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Ford Explorer Gas Mileage (MPG)

Ford Explorer Gas Mileage (MPG):

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Ford Explorer's real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

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Ford Explorer

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Ford Explorer Gas Mileage

Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2012 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 68 21.4
2012 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 68 21.4
  Averages flat light none 0 0 20 80 68 21.4
With the 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, 2012 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 21.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2012 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 68 miles per hour (about 80 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (20 percent), in heavy traffic (0 percent), and in the city (0 percent).

In addition the average 2012 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2012 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light none 0 0 10 90 75 18.6
flat med none 0 0 10 90 75 18.7
flat light none 0 10 30 60 70 17.1
flat light none 0 10 30 60 70 17.9
flat med light 1 24 25 50 70 20.4
2012 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light none 0 9 21 70 72 18.5
  Averages flat light none 0 9 21 70 72 18.5
With the 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the 2012 Ford Explorer has been averaging 18.5 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2012 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 72 miles per hour (about 70 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (21 percent), in the city (9 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2012 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 73 9 9 60 15.6
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 73 9 9 60 15.6
  Averages flat light light 9 73 9 9 60 15.6
With the 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, 2011 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 15.6 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2011 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the city (about 73 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in heavy traffic (9 percent), in the suburbs (9 percent), and on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (9 percent).

In addition the average 2011 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed automatic AWD		 flat light none 10 0 10 80 55 22.0
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed automatic AWD		 flat light none 10 0 10 80 55 22.0
  Averages flat light none 10 0 10 80 55 22.0
With the 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, 2011 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 22.0 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2011 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 55 miles per hour (about 80 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in heavy traffic (10 percent), in the suburbs (10 percent), and in the city (0 percent).

In addition the average 2011 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2009 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light none 0 0 0 100 60 18.5
2009 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light none 0 0 0 100 60 18.5
  Averages flat light none 0 0 0 100 60 18.5
With the 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, the 2009 Ford Explorer has been averaging 18.5 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2009 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (about 100 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in heavy traffic (0 percent), in the suburbs (0 percent), and in the city (0 percent).

In addition the average 2009 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2009 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills light hvy 5 20 30 45 60 18.9
hills light hvy 5 20 30 45 60 19.5
2009 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills light hvy 5 20 30 45 60 19.2
  Averages hills light hvy 5 20 30 45 60 19.2
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2009 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 19.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2009 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (about 45 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (30 percent), in the city (20 percent), and in heavy traffic (5 percent).

In addition the average 2009 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on hilly terrain with a light foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light hvy 0 5 20 75 60 16.5
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light hvy 0 5 20 75 60 16.5
  Averages flat light hvy 0 5 20 75 60 16.5
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, 2008 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 16.5 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2008 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (about 75 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (20 percent), in the city (5 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2008 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 70 30 65 16.2
flat v.lt hvy 0 0 50 50 65 18.1
flat light hvy 0 0 70 30 65 16.4
flat light hvy 0 0 75 25 65 16.3
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 66 34 65 16.8
  Averages flat light hvy 0 0 66 34 65 16.8
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the 2008 Ford Explorer has been averaging 16.8 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2008 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 66 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (34 percent), in heavy traffic (0 percent), and in the city (0 percent).

In addition the average 2008 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills med light 0 28 72 0 N/A 17.5
flat med none 0 10 0 90 75 17.4
hills med light 0 28 72 0 N/A 17.8
hills med light 0 28 72 0 N/A 17.8
hills med none 0 28 72 0 N/A 16.6
2008 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills med none 0 24 58 18 75 17.4
  Averages hills med none 0 24 58 18 75 17.4
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2008 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 17.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2008 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 58 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (24 percent), on the highway at an average speed of 75 miles per hour (18 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2008 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on hilly terrain with a medium foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2007 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light hvy 20 30 20 30 74 19.6
flat lead hvy 50 0 0 50 62 13.8
flat light none 0 0 10 90 60 20.7
flat lead hvy 50 0 0 50 62 13.8
flat light none 0 10 5 85 70 20.6
2007 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 24 8 7 61 66 17.7
  Averages flat med light 24 8 7 61 66 17.7
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2007 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 17.7 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2007 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 66 miles per hour (about 61 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in heavy traffic (24 percent), in the city (8 percent), and in the suburbs (7 percent).

In addition the average 2007 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2006 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 0 0 0 100 70 20.7
flat light light 0 0 0 100 70 20.2
flat light none 10 40 40 10 60 13.8
flat light light 0 5 30 65 70 18.6
flat light light 0 30 25 45 70 17.9
2006 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 2 15 19 64 68 18.2
  Averages flat light light 2 15 19 64 68 18.2
With the 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, the 2006 Ford Explorer has been averaging 18.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2006 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 68 miles per hour (about 64 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (19 percent), in the city (15 percent), and in heavy traffic (2 percent).

In addition the average 2006 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2006 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med hvy 0 0 90 10 65 15.2
flat med hvy 0 0 50 50 60 15.5
flat med hvy 0 0 100 0 N/A 15.8
hills med light 25 25 40 10 70 12.9
hills med light 10 50 0 40 70 13.9
2006 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8
6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med hvy 7 15 56 22 66 14.7
  Averages flat med hvy 7 15 56 22 66 14.7
With the 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2006 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 14.7 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2006 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 56 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 66 miles per hour (22 percent), in the city (15 percent), and in heavy traffic (7 percent).

In addition the average 2006 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2006 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med none 0 0 75 25 70 18.0
flat light none 10 80 10 0 N/A 20.0
flat med none 0 15 0 85 70 22.0
flat med hvy 85 10 0 5 75 17.0
flat light light 21 23 26 30 70 14.0
2006 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med light 23 26 22 29 71 18.2
  Averages flat med light 23 26 22 29 71 18.2
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, 2006 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 18.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2006 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 71 miles per hour (about 29 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (26 percent), in heavy traffic (23 percent), and in the suburbs (22 percent).

In addition the average 2006 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2006 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light hvy 10 50 20 20 65 15.0
flat light hvy 10 50 20 20 65 15.0
hills med none 0 0 50 50 60 15.7
flat light light 0 0 0 100 70 21.2
flat light none 10 50 20 20 60 13.9
2006 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 6 30 22 42 64 16.2
  Averages flat light light 6 30 22 42 64 16.2
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, the 2006 Ford Explorer has been averaging 16.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2006 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 64 miles per hour (about 42 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (30 percent), in the suburbs (22 percent), and in heavy traffic (6 percent).

In addition the average 2006 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2005 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med light 0 0 0 100 75 18.5
flat med light 0 17 18 65 75 16.5
2005 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med light 0 9 9 83 75 17.5
  Averages flat med light 0 9 9 83 75 17.5
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, 2005 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 17.5 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2005 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 75 miles per hour (about 83 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (9 percent), in the suburbs (9 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2005 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2005 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 10 30 30 30 75 17.0
flat light light 0 20 60 20 65 16.0
hills med light 5 5 10 80 62 16.2
2005 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 5 18 33 43 67 16.4
  Averages flat light light 5 18 33 43 67 16.4
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2005 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 16.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2005 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 67 miles per hour (about 43 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (33 percent), in the city (18 percent), and in heavy traffic (5 percent).

In addition the average 2005 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat lead hvy 20 20 10 50 60 18.0
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat lead hvy 20 20 10 50 60 18.0
  Averages flat lead hvy 20 20 10 50 60 18.0
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, the 2005 Ford Explorer has been averaging 18.0 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2005 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (about 50 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (20 percent), in heavy traffic (20 percent), and in the suburbs (10 percent).

In addition the average 2005 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a lead foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light none 50 50 0 0 N/A 14.0
flat light none 40 40 10 10 55 12.5
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light none 45 45 5 5 55 13.3
  Averages flat light none 45 45 5 5 55 13.3
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2005 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 13.3 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2005 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in heavy traffic (about 45 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (45 percent), in the suburbs (5 percent), and on the highway at an average speed of 55 miles per hour (5 percent).

In addition the average 2005 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC not used at all.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2004 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 0 0 0 100 60 20.0
flat light light 40 40 0 20 60 13.0
flat light light 10 20 40 30 60 17.0
2004 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 17 20 13 50 60 16.7
  Averages flat light light 17 20 13 50 60 16.7
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, 2004 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 16.7 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2004 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 60 miles per hour (about 50 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (20 percent), in heavy traffic (17 percent), and in the suburbs (13 percent).

In addition the average 2004 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2004 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills med hvy 10 20 40 30 70 15.5
flat v.lt none 0 25 25 50 65 15.0
2004 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills light light 5 23 33 40 68 15.3
  Averages hills light light 5 23 33 40 68 15.3
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, the 2004 Ford Explorer has been averaging 15.3 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2004 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 68 miles per hour (about 40 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (33 percent), in the city (23 percent), and in heavy traffic (5 percent).

In addition the average 2004 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on hilly terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2004 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light hvy 20 20 10 50 60 14.2
hills v.lt light 0 0 34 66 70 16.1
hills med hvy 10 40 10 40 60 19.0
2004 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 hills light hvy 10 20 18 52 63 16.4
  Averages hills light hvy 10 20 18 52 63 16.4
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, 2004 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 16.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2004 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 63 miles per hour (about 52 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the city (20 percent), in the suburbs (18 percent), and in heavy traffic (10 percent).

In addition the average 2004 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on hilly terrain with a light foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2003 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 20 40 30 10 65 15.8
flat lead hvy 0 10 30 60 65 13.0
flat med none 0 10 30 60 75 15.0
flat lead none 5 5 40 50 87 13.1
flat v.lt light 1 22 32 44 60 15.2
2003 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 5 17 32 45 70 14.4
  Averages flat med light 5 17 32 45 70 14.4
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2003 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 14.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2003 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 70 miles per hour (about 45 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (32 percent), in the city (17 percent), and in heavy traffic (5 percent).

In addition the average 2003 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2003 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med none 25 40 10 25 70 16.4
flat med light 10 50 15 25 60 19.2
2003 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med light 18 45 13 25 65 17.8
  Averages flat med light 18 45 13 25 65 17.8
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, the 2003 Ford Explorer has been averaging 17.8 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2003 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the city (about 45 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (25 percent), in heavy traffic (18 percent), and in the suburbs (13 percent).

In addition the average 2003 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2003 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 hills med light 25 10 40 25 70 14.5
flat light none 25 25 25 25 62 16.0
flat light none 2 18 40 40 65 19.0
hills med hvy 25 10 40 25 70 19.7
flat med light 4 7 15 74 65 18.6
2003 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 16 14 32 38 66 17.6
  Averages flat med light 16 14 32 38 66 17.6
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2003 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 17.6 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2003 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 66 miles per hour (about 38 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (32 percent), in heavy traffic (16 percent), and in the city (14 percent).

In addition the average 2003 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2002 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 50 40 0 10 60 18.0
flat med light 25 15 30 30 74 14.7
flat med light 2 30 58 10 70 13.9
mtns med light 25 10 25 40 75 16.8
flat med light 0 10 10 80 81 18.4
2002 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 20 21 25 34 72 16.4
  Averages flat med light 20 21 25 34 72 16.4
With the 239-horsepower 4.6L V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2002 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 16.4 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2002 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly on the highway at an average speed of 72 miles per hour (about 34 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (25 percent), in the city (21 percent), and in heavy traffic (20 percent).

In addition the average 2002 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed manual 4WD w/low range		 flat med hvy 0 40 30 30 65 17.0
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed manual 4WD w/low range		 flat med hvy 0 40 30 30 65 17.0
  Averages flat med hvy 0 40 30 30 65 17.0
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, the 2002 Ford Explorer has been averaging 17.0 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2002 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the city (about 40 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were in the suburbs (30 percent), on the highway at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (30 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2002 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on most or all of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 5 25 40 30 70 20.0
flat med none 5 25 35 35 70 18.5
flat light hvy 10 15 35 40 70 16.0
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 7 22 37 35 70 18.2
  Averages flat light light 7 22 37 35 70 18.2
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, 2002 Ford Explorer gas mileage has been averaging 18.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2002 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 37 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 70 miles per hour (35 percent), in the city (22 percent), and in heavy traffic (7 percent).

In addition the average 2002 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a light foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 25 5 10 60 60 19.5
flat med hvy 20 0 60 20 75 20.2
flat lead none 8 3 62 28 75 18.0
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 18 3 44 36 70 19.2
  Averages flat med light 18 3 44 36 70 19.2
With the 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, 2002 Ford Explorer fuel economy has been averaging 19.2 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2002 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 44 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 70 miles per hour (36 percent), in heavy traffic (18 percent), and in the city (3 percent).

In addition the average 2002 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with a medium foot and the AC on only some of the time.
 
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2000 4dr SUV 215-horsepower 5.0L V8
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat v.lt none 0 10 60 30 65 18.6
2000 4dr SUV 215-horsepower 5.0L V8
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat v.lt none 0 10 60 30 65 18.6
  Averages flat v.lt none 0 10 60 30 65 18.6
With the 215-horsepower 5.0L V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive w/low range, the 2000 Ford Explorer has been averaging 18.6 MPG (miles per gallon).

The 2000 Ford Explorers in this analysis were driven mostly in the suburbs (about 60 percent of the miles driven). The rest of the miles were on the highway at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (30 percent), in the city (10 percent), and in heavy traffic (0 percent).

In addition the average 2000 Ford Explorer in this analysis was driven on flat terrain with an ultra-light foot and the AC not used at all.

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Ford Explorer MPG

Ford Explorer Fuel Economy: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr SUV turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 We initially went in looking for a commuter vehicle with High mpg... but the sport they had jumped out at us and we were on the hunt for one...<br />
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in the wife&#039;s daily 45 mile drive to work she&#039;s averaging 20 mpg which is comparable to the Audi&#039;s 4 cylinder and my truck&#039;s 8 cylinder.
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 For such a beast I'm pleased with the gas mileage. I average 19-21 in almost all city/suburban stoplight and rush hour driving. Highway mileage drops fast if you drive over 70. Keep it under 70 and I get about 24.
2011 4dr SUV 290-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Best in Class all that needs to be said.
2003 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.6L V8
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 For a mid-sized SUV, fuel economy is still as good or better than many 2008 cross-overs, and has all of the luxury features I like.
Ford Explorer Fuel Economy: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2007 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 Not really bad, but not that great either. To be expected for a vehicle this heavy
2006 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 13-15 mpg around town, ouch!
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 Could be better
2005 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 wish it was higher. Part of our problem is that wanted and bought a model with the towing package. The lower gearing does impact fuel economy
2004 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 Gets poor fuel economy, but that is expected from a large SUV
2004 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 13 - 14.5 for a V6! Ridiculous.
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 17 miles to the gallon on a six.
2002 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 For a low output V6 (210hp) I would expect better gas mileage for this 4,400 suv. I average 14 to 18 mpg per tank depending on mix of city/highway.