Ford Explorer S MPG by Year & Engine (EPA)
EPA fuel-economy ratings for every rated Ford Explorer S model year from 2001 to 2003 — each engine and transmission with its official city, highway and combined figures. Over these years the Explorer S has been offered with 4.0L 6-cyl engines; the most efficient version is the 2001 (up to 18 MPG combined). All rated gas versions run on regular gasoline. Data: U.S. Department of Energy & EPA, fueleconomy.gov; prices are live medians from VehiSales listings.
Ford Explorer S fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Engines | Median used price | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 15–17 MPG | 4.0L 6-cyl | — | — |
| 2002 | 15–17 MPG | 4.0L 6-cyl | — | — |
| 2001 | 15–18 MPG | 4.0L 6-cyl | — | — |
2003 Ford Explorer S: engines & MPG
The 2003 Explorer S was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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 |
2002 Ford Explorer S: engines & MPG
The 2002 Explorer S was EPA-rated in 4 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 17 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Sport 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 |
2001 Ford Explorer S: engines & MPG
The 2001 Explorer S was EPA-rated in 6 versions (4.0L 6-cyl), with combined economy from 15 to 18 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Sport 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Regular | 15 | 20 | 17 MPG |
| Explorer Sport 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 14 | 18 | 16 MPG |
| Explorer Sport 4WD FFV | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Regular | 13 | 17 | 15 MPG |
| Explorer Sport 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Regular | 14 | 18 | 15 MPG |
Frequently asked questions
What MPG does a Ford Explorer S get?
Depending on year and engine, EPA combined ratings for the Explorer S range from 17 to 18 MPG. The most efficient rated version is the 2001 model year.
What engines does the 2003 Ford Explorer S have?
The 2003 Explorer S was EPA-rated with 4.0L 6-cyl engines — see the 2003 table above for each version's exact city/highway figures.
Does the Ford Explorer S require premium gas?
No — rated versions run on regular gasoline.
https://vehisales.com/research/fuel-economy/ford/explorer-s.
Fuel economy of other models
Ford F-150 MPG by year · Ford Explorer MPG by year · Ford F-250 MPG by year · Ford Bronco Sport MPG by year · Ford Escape MPG by year · Ford Bronco MPG by year · Ford Mustang MPG by year · Ford Maverick MPG by year · Ford Edge MPG by year · Ford Ranger MPG by year
See also: Ford Explorer S hub — live listings, prices & reliability · Most fuel-efficient cars by segment · Model price trends. Media inquiries: [email protected].