Ford Explorer FWD
21 MPG The 2019 Ford Explorer FWD is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2011–2019 run it averages 21.1 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 9 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 | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $2975 | 432 | 2 |
| 2018 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $2975 | 431 | 2 |
| 2017 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $2975 | 430 | 2 |
| 2016 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $2975 | 431 | 2 |
| 2015 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $2900 | 422 | 2 |
| 2014 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 26 | $2900 | 421 | 2 |
| 2013 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $2900 | 422 | 2 |
| 2012 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 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 29 standard sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Ford Explorer FWD ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 19.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Enclave FWD (22), Chevrolet Traverse FWD (22), GMC Acadia FWD (22), Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2WD (22), Toyota Sequoia 2WD (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 432 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Explorer FWD get?
The 2019 Ford Explorer FWD is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 21.1 MPG, ranging from 20 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Explorer FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2019 model is $2975.
Has the Ford Explorer FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2011 to 21 in 2019 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 9 model years.
Is the Ford Explorer FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 29 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.8 MPG. That is 1.2 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.