MPG by Model

MakesFordExplorer

Ford Explorer MPG

Its best-rated version reaches 28 MPG combined in 2020, the hybrid Explorer HEV RWD. Its weakest year peaked at 16 MPG (2004–2008).

Ford Explorer: best and lowest EPA combined MPG of its versions, model years 1991–20261015202530MPG201120201991199520002005201020152020202628 MPG peaklowest peak 16Ford Explorer: best and lowest EPA combined MPG by model year1015202530MPG199119941996199820002002200420062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
lowest to best versionbest versionbest version is a hybridmedian of its classengine list turned over
625.0 gal

a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2026 version, the Explorer RWD. Put it next to its 1991 predecessor, at your own mileage.

Compare in gallons

The Ford Explorer has EPA ratings for 36 model years, 1991–2026, most often among standard SUVs. Its best version ranked second (tied) of 52 standard SUVs in 2023, behind the class leader, the Toyota Highlander, and it placed in its class top five in eight model years.

In 2000 the Explorer became the first SUV with a flex-fuel version in EPA data, and its first electric version followed in 2001, when 2 of 44 SUVs offered one. In 2005 its most efficient version still placed second from the bottom of 15 standard pickup trucks, where the Nissan Titan rated lowest.

Among 58 standard SUVs, 2026

The Explorer placed 11th (tied). The class leader was the Jeep Cherokee at 37 MPG. The next higher rating, 25 MPG, belongs to the BMW X5.

Best EPA combined MPG of each of the 58 standard SUVs rated for 20261520253035Explorer 24median 21CherokeeBest EPA combined MPG of each of the 58 standard SUVs rated for 20261520253035Explorer 24median 21

Electric versions

Rated separately in kWh per 100 miles; its lowest was 87 kWh (2002 Explorer USPS Electric).

Ford Explorer: kWh per 100 miles of its most efficient electric version by model year505560657075808590kWh per 100 mi2001200287 kWh, its lowestFord Explorer: kWh per 100 miles of its most efficient electric version by model year5060708090kWh20012002

The Explorer, five years at a time

Average rating of its best version per span, placed in the class it sat in most often.

1989–9321st of 42special purpose vehicles
1994–9817th of 38special purpose vehicles
1999–0320th of 47SUVs
2004–0852nd of 75SUVs
2009–1346th of 88SUVs
2014–18ninth of 38standard SUVs
2019–23fourth of 46standard SUVs
2024–26eighth of 53standard SUVs

Where the engine list turned over

  • 2011

    New: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder. Best rating 17 → 20 MPG.

  • 2020

    New: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, 3.3-liter 6-cylinder flex-fuel, 3.3-liter 6-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 22 → 28 MPG.

Powertrains under the name

  • Gasoline

    Rated in 1991–2026.

  • Flex-fuel

    Rated in 2000–2005 and 2013–2024.

  • Electric

    Rated in 2001–2002.

  • Hybrid

    Rated in 2020–2023.

All 36 model years, best and lowest version
Model yearsBest versionCombinedCity / hwyLowest versionVersions
2026Explorer RWD2420 / 29196
2025Explorer RWD2420 / 29206
2024Explorer RWD2421 / 28208
2023Explorer HEV RWD hybrid2727 / 282017
2022Explorer HEV RWD hybrid2727 / 281915
2021Explorer HEV RWD hybrid2727 / 281910
2020Explorer HEV RWD hybrid2827 / 29196
2016–2019Explorer FWD2219 / 27187
2015Explorer FWD2320 / 27186
2014Explorer FWD2320 / 28186
2013Explorer FWD2320 / 27186
2012Explorer FWD2320 / 27193
2011Explorer FWD2018 / 25194
2009–2010Explorer 2WD1715 / 21158
2007–2008Explorer 2WD1614 / 20158
2006Explorer 2WD1614 / 19154
2005Explorer 2WD1614 / 19148
2004Explorer 2WD1614 / 20158
2003Explorer Sport 2WD1715 / 201512
2002Explorer 2WD1716 / 201416
2001Explorer Sport 2WD1816 / 201518
2000Explorer 2WD1816 / 21159
1999Explorer 2WD1816 / 21148
1998Explorer 2WD1715 / 20148
1997Explorer 2WD1816 / 22148
1996Explorer 2WD1816 / 21146
1995Explorer 2WD1816 / 21154
1994Explorer 2WD1816 / 20154
1993Explorer 2WD1816 / 22164
1992Explorer 2WD1715 / 20154
1991Explorer 2WD1816 / 21164

Version names in the EPA list: Explorer 2WD, Explorer 2WD FFV, Explorer 4WD, Explorer 4WD FFV, Explorer AWD, Explorer AWD FFV, Explorer FFV AWD, Explorer FWD, Explorer HEV AWD, Explorer HEV RWD, Explorer Platinum HEV AWD, Explorer Platinum HEV RWD, Explorer RWD, Explorer Sport 2WD, Explorer Sport 2WD FFV, Explorer Sport 4WD, Explorer Sport 4WD FFV, Explorer Sport Trac 2WD, Explorer Sport Trac 2WD FFV, Explorer Sport Trac 4WD, Explorer Sport Trac 4WD FFV, Explorer Timberline AWD, Explorer Tremor AWD, Explorer USPS 2WD, Explorer USPS 2WD FFV, Explorer USPS 4WD, Explorer USPS 4WD FFV, Explorer USPS Electric.

Same class, 2026

Jeep Cherokee37 MPGChevrolet Tahoe24 MPGInfiniti QX6024 MPGRolls-Royce Cullinan14 MPG

Read next: SUVs with the best EPA ratings by year · How to read this page