Ford Explorer 2WD
16.5 MPG The 2010 Ford Explorer 2WD is EPA-rated at 16.5 MPG combined (14.5 city / 20.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 909 gallons, $2909 a year in fuel, or $0.194 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1991–2010 run it averages 16.2 MPG, essentially flat across 20 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.152 | $1515 | $2273 | $3030 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.194 | $1939 | $2909 | $3879 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.212 | $2121 | $3182 | $4242 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.242 | $2424 | $3636 | $4848 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.273 | $2727 | $4091 | $5455 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.303 | $3030 | $4545 | $6061 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2009 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2008 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 2007 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 2006 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 19 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 2005 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 18.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 18.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 13 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $3900 | 557 | 3 |
| 2001 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 2000 | 16 MPG | 14.2 | 18.8 | $3910 | 558 | 5 |
| 1999 | 16.3 MPG | 14.3 | 19.3 | $3850 | 549 | 4 |
| 1998 | 15.8 MPG | 13.8 | 18.5 | $3975 | 567 | 4 |
| 1997 | 15.8 MPG | 14 | 19 | $3988 | 569 | 4 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19.3 | $3933 | 561 | 3 |
| 1995 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 1994 | 17 MPG | 15 | 19.5 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 1993 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 1992 | 16.5 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 1991 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20.5 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Ford Explorer 2WD ranks 56 on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac Escalade ESV 2WD (17), Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2WD (17), Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2WD (17), Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD (17), Jeep Liberty/Cherokee 2WD (17).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 539 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Explorer 2WD get?
The 2010 Ford Explorer 2WD is rated at 16.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 14.5 city and 20.5 highway. Across all 20 model years in the database it averages 16.2 MPG, ranging from 14 to 18 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Explorer 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 16.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 909 gallons — roughly $2909 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.194 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $3775.
Has the Ford Explorer 2WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16.5 MPG today against 17 in 1991 — essentially flat across 20 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Ford Explorer 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 56 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG. That is 4.3 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.