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- MY2000–2027
Ford Explorer MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
28 model years · 2000–2027
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Ford Explorer fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Ford Explorer for 28 model years, 2000 to 2027. Across those years its combined rating runs 14–28 MPG. The latest model year, 2027, has 8 configurations rated 19–23 MPG combined and costing $2,800–$3,440 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2020 HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD, at 28 MPG. Model year 2027 is still being filled in by EPA, so its row may gain configurations. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 18 MPG in 1991.
Ford Explorer MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Hybrid (MPG) | Electric (MPGe) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2027* (6th gen) Generation page | ||||
| 2027 (partial) | 19–23 | — | — | $2,800–$3,440 |
| 2026 | 19–24 | — | — | $2,780–$3,440 |
| 2025 | 20–24 | — | — | $2,780–$3,230 |
| 2024 | 20–24 | — | — | $2,730–$3,280 |
| 2023 | 20–24 | 23–27 | — | $2,380–$3,340 |
| 2022 | 19–24 | 23–27 | — | $2,390–$3,460 |
| 2021 | 19–24 | 25–27 | — | $2,380–$3,460 |
| 2020 | 19–24 | 25–28 | — | $2,360–$3,490 |
| 2011-2019 (5th gen) Generation page | ||||
| 2019 | 18–22 | — | — | $3,000–$3,670 |
| 2018 | 18–22 | — | — | $3,000–$3,570 |
| 2017 | 18–22 | — | — | $3,000–$3,560 |
| 2016 | 18–22 | — | — | $3,000–$3,560 |
| 2015 | 18–23 | — | — | $2,900–$3,570 |
| 2014 | 18–23 | — | — | $2,880–$3,560 |
| 2013 | 18–23 | — | — | $2,890–$3,550 |
| 2012 | 19–23 | — | — | $2,890–$3,450 |
| 2011 | 19–20 | — | — | $3,240–$3,450 |
| 2006-2010 (U251) Generation page | ||||
| 2010 | 15–17 | — | — | $3,840–$4,360 |
| 2009 | 15–17 | — | — | $3,840–$4,360 |
| 2008 | 15–16 | — | — | $4,080–$4,360 |
| 2007 | 15–16 | — | — | $4,080–$4,360 |
| 2006 | 15–16 | — | — | $4,080–$4,360 |
| 2002-2005 (U152) Generation page | ||||
| 2005 | 14–16 | — | — | $4,080–$4,670 |
| 2004 | 15–16 | — | — | $4,080–$4,360 |
| 2003 | 15–17 | — | — | $3,840–$4,360 |
| 2002 | 14–17 | — | 39 | $2,390–$4,670 |
| 2000-2001 (UN105) Generation page | ||||
| 2001 | 15–18 | — | 39 | $2,390–$4,360 |
| 2000 | 15–18 | — | — | $3,630–$4,360 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Ford Explorer generations
5 generations between 2000 and 2027. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2020-2027* Ford Explorer (6th gen)
19–28 MPG · $2,360–$3,490/yr
2011-2019 Ford Explorer (5th gen)
18–23 MPG · $2,880–$3,670/yr
2006-2010 Ford Explorer (U251)
15–17 MPG · $3,840–$4,360/yr
2002-2005 Ford Explorer (U152)
14–17 MPG · $2,390–$4,670/yr
2000-2001 Ford Explorer (UN105)
15–18 MPG · $2,390–$4,360/yr
2027 powertrain options
Ford Explorer MPG history, 1991–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 14–18 |
| 1998 | 14–17 |
| 1997 | 14–18 |
| 1996 | 14–18 |
| 1995 | 15–18 |
| 1994 | 15–18 |
| 1993 | 16–18 |
| 1992 | 15–17 |
Show 1 more year
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 16–18 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Ford models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ford Explorer's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Ford Explorer run 14–28 MPG across model years 2000 to 2027. The latest year, 2027, is rated 19–23 MPG.
Which Ford Explorer model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2020 Ford Explorer HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 28 MPG.
How much does a Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
For MY2027, EPA-rated configurations cost $2,800–$3,440 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $2,800.
Has the Ford Explorer's fuel economy improved over time?
Yes. The most efficient configuration moved from 18 MPG in 2000 to 23 MPG in 2027, 5 MPG more. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 18 MPG.
Is there a hybrid, plug-in or electric Ford Explorer?
Yes. Hybrid versions are rated from 2020 to 2023 (23–28 MPG); Electric versions are rated from 2001 to 2002 (39 MPGe).
How many generations of the Ford Explorer are there?
EPA data covers 5 generations of the Ford Explorer: 2020-2027*, 2011-2019, 2006-2010, 2002-2005, 2000-2001. Each has its own page with a table for every model year.