Tank Ledger

Ford Explorer MPG by year — every rating on record

The Ford Explorer has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 36 model years, from 1991 to 2026. Across those years its best rated version returned 24 mpg (2020) and its thirstiest returned 14 mpg (1996). The EPA record holds 208 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD / Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.

24best combined mpg (2020)
14worst combined mpg (1996)
24latest year best (2026)
208configurations on record

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Model yearConfigurationsBest combinedWorst combinedClass rank that yearDrivetrainsFuelEPA class
1991418 mpg16 mpg#7 of 11 (40th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicles
1992417 mpg15 mpg#26 of 50 (49th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1993418 mpg16 mpg#17 of 54 (70th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1994418 mpg15 mpg#16 of 48 (68th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1995418 mpg15 mpg#13 of 44 (72th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1996618 mpg14 mpg#20 of 46 (58th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1997818 mpg14 mpg#20 of 48 (60th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1998817 mpg14 mpg#30 of 41 (28th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD
1999818 mpg14 mpg#15 of 29 (50th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2000918 mpg15 mpg#17 of 33 (50th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2001417 mpg15 mpg#26 of 45 (43th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2002817 mpg14 mpg#26 of 54 (53th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2003416 mpg15 mpg#37 of 58 (37th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2004616 mpg15 mpg#38 of 60 (37th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2005616 mpg14 mpg#40 of 59 (33th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2006416 mpg15 mpg#45 of 62 (28th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2007416 mpg15 mpg#60 of 71 (16th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2008416 mpg15 mpg#62 of 76 (19th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2009417 mpg15 mpg#61 of 82 (26th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2010417 mpg15 mpg#67 of 80 (16th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2011420 mpg19 mpg#41 of 78 (48th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2012323 mpg19 mpg#22 of 69 (69th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegularSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2013623 mpg18 mpg#1 of 26 (100th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2014623 mpg18 mpg#4 of 25 (88th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2015623 mpg18 mpg#4 of 28 (89th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2016722 mpg18 mpg#4 of 26 (88th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveGasoline or E85, RegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2017722 mpg18 mpg#4 of 27 (88th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2018722 mpg18 mpg#5 of 25 (83th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveGasoline or E85, RegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2019722 mpg18 mpg#4 of 23 (86th pct)Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2020424 mpg19 mpg#3 of 24 (91th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2021724 mpg19 mpg#5 of 26 (84th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2022924 mpg19 mpg#6 of 28 (81th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
20231124 mpg20 mpg#6 of 26 (80th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2024724 mpg20 mpg#15 of 38 (62th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegular, Gasoline or E85Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2025624 mpg20 mpg#77 of 192 (60th pct)Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2026424 mpg20 mpg#21 of 45 (55th pct)Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Ford Explorer placed highest in 2013 at #1 of 26, and lowest in 2025 at #77 of 192. It spent 23 of its 36 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 208 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

YearConfigurationEngine detailCityHighwayCombinedGallons/yrBarrels/yrEPA fuel cost/yrCO2 g/miGHG
20263.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182520575.014.9$3,1004394/10
20263.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182521547.614.2$2,9504234/10
20262.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI & PFI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003945/10
20262.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI & PFI, turbocharged, start-stop202924479.212.4$2,6003775/10
20253.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182520575.014.9$3,1004394/10
20253.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182521547.614.2$2,9504284/10
20253.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182521547.614.2$2,9504254/10
20253.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182521547.614.2$2,9504204/10
20252.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI & PFI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003945/10
20252.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI & PFI, turbocharged, start-stop202924479.212.4$2,6003775/10
20243.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182520575.014.9$3,1004374/10
20243.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004444/10
20243.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004454/10
20243.3L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd Gasoline or E85SIDI & PFI; FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004444/10
20243.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182621547.614.2$2,9504264/10
20242.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003875/10
20242.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003705/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182520575.014.9$3,1004384/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004444/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004454/10
20233.3L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd Gasoline or E85SIDI & PFI; FFV, FFV172520575.014.9$3,1004444/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI; without Stop-Start, turbocharged172420575.014.9$3,1004514/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI; without Stop-Start, turbocharged172420575.014.9$3,1004544/10
20233.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182621547.614.2$2,9504284/10
20232.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202622522.713.5$2,8504045/10
20232.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202823500.012.9$2,7003855/10
20232.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI; Stop-Start, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003875/10
20232.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI; Stop-Start, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003705/10
20223.3L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd Gasoline or E85SIDI & PFI; FFV, FFV, start-stop162419605.315.7$3,3004704/10
20223.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182520575.014.9$3,1004374/10
20223.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004444/10
20223.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004454/10
20223.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182621547.614.2$2,9504284/10
20222.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202622522.713.5$2,8504045/10
20222.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202823500.012.9$2,7003865/10
20222.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI; Stop-Start, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003875/10
20222.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI; Stop-Start, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003705/10
20213.3L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) Gasoline or E85SIDI & PFI; FFV, FFV162319605.315.7$3,3004713/10
20213.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004454/10
20213.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182621547.614.2$2,9504314/10
20212.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003865/10
20212.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003865/10
20212.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003735/10
20212.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 10-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003735/10
20203.3L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) Gasoline or E85SIDI & PFI; FFV, FFV162319605.315.7$3,3004683/10
20203.0L 6-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop182420575.014.9$3,1004464/10
20202.3L 4-cyl Part-time 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop202723500.012.9$2,7003865/10
20202.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S10) RegularSIDI, turbocharged, start-stop212824479.212.4$2,6003705/10
20193.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV162218638.916.5$3,4504813/10
20193.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4505003/10
20193.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl162219605.315.7$3,3004783/10
20193.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004544/10
20193.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004544/10
20192.3L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged182521547.614.2$2,9504234/10
20192.3L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged192722522.713.5$2,8504094/10
20183.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV162218638.916.5$3,4504833/10
20183.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504863/10
20183.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl162219605.315.7$3,3004803/10
20183.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004554/10
20183.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004534/10
20182.3L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged182521547.614.2$2,9504294/10
20182.3L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged192722522.713.5$2,8504094/10
20173.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504943/10
20173.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl162319605.315.7$3,3004754/10
20173.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV162319605.315.7$3,3004754/10
20173.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004524/10
20173.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004524/10
20172.3L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged182521547.614.2$2,9504304/10
20172.3L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged192722522.713.5$2,8504085/10
20163.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504904/10
20163.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV162319605.315.7$3,3004744/10
20163.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl162319605.315.7$3,3004744/10
20163.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004524/10
20163.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004524/10
20162.3L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged182621547.614.2$2,9504285/10
20162.3L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged192722522.713.5$2,8504105/10
20153.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504904/10
20153.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20153.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20153.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20153.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20152.0L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202723500.012.9$2,7003945/10
20143.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504884/10
20143.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20143.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20143.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20143.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20142.0L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202823500.012.9$2,7003916/10
20133.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) RegularSIDI, turbocharged162218638.916.5$3,4504884/10
20133.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20133.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,3004714/10
20133.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Gasoline or E85FFV, FFV172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20133.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172420575.014.9$3,1004505/10
20132.0L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202723500.012.9$2,7003936/10
20123.5L 6-cyl All-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,300467.7368421052632n/a
20123.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl182520575.014.9$3,100444.35n/a
20122.0L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd RegularSIDI, turbocharged202723500.012.9$2,700386.39130434782606n/a
20113.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,300467.7368421052632n/a
20113.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl172319605.315.7$3,300467.7368421052632n/a
20113.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular3.5L 6-cyl182520575.014.9$3,100444.35n/a
20113.5L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Regular3.5L 6-cyl182520575.014.9$3,100444.35n/a
20104.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20104.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20104.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20104.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl152117676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
20094.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20094.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20094.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20094.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl152117676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
20084.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20084.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20084.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20084.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl132016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20074.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20074.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20074.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20074.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl132016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20064.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20064.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20064.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20064.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20054.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
20054.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20054.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20054.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20054.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20054.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20044.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20044.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20044.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20044.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20044.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20044.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20034.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20034.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20034.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20034.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20024.6L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularAWD131714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
20024.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.6L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd RegularSOHC141816718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20024.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd RegularSOHC152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
20015.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20014.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20015.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20014.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
20005.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0E-R131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular0.0004141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20005.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular0.0005131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Gasoline or E85FLEX-FUEL, FFV141715766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0E-R141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0S-4 SOHC141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular0.0004151916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
20004.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular4.0E-R162118638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19995.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl131714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19995.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19994.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl162118638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19985.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19985.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular5.0L 8-cyl121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl131815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd RegularSOHC141816718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl141816718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19984.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular4.0L 6-cyl152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19975.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19975.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular(FFS)141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular(SOHC) (FFS)141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular(FFS)131715766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 5-spd Regular(SOHC) (FFS)141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)151916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19974.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162218638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19965.0L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19965.0L 8-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121714821.421.3$4,450634.7857142857143n/a
19964.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)131915766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19964.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)142016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19964.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)151916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19964.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162118638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19954.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19954.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19954.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19954.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162118638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19944.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19944.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19944.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19944.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162018638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19934.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141816718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19934.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19934.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19934.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162218638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a
19924.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141815766.719.8$4,150592.4666666666667n/a
19924.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)152016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19924.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19924.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)152017676.517.5$3,650522.7647058823529n/a
19914.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)152016718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19914.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)141916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19914.0L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)151916718.818.6$3,900555.4375n/a
19914.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 5-spd Regular(FFS)162118638.916.5$3,450493.72222222222223n/a

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 6 of 11 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

ChangeBest combinedDeltaGallons a year at the newer rating
1991 → 199218 → 17 mpg-1 mpg676 gal
1992 → 199317 → 18 mpg+1 mpg639 gal
1997 → 199818 → 17 mpg-1 mpg676 gal
1998 → 199917 → 18 mpg+1 mpg639 gal
2000 → 200118 → 17 mpg-1 mpg676 gal
2002 → 200317 → 16 mpg-1 mpg719 gal
2008 → 200916 → 17 mpg+1 mpg676 gal
2010 → 201117 → 20 mpg+3 mpg575 gal
2011 → 201220 → 23 mpg+3 mpg500 gal
2015 → 201623 → 22 mpg-1 mpg523 gal
2019 → 202022 → 24 mpg+2 mpg479 gal

What Explorer fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2026 Ford Explorer burns 479 to 575 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

Pump priceMost efficientThirstiestSpread
$3.00/gal$1,438$1,725$288
$3.50/gal$1,677$2,013$335
$4.00/gal$1,917$2,300$383

EPA’s own estimate for the 2026 model year is $2,600 to $3,100 a year in fuel, or $3,500 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

Across the 317 nameplates EPA classifies as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, the median best combined rating is 22 mpg. At 24 mpg the Ford Explorer is 2 mpg better the median, which is worth about $152 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

Other Ford nameplates

Every Ford model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.