 16 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG

2005 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2005 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 16 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 17 14 MPG

2004 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2004 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 16 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG

2003 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2003 Explorer was EPA-rated in 12 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 18 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 17 15 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG

2002 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2002 Explorer was EPA-rated in 17 versions (Electric, 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 39 MPGe.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer USPS Electric Electric Electricity 45 33 39 MPGe · 38 mi range
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.6L 8-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 17 14 MPG

2001 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2001 Explorer was EPA-rated in 19 versions (Electric, 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 39 MPGe.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer USPS Electric Electric Electricity 45 33 39 MPGe · 38 mi range
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 20 18 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer USPS 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer USPS 2WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 19 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer USPS 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 17 15 MPG
Explorer USPS 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer Sport 4WD FFV 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 17 15 MPG

2000 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 2000 Explorer was EPA-rated in 9 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 21 18 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 17 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG

1999 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1999 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 21 18 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 17 14 MPG

1998 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1998 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 17 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG

1997 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1997 Explorer was EPA-rated in 8 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 22 18 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 13 17 15 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 5-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG

1996 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1996 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl), with combined economy from 14 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 21 18 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 20 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 13 19 15 MPG
Explorer 4WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG
Explorer 2WD 5.0L 8-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 12 17 14 MPG

1995 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1995 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 21 18 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG

1994 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1994 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 20 18 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG

1993 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1993 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 16 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 22 18 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 18 16 MPG

1992 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1992 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 20 17 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 15 20 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 18 15 MPG

1991 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1991 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 16 to 18 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 16 21 18 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 14 19 16 MPG
Explorer 2WD 4.0L 6-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 15 20 16 MPG
Explorer 4WD 4.0L 6-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 15 19 16 MPG

1988 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1988 Explorer was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.9L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 28 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 24 33 28 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 23 31 26 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG

1987 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1987 Explorer was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.9L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 25 to 28 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 24 34 28 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 23 29 25 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 31 25 MPG

1986 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1986 Explorer was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 26 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 23 31 26 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 30 25 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG
EXP 1.9L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 19 26 22 MPG

1985 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1985 Explorer was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 26 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 32 26 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 20 31 24 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 22 28 24 MPG

1984 Ford Explorer: engines & MPG

The 1984 Explorer was EPA-rated in 6 versions (1.6L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 31 25 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 30 24 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 29 24 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 30 24 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG
EXP 1.6L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG

Frequently asked questions

What MPG does a Ford Explorer get?

Depending on year and engine, EPA combined economy for the Explorer ranges from 14 to 39 MPGe. The most efficient rated version is the 2002 model year.

What engines does the 2026 Ford Explorer have?

The 2026 Explorer was EPA-rated with 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl — see the 2026 table above for each version's exact city/highway figures.

Does the Ford Explorer require premium gas?

No — rated versions run on regular or electricity.

Is there a hybrid or electric Explorer?

Yes — the ratings above include hybrid and electric (shown in MPGe) versions; look for them in the per-year tables.

How to cite: “VehiSales Research, Ford Explorer EPA Fuel Economy by Model Year” with a link to https://vehisales.com/research/fuel-economy/ford/explorer. Underlying ratings are public-domain EPA/DOE data from fueleconomy.gov.

See also: Ford Explorer hub — live listings, prices & reliability · Most fuel-efficient cars by segment · Model price trends. Media inquiries: [email protected].

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