2005 Ford Explorer fuel economy

The 2005 Ford Explorer is rated at 14–16 MPG combined by the EPA, from 14 MPG (4.6 L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive) to 16 MPG (4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive). EPA size class: Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD.

MPG by version

VersionCityHwyComb.L/100 kmUK MPGFuel cost/yr*
Explorer 2WD
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline
141916 14.719 $4,200
Explorer 2WD
4.6 L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline
131815 15.718 $4,450
Explorer 2WD FFV
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive · Flex-fuel · Regular Gasoline
131915 15.718 $4,450
Explorer 4WD
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline
131815 15.718 $4,450
Explorer 4WD FFV
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Flex-fuel · Regular Gasoline
131815 15.718 $4,450
Explorer Sport Trac 2WD FFV
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive · Flex-fuel · Regular Gasoline
131915 15.718 $4,450
Explorer Sport Trac 4WD FFV
4.0 L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Flex-fuel · Regular Gasoline
131815 15.718 $4,450
Explorer 4WD
4.6 L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline
131714 16.817 $4,800

* EPA estimate of yearly fuel (or electricity) cost for 15,000 miles with 55 % city driving, at the fuel prices EPA used for this model year. Use the fuel cost comparison with your own mileage and prices.

About these numbers

EPA ratings come from standard laboratory tests adjusted to reflect real-world driving, so they are best for comparing vehicles. Your own figure will vary with speed, temperature, load, tires and driving style — measure it with the MPG calculator. If you have fitted larger tires, correct the reading with the tire size and fuel economy calculator.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Original data (downloaded 2026-09-29). Data processed by us; errors in processing are ours, not the publisher's.