Ford Explorer MPG, gas tank size, and towing

A 2026 Ford Explorer gets 24 mpg combined with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and rear-wheel drive and 23 mpg with all-wheel drive, according to the EPA. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated 20 to 21 mpg. The gas tank holds 17.9 gallons with the 2.3L and 20.2 gallons with the V6, and the Explorer tows up to 5,000 lb with the Class III trailer tow package.

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

Explorer generations at a glance

  • 2008–2010: the last body-on-frame Explorer, with a 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8 and a 22.5-gallon tank.
  • 2011–2019: a unibody crossover with a 3.5-liter V6, plus turbo options: 2.0L EcoBoost (from 2012), 3.5L EcoBoost (from 2013), and 2.3L EcoBoost (from 2016).
  • 2020 and later: back to rear-wheel drive, with a 2.3L EcoBoost, a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, a 3.3L V6, and a 3.3L hybrid (through 2023). From 2025 the lineup is the 2.3L and 3.0L.

Explorer gas mileage by year

Pick your model year to see each EPA version. The 2020–2023 hybrid is the most efficient Explorer, at up to 27 mpg; the old V8 sat at 16 to 17 mpg.

202619–24 mpg combined · 6 versions
2026 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD232027
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201825
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD242029
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD211825
Explorer Tremor AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD211923
Explorer Tremor AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD191722
202520–24 mpg combined · 6 versions
2025 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD232027
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD211825
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201825
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD242029
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD211825
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD211825
202420–24 mpg combined · 8 versions
2024 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD232027
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201824
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD201824
Explorer FFV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD201724
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD242128
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD211826
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD201825
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD211922
202320–27 mpg combined · 17 versions
2023 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (1)232027
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (2)222026
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (1)201824
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (2)201724
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (1)201824
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (2)201724
Explorer FFV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD201725
Explorer HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD, hybrid252326
Explorer HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD, hybrid272728
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD, hybrid232324
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD, hybrid262526
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD (1)242128
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD (2)232028
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD211826
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD201825
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (1)211922
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (2)201921
202219–27 mpg combined · 15 versions
2022 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (1)232027
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD (2)222026
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201824
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD201824
Explorer FFV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD191624
Explorer HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD, hybrid252326
Explorer HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD, hybrid272728
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD, hybrid232324
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD, hybrid262526
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD (1)242128
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD (2)232028
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD211826
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD201825
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (1)211922
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD (2)201921
202119–27 mpg combined · 10 versions
2021 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD232027
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, 4WD232027
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201824
Explorer FFV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD191623
Explorer HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD, hybrid252326
Explorer HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD, hybrid272728
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD242128
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto 10-spd, RWD242128
Explorer RWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD211826
Explorer Timberline AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD211923
202019–28 mpg combined · 6 versions
2020 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD232027
Explorer AWD3.0L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD201824
Explorer FFV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD191623
Explorer HEV AWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), 4WD, hybrid252326
Explorer HEV RWD3.3L 6-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD, hybrid282729
Explorer RWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S10), RWD242128
201918–22 mpg combined · 7 versions
2019 Ford Explorer: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Explorer 2WD FFV3.5L 6-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD201724
Explorer AWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), AWD211825
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cyl, Auto (S6), AWD (1)191622
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cyl, Auto (S6), AWD (2)181622
Explorer AWD FFV3.5L 6-cyl, Auto (S6), AWD181622
Explorer FWD2.3L 4-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD221927
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cyl, Auto (S6), FWD201724
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Ford Explorer, 2010–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201818–2216–1922–277
201718–2216–1922–277
201618–2216–1922–277
201518–2316–2022–276
201418–2316–2022–286
201318–2316–2022–276
201219–2317–2023–273
201119–2017–1823–254
201015–1713–1519–214

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.

Explorer gas tank size and range

On 2020 and later models, the tank size follows the engine: 17.9 gallons for the 2.3L, 20.2 for the gas V6 engines, and 18.0 for the hybrid. A 2.3L RWD at 24 mpg has a ceiling of about 430 miles; a 3.0L AWD at 20 mpg, about 400. Real range is lower in city driving or with a trailer. Plan trips with the trip gas cost calculator.

Ford Explorer: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
2020–20222.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder17.9 gal820–24 mpgabout 360–430 miles
2023–20252.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder17.9 gal820–24 mpgabout 360–430 miles
20262.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder17.9 gal1021–24 mpgabout 380–430 miles
2020–20263.0L EcoBoost V620.2 gal819–21 mpgabout 380–420 miles
2020–20223.3L V620.2 gal819 mpgabout 380 miles
2023–20243.3L V620.2 gal820 mpgabout 400 miles
2020–20223.3L V6 hybrid18 gal823–28 mpgabout 410–500 miles
20233.3L V6 hybridCheck your owner’s manual23–27 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2011–20183.5L V618.6 gal318–20 mpgabout 330–370 miles
20193.5L V6Check your owner’s manual18–20 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
20122.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual23 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2013–20142.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder18.6 gal423 mpgabout 430 miles
20152.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual23 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2016–20182.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder18.6 gal621–22 mpgabout 390–410 miles
20192.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual21–22 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2013–20183.5L EcoBoost V618.6 gal418–20 mpgabout 330–370 miles
20193.5L EcoBoost V6Check your owner’s manual18–20 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2009–20104.0L V622.5 gal115–16 mpgabout 340–360 miles
2009–20104.6L V822.5 gal116–17 mpgabout 360–380 miles
20084.0L V6Check your owner’s manualBefore EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual
20084.6L V8Check your owner’s manualBefore EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual

Explorer tire pressure

The right pressure for your Explorer is on the tire and loading information label on the driver’s door pillar. It changes with wheel size and trim, so Ford’s manual doesn’t give one number. Set it cold. For the warning light, see tire pressure light.

Check your owner’s manual, or the tire and loading information label on the driver’s door jamb.

Oil at a glance

The EcoBoost engines take 5W-30. The naturally aspirated V6 engines took 5W-20 through 2022. The Explorer oil page has capacity by year and engine.

Ford Explorer oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
2020–20222.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder5W-3085.2 qt (4.9 L) with filter
2023–20252.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder5W-309Check your owner’s manual
20262.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder5W-30105 qt (4.7 L) with filter
2020–20263.0L EcoBoost V65W-3086 qt (5.7 L) with filter
2020–20223.3L V65W-2086 qt (5.7 L) with filter
2023–20243.3L V6Check your owner’s manual6 qt (5.7 L) with filter10
2020–20223.3L V6 hybrid5W-2086 qt (5.7 L) with filter
20233.3L V6 hybridCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2011–20183.5L V65W-2036 qt (5.7 L) with filter
20193.5L V6Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20122.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2013–20142.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder5W-3045.7 qt (5.4 L) with filter
20152.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2016–20182.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder5W-3065.7 qt (5.4 L) with filter
20192.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2013–20183.5L EcoBoost V65W-3046 qt (5.7 L) with filter
20193.5L EcoBoost V6Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2009–20104.0L V65W-2015 qt (4.7 L) with filter
2009–20104.6L V85W-2016 qt (5.7 L) with filter
20084.0L V6Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20084.6L V8Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual

Explorer towing capacity

A properly equipped Explorer tows up to 5,000 lb. That figure needs the Class III trailer tow package; without it, the rating is lower.

Explorer maximum towing (Ford towing guides)
Year and engineMax towing
2026, 2.3L or 3.0L EcoBoost, Class III package5,000 lb
2019, 3.5L V6 with Class III package, or 3.5L EcoBoost5,000 lb
2019, 2.3L EcoBoost3,000 lb
2019, base rating2,000 lb

Other years and configurations: check your owner’s manual or Ford’s towing guide for that year.

  • 6th generation (2020–2026): Check your owner’s manual
  • 5th generation (2011–2019): Check your owner’s manual
  • 4th generation (2008–2010): Check your owner’s manual

Recalls: check by VIN

Explorer recalls can be limited to one engine, one plant, or a short run of build dates. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; it is at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side and on your registration. Recall repairs at a Ford dealer are free.

What to record in your log

A three-row SUV’s mileage changes a lot with a full load of people or a trailer. Track:

  • Fill-ups with date, odometer, and gallons; the MPG calculator works out the result.
  • Oil changes, with the grade, since the V6 grade changed from 5W-20 to 5W-30 in later years.
  • Brake fluid dates (every 3 years on 2018 and later models) and coolant changes.
  • Trailer trips, which count as special operating conditions in Ford’s schedule.

A car maintenance log holds the service side. Milealot for iPhone — coming soon — will track fill-ups and service reminders by mileage and date.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a Ford Explorer?

The EPA rates the 2026 Explorer at 24 mpg combined (2.3L RWD), 23 mpg (2.3L AWD), and 20 to 21 mpg with the 3.0L V6. The 2020–2023 hybrid reached 27 mpg with RWD.

How big is the Ford Explorer gas tank?

17.9 gallons with the 2.3L and 20.2 gallons with the 3.0L or 3.3L on 2020 and later models. 2011–2018 models hold 18.6 gallons.

How much can a Ford Explorer tow?

Up to 5,000 lb with the Class III trailer tow package. A 2019 Explorer with the 2.3L was rated 3,000 lb.

Which Explorer has the best gas mileage?

The 2020–2023 Explorer Hybrid with rear-wheel drive, rated 27 mpg combined by the EPA. Among current models, the 2.3L RWD at 24 mpg.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Explorer, and EcoBoost are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. 2009 Ford Explorer Owner’s Guide, Maintenance and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. 2010 Ford Explorer Owner’s Guide, Maintenance and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. 2011 Ford Explorer Owner’s Guide, Maintenance and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. 2013 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. 2014 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications and Scheduled Maintenance (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. 2016 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. 2018 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications and Scheduled Maintenance (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. 2020 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. 2022 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications and Scheduled Maintenance (checked November 12, 2026)
  10. 2026 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual, Capacities and Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  11. Ford 2009 Scheduled Maintenance Guide (F-150, Escape, Explorer and other 2009 Ford models) (checked November 12, 2026)
  12. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)