2021 Ford Explorer fuel economy
The 2021 Ford Explorer is rated at 19–27 MPG combined by the EPA, from 19 MPG (3.3 L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive) to 27 MPG (3.3 L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Rear-Wheel Drive). EPA size class: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.
MPG by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | L/100 km | UK MPG | Fuel cost/yr* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer HEV RWD 3.3 L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Rear-Wheel Drive · Hybrid · Regular Gasoline | 27 | 28 | 27 | 8.7 | 32 | $2,500 |
| Explorer HEV AWD 3.3 L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Hybrid · Regular Gasoline | 23 | 26 | 25 | 9.4 | 30 | $2,700 |
| Explorer RWD 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | 9.8 | 29 | $2,800 |
| Explorer RWD 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 21 | 28 | 24 | 9.8 | 29 | $2,800 |
| Explorer AWD 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | 10.2 | 28 | $2,900 |
| Explorer AWD 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | 10.2 | 28 | $2,900 |
| Explorer RWD 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | 11.2 | 25 | $3,200 |
| Explorer Timberline AWD 2.3 L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 19 | 23 | 21 | 11.2 | 25 | $3,200 |
| Explorer AWD 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Regular Gasoline | 18 | 24 | 20 | 11.8 | 24 | $3,350 |
| Explorer FFV AWD 3.3 L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10), Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · Flex-fuel · Regular Gasoline | 16 | 23 | 19 | 12.4 | 23 | $3,550 |
* 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.