Ford Explorer AWD
21.5 MPG The 2026 Ford Explorer AWD is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2026 run it averages 20.1 MPG, improving by 2.5 MPG over 15 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 | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2900 | 417 | 2 |
| 2025 | 21.3 MPG | 18.7 | 25.7 | $2917 | 420 | 3 |
| 2024 | 21 MPG | 18.7 | 25 | $2967 | 425 | 3 |
| 2023 | 20.8 MPG | 18.3 | 24.8 | $2992 | 431 | 6 |
| 2022 | 21.3 MPG | 19 | 25.3 | $2938 | 420 | 4 |
| 2021 | 22 MPG | 19.3 | 26 | $2833 | 406 | 3 |
| 2020 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $2900 | 416 | 2 |
| 2019 | 19.3 MPG | 16.7 | 23 | $3233 | 467 | 3 |
| 2018 | 19.3 MPG | 16.7 | 23 | $3233 | 465 | 3 |
| 2017 | 19.3 MPG | 16.7 | 23.3 | $3233 | 466 | 3 |
| 2016 | 19.3 MPG | 16.7 | 23.7 | $3233 | 464 | 3 |
| 2015 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 2014 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 480 | 2 |
| 2013 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 480 | 2 |
| 2012 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
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 105 standard sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Ford Explorer AWD ranks 15 on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi Q7 (22), BMW X7 xDrive40i (22), Subaru Ascent (22), BMW X6 xDrive40i (23), Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 417 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Explorer AWD get?
The 2026 Ford Explorer AWD is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 26 highway. Across all 15 model years in the database it averages 20.1 MPG, ranging from 18 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Explorer AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2900.
Has the Ford Explorer AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19 MPG in 2012 to 21.5 in 2026 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 13% across 15 model years.
Is the Ford Explorer AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 15 of 105 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG. That is 1.8 better 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.