- Newest year: 2027
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
- Partial model year
2020-2027 Ford Explorer MPG & Fuel Cost
8 model years · 19–28 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 6 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2027. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2020-2027 Ford Explorer at a glance
The 2020-2027 Ford Explorer covers 8 model years in the EPA database (76 configurations in all), rated 19–28 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2027, costs about $2,800 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (23 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas and hybrid. EPA changed the ratings in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027. The best combined rating in the generation, 28 MPG, was reached in 2020.
Model year 2027 is still being filled in by EPA (8 configurations listed so far), so rows may be added.
2020-2027 Ford Explorer by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 (partial) | Gas | 19–23 MPG | $2,800–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2026 | Gas | 19–24 MPG | $2,780–$3,440 | Ratings changed |
| 2025 | Gas | 20–24 MPG | $2,780–$3,230 | Ratings changed |
| 2024 | Gas | 20–24 MPG | $2,730–$3,280 | Ratings changed |
| 2023 | Gas, Hybrid | 20–27 MPG | $2,380–$3,340 | Ratings changed |
| 2022 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–27 MPG | $2,390–$3,460 | Ratings changed |
| 2021 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–27 MPG | $2,380–$3,460 | Ratings changed |
| 2020 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–28 MPG | $2,360–$3,490 | First year |
What the 2027 Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD costs to drive
Per month
$233
$2,800 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.67
Per 100 miles
$18.67
Five years
$14,000
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$360less a year
Class median $3,160 a year, MY2027
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2027 Ford Explorer MPG
Model year 2027 is still being filled in by EPA (8 configurations listed so far), so rows may be added.
Versus 2026: The most efficient configuration moves from 24 to 23 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,780 to $2,800, $20 more.
Gas configurations (8)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,890 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,120 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,220 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Tremor 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,280 |
| Tremor 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
2026 Ford Explorer MPG
19–24 MPG · $2,780–$3,440/yr
Versus 2025: The most efficient configuration stays at 24 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,780.
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,780 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,110 |
| Tremor 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,120 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,230 |
| Tremor 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
2025 Ford Explorer MPG
20–24 MPG · $2,780–$3,230/yr
Versus 2024: The most efficient configuration stays at 24 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,730 to $2,780, $50 more.
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,780 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,100 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,130 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,150 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,230 |
2024 Ford Explorer MPG
20–24 MPG · $2,730–$3,280/yr
Versus 2023: The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 24 MPG, down 3. Its annual cost goes from $2,380 to $2,730, $350 more.
Gas configurations (8)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,730 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,850 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,130 |
| Timberline | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 22 | 21 | $3,180 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,210 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,210 |
Show 0 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,240 |
| FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,280 |
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
2023 Ford Explorer MPG
20–27 MPG · $2,380–$3,340/yr
Versus 2022: The most efficient configuration stays at 27 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,390 to $2,380, $10 less.
Gas configurations (13)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,730 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,830 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,850 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,920 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,150 |
| Timberline 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 22 | 21 | $3,180 |
Show 3 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,210 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,220 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,240 |
| FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Timberline 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 21 | 20 | $3,280 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,320 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,340 |
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
Hybrid configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 27 | 28 | 27 | $2,380 |
| Platinum HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 25 | 26 | 26 | $2,530 |
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 26 | 25 | $2,660 |
| Platinum HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,790 |
2022 Ford Explorer MPG
19–27 MPG · $2,390–$3,460/yr
Versus 2021: The most efficient configuration stays at 27 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,380 to $2,390, $10 more.
Gas configurations (11)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,740 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,830 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,920 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,150 |
| Timberline 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 22 | 21 | $3,190 |
Show 1 more configuration
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,210 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,220 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Timberline 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 21 | 20 | $3,280 |
| FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,460 |
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
Hybrid configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 27 | 28 | 27 | $2,390 |
| Platinum HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 25 | 26 | 26 | $2,530 |
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 26 | 25 | $2,660 |
| Platinum HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 24 | 23 | $2,790 |
2021 Ford Explorer MPG
19–27 MPG · $2,380–$3,460/yr
Versus 2020: The most efficient configuration moves from 28 to 27 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,360 to $2,380, $20 more.
Gas configurations (8)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic (S10) (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,750 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,750 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S10) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,860 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic 10-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,860 |
| Timberline | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,160 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,170 |
Show 0 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,220 |
| FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,460 |
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 27 | 28 | 27 | $2,380 |
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 26 | 25 | $2,660 |
2020 Ford Explorer MPG
19–28 MPG · $2,360–$3,490/yr
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | RWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,820 |
| Explorer 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,190 |
| FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,490 |
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | RWD | 27 | 29 | 28 | $2,360 |
| HEV 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 23 | 26 | 25 | $2,660 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD: $3,800 in California and $2,440 in Texas, a $1,360 difference.
- California $3,800
- Washington $3,520
- New York $2,800
- Florida $2,640
- Texas $2,440
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2027 standard SUV models.
Generations
- 2000-2001 (UN105)
- 2002-2005 (U152)
- 2006-2010 (U251)
- 2011-2019 (5th gen)
- 2020-2027* (6th gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer get?
EPA rates the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer at 19–28 MPG combined across 76 configurations and 8 model years. The most efficient version, the 2020 HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD, is rated 28 MPG (27 city, 29 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 19–24 MPG; Hybrid: 23–28 MPG.
Which years had the best MPG in the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer?
The HEV 3.3L 6-cyl RWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 28 MPG, in 2020. The lowest top rating, 23 MPG, was in 2027.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027.
How does the 2020-2027 Ford Explorer compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2011-2019 Ford Explorer) is rated 18–23 MPG combined and costs $2,880–$3,670 a year to fuel; the 2020-2027 model is rated 19–28 MPG and costs $2,360–$3,490 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2027 Ford Explorer per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD costs about $2,800 a year. Across all 8 configurations the cost runs $2,800–$3,440 a year. That is a $640 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2027 Ford Explorer 100 miles?
About $18.67 per 100 miles for the Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $18.67 and $22.93 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2027 Ford Explorer more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD is rated 20 city and 28 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 8 MPG.
How does the 2027 Ford Explorer compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The Explorer 2.3L 4-cyl turbo RWD costs about $2,800 a year to fuel, $360 less than the class median of $3,160, and less than 6 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 184 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2027, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2027 Ford Explorer different from the 2026 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 24 to 23 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,780 to $2,800, $20 more. EPA lists 8 configurations for 2027 against 6 configurations for 2026. See the 2026 Ford Explorer for that year.